Finding the perfect dessert that impresses your guests without spending hours in the kitchen can be a delightful challenge. Let me introduce you to a show-stopping Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake. This indulgent and decadent treat combines layers of rich chocolate cake with silky smooth mousse, creating a dessert that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious.
**Ingredients:**
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 3/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup hot coffee
For the Chocolate Mousse:
– 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
– 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by preparing the chocolate cake layers. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is thin.
4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling the mousse cake.
5. To make the chocolate mousse, melt the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until no streaks remain. Refrigerate the chocolate mousse for at least 1 hour to set.
8. Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of chocolate mousse over the cake, then top with the second cake layer. Repeat the process with the remaining mousse and cake layer.
9. For the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
10. Pour the ganache over the top of the layered cake and gently spread it to the edges, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
11. Refrigerate the Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld together.
Indulge in each layer of this rich and creamy dessert, satisfying any chocolate lover’s cravings with every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake is sure to wow your guests and become a new favorite in your repertoire of desserts.
