Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
This Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake base with a light and airy chocolate mousse filling and topping. Perfectly layered and garnished with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings, this elegant dessert is ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking and No-Bake Mousse Preparation
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (for a Chocolate 9×13 Cake)
Chocolate Mousse
- 3 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. After cooling, carefully remove the cake from the pan and slice it horizontally in half using a long serrated knife to create two thin, even cake layers. Alternatively, you can bake in two separate pans.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache Base for Mousse: In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer, but do not let it boil. Remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to melt the chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy, then set aside to cool to room temperature. This forms the chocolate base for the mousse.
- Whip the Cream for Mousse: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold and Create the Mousse: Gently fold the cooled chocolate ganache into the whipped cream using a spatula. Mix carefully just until fully incorporated to maintain a light and airy mousse texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the chocolate mousse evenly over this layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining mousse over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it evenly for a polished finish.
- Garnish and Chill: Lightly sift cocoa powder over the top of the cake if desired. Decorate with chocolate shavings or curls. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to set fully before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cake is fully cooled before slicing and assembling to prevent crumbling.
- You can bake the cake layers separately to avoid slicing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for richer mousse flavor.
- Optional garnishes add an elegant touch but are not necessary for delicious taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chocolate mousse cake, chocolate cake recipe, mousse dessert, layered chocolate cake, easy chocolate mousse cake, decadent chocolate dessert