Easy Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe!

Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so excited to welcome you to my delicious corner of the internet. Get ready to turn ordinary meals into something truly special. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a flavor adventure with my Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.

I remember the night I stumbled upon this amazing dessert. It was a late-night kitchen experiment, fueled by a serious chocolate craving. I was playing around with different textures and flavors. The results were so amazing, it quickly became a favorite.

This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a happy accident turned into a masterpiece. It’s the kind of treat that makes everyone do a little happy dance. I’m beyond excited to share this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe with you! Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is all about bold flavors that work together. You can find everything you need during your normal shopping trip!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious creation:

All the ingredients you need to make the Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe, including flour, sugar, cocoa, buttermilk, eggs, and chocolate.
  • For the Chocolate Cake:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 cup boiling water
  • For the Chocolate Mousse:
    • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream, divided
    • 3 large eggs, separated
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

No buttermilk? No worries! I often use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. It works like a charm in this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.

This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe gets its amazing taste from high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate. I love adding an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mousse for an extra kick. It really enhances the flavor!

For busy weeknights, you can measure out all the dry ingredients ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container. You’ll be ready to bake in minutes. Leftover cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mousse is best enjoyed fresh.

Let’s Make Some!

Let’s get started on this amazing Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it.

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your cake comes out perfectly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour in the boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth. Don’t worry if the batter seems thin; that’s normal! This is where the magic starts happening! The hot water helps bloom the cocoa, bringing out its rich flavor.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe usually takes about 32 minutes. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
  7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make the Mousse: While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the chocolate mousse. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  9. Heat Cream: In a saucepan, heat ¾ cup of the heavy cream over medium heat. Bring it just to a simmer.
  10. Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy. This is my favorite part of making Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe – watch the magic happen!
  11. Beat Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
  12. Temper Egg Yolks: Slowly drizzle a small amount of the melted chocolate into the egg yolks. Whisk constantly to temper the yolks. This prevents them from scrambling. Then, pour the yolk mixture into the remaining chocolate. Mix until well combined.
  13. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
  14. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  15. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture in two additions. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites. This is what makes the mousse light and airy.
  16. Whip Remaining Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the remaining ¾ cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  17. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
  18. Assemble: Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate. Pour the chocolate mousse over the top of the cake. Spread evenly.
  19. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the mousse to set properly. While your Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe hits the table! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it up:

  • Classic Slice: Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Simple and elegant.
  • Berry Bliss: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the rich chocolate perfectly. This is perfect for a summer gathering!
  • Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch.
  • Coffee Kick: Serve alongside a strong cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee enhances the sweetness of the cake.
  • Warm Sauce: Drizzle with warm chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Ice Cream Dream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm cake are a match made in heaven. This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Chocolate Orange Cheesecake!

This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is perfect for birthday celebrations, dinner parties, or even just a special weeknight treat. If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), try crumbling them over ice cream or using them as a layer in a trifle. No waste, all flavor!

FAQs:

Got questions about this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked.

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create. I’ve taught many first-time bakers to make this with incredible results.

What if I mess up my Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Don’t worry about perfection! Even if your cake cracks or your mousse isn’t perfectly smooth, it will still taste delicious. That’s the beauty of comfort food. Embrace the happy accidents!

How can I prep this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe for busy weeknights?

You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. The mousse can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just assemble the cake before serving. I love that it’s so easy to do in advance.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the sweetness level will vary.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

As I mentioned earlier, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to measure 1 cup. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

How long does this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe last?

The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse is best enjoyed within 1-2 days.

Can I freeze this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe?

I don’t recommend freezing the entire cake, as the mousse can become icy. However, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month.

What if my mousse is too thin?

Make sure your chocolate is completely melted and that you’re folding in the egg whites and whipped cream gently. If the mousse is still too thin, you can try chilling it for a longer period of time. The best Flourless Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe will always be the one you have fun making.

CONCLUSION:

This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of rich, decadent, and comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel special.

My Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe Flavor Secrets:

  1. High-Quality Chocolate: Use the best quality chocolate you can afford. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of the mousse.
  2. Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter or the mousse. Overmixing can result in a tough cake or a dense mousse.
  3. Chill Time is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer the cake chills, the better the mousse will set.
Here are a few delicious Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe variations I’ve tested:
  • Peanut Butter Cup: Add a layer of peanut butter mousse between the cake and the chocolate mousse. Perfect for peanut butter lovers!
  • Mint Chocolate Chip: Stir in some mint extract and mini chocolate chips into the mousse. A refreshing twist!
  • Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake before adding the mousse. A sweet and salty delight!
Finished Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe, garnished and ready to serve.

For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Chocolate Chip Pancake recipe! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake. I encourage you to trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and experiment with different flavors. This Double Chocolate Mousse Cake • The Crumby Kitchen recipe is a great example of that.

I’m so excited for you to try this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe! I hope it brings you as much joy as it brings me. Happy cooking, and remember to always add a little extra love to your food! Enjoy and let the Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake – Everyday Annie inspire you.

 
Print

Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake, a rich and airy dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy chocolate mousse. Perfect for special occasions or satisfying your chocolate cravings!

  • Author: Nyla
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, milk, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the chocolate chips.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
  6. While the cake is cooling, prepare the mousse. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
  7. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  8. Spread the mousse evenly over the cooled cake.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!