Sinful Double Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Dreamy Double Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe For Sweet Joy

Decadent layers of rich, silky chocolate mousse dance between moist chocolate cake, creating a dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

chocolate lovers will swoon over this double chocolate mousse cake recipe that balances intense cocoa depth with creamy smooth textures.

Each forkful promises a luxurious chocolate experience that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The contrast between light, airy mousse and dense cake creates a symphony of chocolate sensations.

Delicate yet bold, this dessert stands as a testament to chocolate magical allure.

chocolate enthusiasts, get ready to fall in love with a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration of pure, unapologetic sweetness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)

Calories: 454 kcal

Servings: 13

Double Chocolate Mousse Cake: Ingredient List

For Chocolate Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for the cake's foundation.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb with delightful caramelization.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Cake Moisture and Richness:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients, add structure, and contribute to cake's smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Creates moisture and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds aromatic complexity.
  • Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa powder and creates a silky, moist batter.
For Chocolate Mousses and Ganache:
  • Dark Chocolate: Intense, robust base for first mousse layer with complex flavor profile.
  • White Chocolate: Creamy, sweet layer with delicate flavor contrast.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, airy texture and adds richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream.
  • Gelatin: Provides structure and helps mousse layers set perfectly.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Delivers balanced sweetness for final ganache layer.
For Garnish:
  • Rosemary: Adds unexpected herbal freshness.
  • Sage: Provides elegant, earthy accent.
  • Sugared Cranberries: Creates festive, sparkling visual appeal with tart sweetness.

Tools That Help You Assemble Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream to soft peaks and creating smooth, airy mousses.
  • Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate gently without burning.
  • 9-inch Cake Pan: Needed for baking the chocolate cake base.
  • Cooling Rack: Helps cake cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Springform Pan or Acetate Collar: Crucial for building clean, layered mousse cake.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing batter, combining ingredients, and creating smooth textures.
  • Saucepan: Used for heating cream and preparing ganache.
  • Microwave: Quick method for warming gelatin.
  • Spatula: Helps fold cream into chocolate and spread mousse layers smoothly.
  • Toothpick: Checks cake doneness.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.

How to Make a Rich Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate Heaven Layer Cake

  • Cake Base Preparation

Craft a smooth chocolate foundation by mixing dry and wet ingredients until they create a silky batter. Bake until the cake emerges with a perfect tender crumb, filling the kitchen with rich chocolate aroma.

  • Dark Chocolate Cloud

Transform melted chocolate into a luxurious mousse by gently folding whipped cream, creating a velvety layer that sits elegantly atop the cake base. Allow the mousse to set and become wonderfully firm.

  • White Chocolate Dream

Develop a delicate white chocolate mousse that will float like a creamy cloud over the dark chocolate layer. Whip cream carefully to maintain soft, airy peaks that blend seamlessly with melted white chocolate.

  • Dramatic Chocolate Finish

Create a glossy ganache that cascades beautifully over the chilled cake, forming elegant drips down the sides. The final layer should shimmer with chocolate intensity, promising an indulgent dessert experience.

  • Festive Touches

Decorate with sugared cranberries and delicate herbs, transforming the cake from delicious to spectacular. These final garnishes will add unexpected texture and visual drama to your chocolate masterpiece.

Tricks to Elevate Your Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

  • Swap cocoa powder with dark cocoa for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create smoother, more consistent mousse layers that blend seamlessly and prevent lumpy textures.
  • Always bloom gelatin in cold water first to activate its stabilizing properties and prevent clumping, guaranteeing a silky-smooth mousse consistency.
  • Experiment with liqueur additions like Grand Marnier or Baileys Irish Cream to infuse the mousses with sophisticated, adult-friendly flavor notes that complement the chocolate perfectly.
  • Prepare the entire cake up to 3 days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator, which allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining stress-free and convenient.

Serving Tips for Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Transform this decadent cake into a stunning holiday dessert that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. The rich chocolate layers combined with sugared cranberries create a show-stopping presentation that screams celebration.
  • Romantic Date Night Dessert: Slice this luxurious cake for an intimate dessert that's perfect for impressing your special someone. The multiple chocolate layers and elegant ganache finish make it an incredibly romantic treat to share.
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve small, delicate slices alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The intricate layers and subtle herbal garnish of rosemary and sage elevate this dessert to a sophisticated culinary experience that feels both indulgent and refined.
  • Gifting Gourmet Delight: Package individual slices in clear gift boxes with a ribbon for a memorable homemade present. The stunning visual layers and complex flavors make this cake an extraordinary gift for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts.

How to Store Double Chocolate Mousse Cake Correctly

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the double chocolate mousse cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed cake carrier to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake up to 2 days before serving. The mousse layers and cake base hold their texture beautifully when chilled, making it perfect for advance party planning or special occasion prep.
  • Freezer Fantastic: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a delightful make-ahead dessert that tastes freshly made.
  • Temperature TLC: Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Remove the cake 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the mousse layers to soften slightly, enhancing the silky texture and rich chocolate flavors.
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Sinful Double Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Sinful Chocolate Mousse Cake


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich Belgian chocolate mousse nestles between layers of moist chocolate cake, creating an elegant dessert for serious chocolate enthusiasts. Silky ganache and delicate chocolate shavings complete this luxurious French-inspired confection you will savor slowly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (50 g) cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) unsalted butter (melted)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) boiling water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate (coarsely chopped)
  • 6 oz (170 g) white chocolate (coarsely chopped)
  • 8 oz (226 g) semi-sweet chocolate (coarsely chopped)
  • 2 tsp gelatin powder
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) cold water
  • 3 tbsps (37 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) heavy cream (cold)
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) heavy cream (divided, cold)
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Cake Base Preparation: Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a well for wet components. Blend eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla into the mixture until smooth.
  2. Batter Refinement: Pour boiling water into the batter, whisking until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Transfer to a 9-inch parchment-lined cake pan, lightly greased.
  3. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted emerges clean. Cool the cake completely, trimming the surface if needed.
  4. Cake Framing: Position the cake on a serving plate, encircling with acetate or springform pan for structural support.
  5. Dark Chocolate Mousse Creation: Bloom gelatin in cold water. Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler, incorporating warmed gelatin thoroughly.
  6. Mousse Texture Development: Whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, maintaining an airy consistency.
  7. First Mousse Layer: Spread dark chocolate mousse evenly over the cake base. Refrigerate to set initial layer.
  8. White Chocolate Mousse Preparation: Repeat gelatin blooming process. Heat cream, dissolve gelatin, and pour over white chocolate. Stir until smooth and cooled to room temperature.
  9. Final Mousse Application: Whip remaining cream with sugar. Fold into white chocolate base with a delicate touch. Layer atop the dark chocolate mousse.
  10. Ganache Finishing: Heat cream and pour over semi-sweet chocolate. Rest briefly, then stir until achieving a glossy texture.
  11. Decorative Finale: Once slightly cooled, cascade ganache over the chilled dessert. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, sage leaves, and sugared cranberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Precise Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending and optimal cake texture.
  • Gelatin Activation Technique: Bloom gelatin properly in cold water to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution in mousse layers.
  • Folding Method Mastery: Use a gentle folding technique when incorporating whipped cream to maintain air and create a light, airy mousse texture.
  • Chilling Strategy: Allow sufficient chilling time between layers and final setting to achieve clean, distinct mousse layers and stable structure.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 454
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 165 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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