Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake

Chocolate desserts have a unique ability to captivate hearts and tantalize taste buds. The rich, velvety flavors of chocolate can evoke feelings of comfort and joy, making it a beloved choice for celebrations and special occasions. Among the myriad of chocolate desserts, the chocolate mousse layer cake stands out as a quintessential indulgence, combining the luxurious creaminess of mousse with the delightful texture of layered cake. This dessert is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual masterpiece that can elevate any gathering.

Discover the art of indulgence with a chocolate mousse layer cake that will impress everyone at your next gathering. This guide takes you through creating a rich and decadent dessert, featuring moist chocolate cake layers paired with airy chocolate mousse and topped with luscious ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake offers a blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds and elevate your baking skills. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting this stunning masterpiece from scratch and sharing it with loved ones.

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Mousse:

8 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided

⅓ cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 large egg whites

¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Ganache Topping:

6 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

¾ cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish:

Chocolate shavings

Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

- Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth.

- Carefully mix in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).

- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Mousse:

- Melt the chopped semisweet chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in a microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.

- In a separate bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add in the remaining powdered sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream, then fold in the beaten egg whites carefully until fully incorporated. Be gentle to maintain airiness.

Assemble the Cake:

- Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter. Spread half of the chocolate mousse over the top.

- Place the second layer of cake on top of the first mousse layer and spread the remaining mousse over the top and sides of the cake evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Prepare the Ganache:

- In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat. Pour the hot cream over the chopped semisweet chocolate and butter in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

- Allow the ganache to cool slightly and thickens before pouring over the chilled mousse layer cake.

Finish the Cake:

- Once the ganache has set slightly, pour it over the top of the mousse layer cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

- Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh berries if desired.

- Slice and serve chilled.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

25 min | 3 hours | 12 servings