Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
A decadent and rich Chocolate Mousse Cake featuring a moist chocolate cake base, a luscious chocolate mousse layer studded with fresh strawberries, and a glossy dark chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert cravings.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and chilling
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Cake
- 115 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g natural cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 50 g brown sugar
- 110 g light-tasting oil
- 200 g milk, room temperature
Chocolate Mousse
- 400 g whipping cream or heavy cream, divided into 200 g + 200 g
- 200 g dark or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 180 g whipping cream or heavy cream
- 170 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
Filling & Topping
- 10 fresh strawberries, halved, plus more for topping
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set aside a 9-inch springform pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper is optional but can help with easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 115 g all-purpose flour, 40 g natural cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well and set aside.
- Prepare egg and sugar mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 50 g granulated sugar, and 50 g brown sugar until fully combined. Add 110 g light-tasting oil and whisk again until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add half the flour mixture and half the 200 g milk to the egg mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk to create a thick yet fluid batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the springform pan. Optionally apply cake strips around the pan to prevent doming. Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Level the cake: If the cake has domed, use a serrated knife to trim the top for a flat surface. Remove the cake from the pan, then place it back inside and reassemble the springform pan.
- Prepare chocolate ganache for mousse: Place 200 g chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Heat 200 g whipping cream until simmering and pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Warm gently if needed. Set aside to cool.
- Whip remaining cream: Whip the remaining 200 g whipping cream until soft peaks form, taking care not to overwhip to avoid dryness in the mousse.
- Fold mousse: Fold about one third of the whipped cream into the chocolate ganache gently until combined. Then fold this mixture into the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain.
- Arrange strawberries: Place halved strawberries cut-side against the sides of the cake pan on top of the cake layer, pressing them gently against the pan.
- Spread mousse layer: Pour the mousse mixture over the cake layer and strawberries. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly and smooth the surface.
- Chill mousse: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the mousse to set firmly.
- Prepare ganache topping: Place 170 g chopped dark chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Heat 180 g whipping cream until simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit 5 minutes and stir until smooth and glossy. Warm gently if needed. Allow ganache to cool slightly.
- Apply ganache topping: Pour the ganache over the chilled mousse layer. Spread it evenly with an offset spatula and smooth the top. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- Decorate and serve: Garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries. For clean slices, run your knife under hot water and dry it before and between each cut.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Ensure not to overwhip the cream for mousse to keep it light and airy.
- Chocolate quality greatly affects the flavor; use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
- Chilling times are crucial for mousse and ganache to set properly for clean slicing.
- Strawberries add a fresh contrast and can be substituted with raspberries or other berries if preferred.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chocolate mousse cake, chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, chocolate ganache, strawberry cake, dessert recipe