...
Go Back
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

4 from 1 vote
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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 Slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

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

Method
 

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

Notes

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