Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (60 g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Mousse Layers
200 g dark chocolate (good quality, chopped)
200 g milk chocolate (chopped)
500 ml heavy cream (divided)
3 tbsp powdered sugar
2 tsp gelatin powder + 3 tbsp water
For the Chocolate Ganache Drip
200 g dark chocolate (chopped)
200 ml heavy cream
For Garnish
Chocolate shavings or chunks
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the Mousse
Melt dark chocolate and milk chocolate separately using a double boiler. Allow them to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in water and let bloom for 5 minutes. Heat gently until dissolved.
Whip 400 ml heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Divide whipped cream in half. Fold one half into melted dark chocolate + gelatin, and the other half into melted milk chocolate. Chill for 15 minutes.
3. Assemble the Cake
Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two thin layers.
Place one cake layer at the bottom of a springform pan. Spread a layer of dark chocolate mousse.
Add the second cake layer, then spread milk chocolate mousse on top.
Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
4. Make the Ganache
Heat cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate.
Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cake.
5. Garnish
Let the ganache drip beautifully along the edges.
Top with chocolate shavings or chunks for a rich finish.
Serving Tip
Slice with a hot knife for clean layers. Pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or espresso.
