Chocolate Mousse Cake is an elegant and indulgent dessert featuring layers of rich, moist chocolate cake and silky chocolate mousse. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache, this cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious chocolate treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent and rich with a smooth, creamy mousse.
Perfectly balanced texture with a moist cake base and airy mousse.
A show-stopping dessert for birthdays, holidays, or celebrations.
Can be made ahead and stored for convenience.
Easily customizable with different chocolate flavors or toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Buttermilk
Hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Mousse

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
Heavy cream (for whipping)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Gelatin powder (optional, for stability)
Water (to dissolve gelatin, if using)

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate
Heavy cream
Butter (for extra shine)

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Slowly mix in hot water or coffee.
Mix and bake: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Let cool slightly.
Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Incorporate chocolate: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream. If using gelatin, dissolve it in water and mix it in at this stage for extra stability.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Level the cake: If needed, trim the top of the cake for an even surface.
Spread the mousse: Place the cake on a serving plate and spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the top. Smooth with a spatula.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

Heat the cream: Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine.
Pour over the cake: Spread the ganache over the set mousse layer, letting it drip over the sides.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Chill again for another 30 minutes if using ganache.
Slice and serve with whipped cream or berries.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: About 3.5 hours

Variations

Milk Chocolate Version: Use milk chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds between layers.
Mocha Mousse Cake: Add espresso powder to the mousse for a coffee kick.
Berry Addition: Layer with fresh raspberries or strawberries for contrast.
No-Bake Option: Use an Oreo crust instead of cake for a no-bake version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: No need to reheat—serve chilled for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Do I need gelatin in the mousse?

Gelatin helps stabilize the mousse, but it’s optional. The mousse will still hold well without it.

Can I use store-bought cake mix?

Yes, a chocolate cake mix works as a time-saving option.

What’s the best chocolate for the mousse?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

How do I keep my mousse from deflating?

Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate to maintain a light and airy texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free chocolate, coconut cream, and almond milk.

Why is my ganache too thick?

If the ganache is too thick, add a little more warm cream and stir until smooth.

What’s the best way to slice this cake neatly?

Use a warm knife and wipe it clean between slices.

Can I add a second cake layer?

Yes, make a two-layer cake by doubling the cake recipe and spreading mousse between the layers.

How do I prevent the mousse from melting?

Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chocolate Mousse Cake is a rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its moist cake base, velvety mousse, and optional ganache topping, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Try it today for a show-stopping treat

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This Chocolate Mousse Cake is a decadent three-layer dessert featuring rich chocolate sponge, velvety chocolate mousse, and a silky ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers!

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 2 hours 55 minutes 1x
Category: 10 servings
Method: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Instructions

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Mousse:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
1/4 cup powdered sugar

For the Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Notes

Use white and dark chocolate mousse layers for a beautiful contrast.
Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing for best results.