How To Make Easy Chocolate Mousse Cake from Scratch

Indulge in the rich, velvety layers of this Chocolate Mousse Cake. Perfect for any chocolate lover, this dessert combines a moist chocolate cake base with a creamy chocolate mousse topping, making it a showstopper at any gathering. This cake has always been a crowd-pleaser at my family celebrations, and I’m excited to share this luxurious recipe with you.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup hot water

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add the hot water, mixing until smooth.
4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Chocolate Mousse:

1. Prepare Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
4. Combine: Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10-15 seconds until melted. Stir the gelatin into the melted chocolate until well combined. Fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until no streaks remain.

Assembly:

1. Layer Cake and Mousse: Place the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the top of the cake.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.
3. Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Tip: For an even richer flavor, use dark chocolate in the mousse.
• Variation: Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake and mousse for a fruity twist.
• Substitution: Use almond or oat milk to make the cake dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of red wine, like Merlot, pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavors.

This Chocolate Mousse Cake is a truly indulgent dessert that will impress any guest. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it out and share your experience in the comments below. Enjoy!