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A rich chocolate mousse cake slice with three distinct layers, topped with chocolate shavings, on a white plate with a blurred cake in the background.

Easy Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

A rich and creamy chocolate mousse cake recipe with moist cake layers, airy chocolate mousse, and a glossy ganache topping. Perfect for celebrations or any time you crave indulgence.
4 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Slices
Calories: 480kcal
Cost: 12 $

Equipment

  • 2 8-inch round cake pans (Greased and lined)
  • 1 Springform pan (same size) (For layering)
  • 1 Hand mixer or stand mixer (For whipping mousse)
  • 1 Offset spatula (For smooth spreading)
  • 1 Cake turntable (optional) (For easier decorating)
  • 1 Digital kitchen scale (For precise measuring)

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups All-purpose flour - Sifted
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder - High-quality
  • 2 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Eggs - Room temperature
  • ½ cup Vegetable oil - Neutral-flavored
  • 1 cup Buttermilk - Room temperature
  • 1 cup Hot coffee - Enhances chocolate flavor

For the Mousse:

  • 8 oz Semisweet chocolate - Melted and cooled
  • 2 cups Heavy whipping cream - Cold
  • 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Unflavored gelatin - Optional stabilizer

For the Ganache:

  • 6 oz Bittersweet chocolate - Finely chopped
  • ¾ cup Heavy cream - Heated
  • 1 tablespoon Light corn syrup - For shine
  • 1 tablespoon Butter - Room temperature

Instructions 

  • Set oven to 350°F and prep pans.
  • Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, soda, and salt.
  • Beat eggs, oil, buttermilk, and coffee.
  • Blend dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
  • Divide into pans, bake 25–30 minutes, cool completely.
  • Gently melt chocolate for mousse.
  • Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
  • Gently fold chocolate into whipped cream.
  • Place cake in springform, add mousse, repeat layers.
  • Refrigerate 3+ hours until set.
  • Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir smooth.
  • Spread ganache over chilled cake.
  • Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Slice | Calories: 480kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 55g (18%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 28g (43%) | Saturated Fat: 16g (100%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 75mg (25%) | Sodium: 260mg (11%) | Potassium: 220mg (6%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 38g (42%) | Vitamin A: 800IU (16%) | Vitamin C: 0.5mg (1%) | Calcium: 90mg (9%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)