Chocolate Mousse Cake – Rich, Decadent Layers of Chocolate Cake, Creamy Mousse, and Silky Ganache

This Chocolate Mousse Cake is a showstopper dessert with layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and a smooth ganache topping. Finished with a swirl of chocolate whipped cream, this cake is perfect for any special occasion when you want to impress! Each bite offers a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Scroll down for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate mousse and chocolate cake are two beloved desserts, so why not combine them into one ultimate treat? This Chocolate Mousse Cake takes everything we love about these desserts—moist, fluffy cake and airy, melt-in-your-mouth mousse—and brings them together in perfect harmony. The ganache topping adds a silky finish that ties everything together, while the whipped cream on top gives it a light, elegant touch.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is indulgent, rich, and absolutely stunning. The mousse layer is light and creamy, creating a perfect contrast to the dense chocolate cake. Plus, the ganache adds a layer of smoothness that makes this cake truly irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just want a special dessert, this Chocolate Mousse Cake will wow your guests—and the best part is that it's not difficult to make!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 30g

Perfect for Any Special Occasion

This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. The layers of flavor and texture make it feel like a true celebration dessert. Plus, since it can be made ahead of time, it’s a great choice for when you want to take the stress out of party prep and still deliver an incredible dessert.

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, try serving it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. A dusting of cocoa powder on top can also add an elegant finish. For a beverage pairing, serve it with a rich coffee, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine for a complete indulgent experience.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Store this cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add any garnishes just before serving.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Mousse

Mousse is a classic French dessert that gets its light, airy texture from whipped cream or egg whites. The word “mousse” means “foam” in French, and it’s the perfect way to describe the soft, fluffy texture that makes mousse so irresistible. In this cake, the mousse creates a beautiful contrast to the denser chocolate cake layer, making every bite a delight.

Baking Tips for the Best Chocolate Mousse Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and mousse.
• Chill Between Layers: Give each layer enough time to chill and set before adding the next. This ensures clean, defined layers in your finished cake.
• Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the cocoa powder and flour will prevent lumps and give you a smoother cake batter.

Optional Variations

• Add a Coffee Twist: For a mocha-flavored mousse, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the mousse mixture.
• Make It Minty: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the mousse or ganache for a chocolate-mint version of this cake.
• Nutty Chocolate: Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top of the ganache for a crunchy twist.

Photo bypinterest

Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup (143g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (59ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (48g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• ¼ cup (20g) cocoa powder, sifted (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons (4.6g) baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (157ml) hot brewed coffee

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (266ml) heavy whipping cream, divided
• 4 ounces (113g) dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup (48g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (5g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

• 2 ounces (75g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 6 tablespoons (90ml) heavy whipping cream

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 cup (236ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• ½ cup (65g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (10g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract

Photo bypinterest

Instructions:

1. For the Cake Layer: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and grease and flour the sides. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the batter lightens in color. Add sour cream and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by half of the coffee. Mix gently, then add the remaining dry ingredients and coffee. Mix until just combined. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
2. For the Chocolate Mousse Layer: Place a small dish with 1 tablespoon cold water, then sprinkle the gelatin over it to bloom for 2-3 minutes. Melt the dark chocolate with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Melt the gelatin in the microwave for 5-8 seconds until liquid, then stir it into the chocolate. Beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth. Add the chocolate mixture and beat until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream and mix until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cake: Place the cooled cake layer into an 8-inch springform pan or cake pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment. Pour the mousse layer over the cake and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours until set.
4. For the Ganache: Combine dark chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Let cool slightly before pouring over the mousse layer. Spread evenly and allow the ganache to set.
5. For the Whipped Topping: Beat cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spread the whipped cream around the border of the cake, and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Mousse Cake is a perfect balance of rich chocolate flavors and creamy textures. With a moist cake base, a light and airy mousse filling, and a smooth ganache topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you're serving it for a special event or indulging on a weekend, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy all your chocolate cravings!