Description
Ever wondered what it would be like to combine the richness of chocolate cake with the lightness of mousse? This decadent dessert does just that, offering layers of moist chocolate cake, airy chocolate mousse, and a glossy ganache topping. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 🧈 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter – softened
- 🍬 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 🥚 3 large eggs – at room temperature
- 🍫 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 🌾 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🥄 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🥛 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk – at room temperature
- ☕ 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee – or hot water
- 🍦 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 🍫 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet chocolate – finely chopped
- 🥛 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream – divided
- 🥄 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 🍫 1 ½ cups (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 🥛 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 🥄 1 tablespoon light corn syrup – optional, for shine
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- 🥣 In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 🥚 Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 🍫 In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 🌾 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- ☕ Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
- 🫙 Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- ❄️ Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:
- 🍫 Place the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- 🥛 In a saucepan, heat 1 cup (240ml) of heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- 🔥 Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- 🥛 In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup (240ml) of heavy whipping cream with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- 🤍 Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- 🍰 Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary.
- 🤍 Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the top.
- 🍰 Top with the second cake layer. Refrigerate the cake for about 1 hour to set the mousse.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- 🍫 Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- 🥛 In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- 🔥 Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy. If desired, stir in the light corn syrup for added shine.
- ❄️ Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Frost the Cake:
- 🍫 Pour the ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a smooth, even coating.
- ❄️ Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information: 1 slice (based on 12 servings) | Calories: ~650kcal | Carbohydrates: ~80g | Protein: ~7g | Fat: ~35g | Saturated Fat: ~20g | Sugar: ~60g | Fiber: ~4g | Sodium: ~350mg
🍴 Indulge in this decadent treat today! Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Share with loved ones and enjoy the rich layers of chocolatey goodness!