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
Scale
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.
