Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake

Discover the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers with this decadent chocolate mousse layer cake. Combining moist chocolate cake, airy mousse, and glossy ganache, it creates a rich, multi-textured experience perfect for any celebration. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the ideal cake, from selecting high-quality ingredients to crafting the perfect mousse and ganache. Impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible treat!

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Mousse:

8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 large eggs, separated

½ cup granulated sugar

1 ½ cups heavy cream

For the Ganache:

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped

For Garnish:

Whipped cream

Chocolate shavings

Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

Bake the Chocolate 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. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until combined. Slowly stir in boiling water until the mixture is smooth (it will be thin). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually pour the melted chocolate into the yolk mixture, stirring to combine. In another bowl, whisk the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In yet another bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, followed by the egg whites until no lumps remain. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours until set.

Make the Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped bittersweet chocolate, letting it sit for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cake:

Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the chocolate mousse on top. Place the second layer of cake over the mousse and gently press down. Spread the remaining mousse on top of the second cake layer. Pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Garnish:

Top the cake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh berries if desired.

Serve:

Slice the cake and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the layers of rich chocolate goodness!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 10 slices