Chocolate Mousse Cake is a chocolate lover's dream come true! Simple chocolate box cake is dressed up deliciously with a thick layer of chocolate mousse and decadent ganache.
7⅝ouncesDevil's food cake mix216 grams, such as Betty Crocker (½ box)
⅝cupwater142 grams
¼cupvegetable oil50 grams
1large egg50 grams
1egg yolk14 grams
For the Chocolate Mousse
2teaspoonspowdered plain gelatin6 grams
2½tablespoonscold water35 grams
2¼cupschocolate chips383 grams
3cupsheavy cream681 grams, divided
½cuppowdered sugar57 grams
For the Ganache
⅔cupheavy cream151 gams
8ounceschocolate chips
Chocolate shavingsoptional, for garnish
Fresh berriesoptional, for garnish
Instructions
For the Cake
Prepare ½ package of cake mix according to the instructions on the box. The above ingredient measurements are for ½ box of Betty Crocker Devil's Food Cake, so be sure to use halved measurements for the appropriate ingredients if you use a different brand of cake mix. If your cake mix calls for 3 eggs, use 1 egg and 1 egg yolk as your halved measurement. Bake in a 9-inch springform pan according to the instructions (around 25 minutes) and let cool on a wire rack while you prepare the mousse.
For the Chocolate Mousse
In a small bowl, combine the gelatin and cold water and bloom for 5-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring 1 cup of heavy cream to a simmer (between 112-115°F), then remove from the heat.
Whisk in the bloomed gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Pour mixture over the chocolate chips and whisk until melted and combined. Allow mixture to cool, stirring occasionally.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the remaining 2 cups of cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Stir about ¼ cup of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully incorporated.
Spread the chocolate mousse evenly on top of the cooled cake while still inside the pan.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
For the Ganache
Once the cake has chilled overnight, place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring 1 cup of heavy cream to a simmer (between 112-115°F), then remove from the heat.
Pour the warm cream over chocolate chips and allow to sit for 3-4 minutes, then whisk gently until smooth and shiny. Allow to cool until slightly thickened, then pour over the mousse.
Cover and chill for 1 hour. Serve garnished with chocolate shavings and berries, if desired.
Video
Notes
Your mousse needs time overnight to sit before the ganache is poured on top. Do not try to rush this process!
Devil's food cake or just regular chocolate cake are both great box mixes to use for this recipe.
Heavy cream can NOT be substituted with whole milk, or anything else for that matter. Don't even try it!
Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
Storage: Store chocolate mousse cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.