Chocolate Mousse Cake

Indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cake for Effortless Elegance

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Chocolate Mousse Cake

Imagine a cake so rich and smooth, it melts on your tongue with the very first bite. This chocolate mousse cake is a treat that embodies indulgence with its airy chocolate layers and luxurious mousse. It’s perfect for impressing friends at a gathering or treating yourself after a long week. Despite its elegant appearance and decadent flavors, this dessert is incredibly simple to make. In this recipe, you’ll find that creating a masterpiece like this is both achievable and rewarding.

Using basic pantry staples and just a touch of care, this chocolate mousse cake combines light sponge cake with creamy ganache and a velvety mousse. You’ll start by baking a light chocolate sponge, made by whisking eggs and sugar until it’s airy and fluffy. This sets the stage for the creamy chocolate ganache, which brings a deep chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the delicate sponge. Finally, you’ll fold whipped cream into the ganache, transforming it into a smooth mousse that’s layered on top. A quick trip to the freezer helps set it all together, and with a dusting of cocoa powder, you’re ready to slice and serve.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe refreshingly simple and incredibly satisfying. Ready to make your own slice of chocolate heaven?

Tools Needed

  • 9×9” baking pan – Ensures even layers for both the cake and mousse.
  • Parchment paper – For easy removal of the cake.
  • Electric or stand mixer – For whisking eggs and sugar to the perfect fluffy consistency.
  • Spatula – Ideal for gentle folding to retain air in the batter and mousse.
  • Mixing bowls – Separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients, as well as for ganache.
  • Sifter – For an even blend of dry ingredients.
  • Whisk – For incorporating cream with ganache and achieving smooth textures.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 3 large eggs (room temperature preferred) – Makes the batter light and airy.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the batter.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the sponge cake.
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise perfectly.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness.

For the Ganache

  • 6 ounces semi-sweet or milk chocolate, chopped – Provides a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • ½ cup heavy cream (at least 35% fat) – Makes the ganache smooth and rich.

For the Mousse

  • 1 cup heavy cream – Whipped into stiff peaks to create the mousse.
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for decoration) – Adds a professional finishing touch.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9” baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for 3-4 minutes until they triple in volume, achieving a thick and airy batter.
  2. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together into a separate bowl.
  3. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, using a spatula to gently combine without deflating the batter.
  4. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly, and bake for about 13-14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Let the cake cool completely.

Prepare the Ganache

  1. In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream just to a simmer (do not boil).
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt fully.
  3. Stir gently until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Let it cool slightly, then place it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, checking that it’s not fully set.

Make the Chocolate Mousse cake

  1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled ganache in 2-3 additions, gently folding until well combined and light. This step is key to maintaining a fluffy mousse texture.

Assemble the Cake

  1. Line the same 9×9” pan with two sheets of parchment paper in opposite directions for easy removal.
  2. Place the cooled cake layer in the pan and pour the chocolate mousse over it, smoothing the top with a spatula. Set in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Final Touches and Decoration

  1. Dust the top of the mousse with a thin layer of cocoa powder for an elegant look. If desired, add some chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  2. For the best presentation, allow the cake to set in the freezer for an additional hour before slicing into individual servings.

Serving and Storing

  1. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the mousse firm and fresh.

Tips & Variations

  • Add a Hint of Espresso: For a deeper flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients in the cake layer.
  • Switch Up the Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate for a richer, more intense mousse.
  • Layer with Fresh Berries: A few raspberries or strawberries on top can add a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Protein: 4 g

FAQ

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, which can actually help intensify the flavors.

2. What if I don’t have a 9×9” pan?
You can use an 8×8” pan, though the layers will be slightly thicker. Adjust the baking time for the sponge cake to about 15 minutes.

3. Can I substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate provides a slightly sweeter, creamier flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.

4. How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap to preserve its freshness.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Mousse Cake is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your chocolate cravings. The rich layers of sponge, creamy ganache, and smooth mousse come together in a delightful, indulgent bite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this elegant cake, and don’t forget to share your results – everyone will be asking for seconds!