Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake delivers a perfect harmony between rich chocolate and fresh raspberry flavors in a stunning mousse layer format. It’s lighter than traditional cakes but still indulgent, making it a great choice for those who want a sophisticated dessert that isn’t overly heavy. The mousse layers are airy yet creamy, providing a melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the dense chocolate cake beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Cake Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Raspberry Mousse:

• 1½ cups fresh raspberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tsp powdered gelatin
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Chocolate Mousse:

• 6 oz dark chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Directions

1. Make the chocolate cake base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
2. Prepare the raspberry mousse: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, heat raspberries and sugar over medium heat until raspberries break down and mixture simmers. Remove from heat, stir in gelatin until dissolved, and strain to remove seeds. Cool mixture to room temperature. Gently fold whipped cream into the raspberry mixture until smooth.
3. Prepare the chocolate mousse: Melt dark chocolate and let cool to room temperature. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold whipped cream gently into the melted chocolate until fully combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the cake: Place the cooled chocolate cake base on a serving plate. Spread raspberry mousse evenly over the cake and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until set. Next, spread the chocolate mousse over the raspberry layer and chill again for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Serve: Optionally, decorate with fresh raspberries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Makes 8-10 servings
• Preparation time: 40 minutes
• Baking time: 25-30 minutes
• Chilling time: 3+ hours

Variations

• Use frozen raspberries if fresh are unavailable, thawed and drained well.
• Add a splash of raspberry liqueur to the raspberry mousse for an adult twist.
• Substitute dark chocolate with milk or white chocolate in the mousse layers.
• Add a layer of crushed cookies or nuts between the cake and mousse for texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze mousse layers as texture may be affected.
• Serve chilled; avoid reheating.

FAQs

Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?

Yes, use an equivalent amount of gelatin sheets, softened in cold water and melted before adding.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the cake and refrigerate overnight for best flavor and set texture.

What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?

Use thawed frozen raspberries or substitute with another berry like strawberries.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, milk alternatives, and coconut cream whipped for mousse.

How do I avoid seeds in the raspberry mousse?

Strain the raspberry mixture after cooking to remove seeds for a smooth mousse.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.

How do I store leftover mousse cake?

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double ingredients and use a larger pan or make multiple cakes.

Can I substitute the chocolate for a different type?

Yes, use any chocolate you prefer, but the flavor and texture may vary.

Conclusion

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a beautifully layered dessert combining the richness of chocolate cake with the fresh tartness of raspberry mousse and the creamy decadence of chocolate mousse. Perfect for celebrations or special occasions, it’s a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that delights every palate.

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