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Chocolate Mousse Cake

Indulge in this rich and velvety chocolate mousse cake, a perfect blend of soft chocolate cake and creamy mousse, easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1/2 cup butter Adds richness and moisture.
  • 1 cup sugar Sweetens and balances the chocolate flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Provides structure and helps with the cake’s rise.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the chocolate’s flavor.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder Brings deep, chocolatey goodness.
  • 1 cup flour Gives the cake its backbone.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Helps the cake rise.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Balances the flavors.
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk Adds moisture and tanginess.
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee Intensifies the chocolate flavor.

For the Mousse

  • 8 oz bittersweet chocolate The star of the show, rich and luscious!
  • 2 tbsp butter For extra smoothness in the mousse.
  • 3 large eggs, separated Yolks for richness and whites for fluffiness.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Sweetens the mousse.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds depth to the mousse.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Whipped to dreamy perfection.
  • 1 pinch salt Elevates the chocolate flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add in 2 eggs and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  • Sift together 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1/2 tsp of salt in another bowl.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of hot coffee until the batter is smooth.

Cooking

  • Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan.
  • Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cake cools, melt 8 oz of bittersweet chocolate with 2 tbsp of butter over a double boiler or in the microwave.
  • In another bowl, whip the 3 egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar until you reach stiff peaks.

Assembly

  • Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped egg whites until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold this into the chocolate mixture.
  • Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
  • Spread a layer of the chocolate mousse on the bottom layer and then place the top layer back on.
  • Spread the remaining mousse on top and around the sides of the cake.
  • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Don't overmix to keep your mousse light and airy. Optional: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into your batter for extra flavor.
Keyword Chocolate Mousse Cake, crowd-pleaser, Easy Dessert, Ina Garten, Rich Chocolate Cake