If you adore the deep, intense flavors of chocolate and crave a dessert that feels like a luxurious celebration in every bite, this Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is just what you need. It combines a tender, moist chocolate cake base with a luscious, airy dark chocolate mousse topping that melts on the tongue, finishing with an optional silky ganache that elevates it to pure decadence. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging your own chocolate cravings, this cake delights with its rich texture and harmonious balance of bittersweet and creamy layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each playing a unique role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and look. From the cocoa powder that delivers the chocolate punch in the cake to the heavy cream that whips up into the mousse’s velvety cloud, every component is a star.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender, soft cake base.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor and a dark color to the cake.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and cocoa intensity.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds texture.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm aromatic notes that complement the chocolate.
- Buttermilk: Contributes to the cake’s moisture and subtle tang.
- Hot water or brewed coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor for depth.
- Dark chocolate (60–70%, chopped): Forms the luscious base of the mousse.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the melted chocolate.
- Heavy whipping cream (cold): Whips into the mousse providing lightness and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse gently without graininess.
- Dark chocolate chips (for ganache, optional): Creates a glossy, indulgent finishing layer.
- Heavy cream (for ganache): Makes the ganache silky and smooth.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your cake comes out cleanly and keeps a perfect shape. In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another larger bowl, blend the vegetable oil and sugar until smooth, then beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mix, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. Finally, stir in the hot water or coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor. Pour this luscious batter into your pan and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Prepare the Dark Chocolate Mousse
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a gentle double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth. This rich melted blend must cool to room temperature so that the whipped cream folds in seamlessly without melting. Meanwhile, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft but defined peaks form. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the airy texture. Refrigerate the mousse for 15 minutes, allowing it to firm slightly before layering.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake base has cooled thoroughly, place it on a serving plate or the bottom of a springform pan for easy handling. Spread the dark chocolate mousse evenly over the top with a spatula, smoothing the surface. Transfer your creation to the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to let the mousse set perfectly, creating that classic light and creamy contrast to the dense cake below.
Step 4: Optional Ganache Topping
If you want to take your Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe to the next level, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream until just steaming. Pour the cream over dark chocolate chips and let it sit for a couple of minutes before gently stirring until glossy and smooth. Pour this luscious ganache over the chilled mousse layer and spread it evenly. Return the cake to the fridge to let the ganache set before serving for that extra silky finish.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your cake not only enhances its appearance but adds bursts of flavor and texture. Try topping it with delicate chocolate curls, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a fresh, slightly tart contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This elegant cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a more sophisticated touch, a small serving of espresso or a glass of ruby red port wine can complement the dark chocolate notes exquisitely.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving individual slices layered with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkling of sea salt flakes. You can also create mini versions of this cake in jars or transparent cups, layering cake crumbs and mousse alternately for a fun, portable dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to three days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to enjoy later! Wrap it well with plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to retain the mousse’s silky texture and the moist crumb of the cake base.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so avoid reheating which may compromise the mousse texture. If you prefer a warmer dessert experience, serve a slice with warm berries or a hot coffee on the side instead.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the mousse?
While you can substitute milk chocolate, it will result in a sweeter and less intense flavor. Dark chocolate is preferred to create the rich, deep taste that defines this Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.
Is it necessary to use coffee or can I just use hot water?
Using brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor by adding complexity, but hot water works well too if you prefer to keep the flavor straightforward and simple.
How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?
The mousse should be chilled for at least two hours, but ideally up to three hours for the perfect firmness paired with a silky mouthfeel.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that balances elegance with ease, making it the perfect dessert for special moments or whenever your heart craves something chocolatey and sensational. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation, bringing joy and indulgence with every forkful.
Print
Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake is a decadent French-inspired dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with airy dark chocolate mousse and an optional glossy ganache finish. Perfect for special occasions, this elegant cake offers deep chocolate flavor balanced by light, creamy textures.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee (for enhanced chocolate flavor)
For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (60–70%, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ganache Topping (optional):
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Cake Base: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, mix oil and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in hot water or coffee. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the Mousse: Melt dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Let cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, beat cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold the cooled melted chocolate into the whipped cream gently, until no streaks remain. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake base is fully cooled, place it on a serving plate or springform pan base. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the top of the cake. Chill for at least 2 hours to set.
- Ganache Topping (optional): Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour over chilled mousse layer and spread gently. Chill again until ganache is set.
Notes
- This cake is rich and indulgent—perfect for special occasions.
- For extra flair, top with chocolate curls or fresh berries before serving.
