Description
This exquisite Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious raspberry mousse and finished with a silky dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave an indulgent dessert, this cake balances dense chocolate flavor with fresh raspberry tartness, creating a sophisticated and delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
Raspberry Mousse
- 1 cup Fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 4 ounces Dark chocolate, melted and cooled
Ganache
- 4 ounces Dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet butter mixture in portions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined to maintain cake lightness without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes to firm up, then remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on the rack to room temperature.
- Prepare Raspberry Mousse – Puree: In a blender, puree fresh raspberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a silky mousse texture.
- Whip Cream and Fold Ingredients: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted and cooled dark chocolate, followed by the raspberry puree, blending evenly while retaining the airy texture.
- Chill the Mousse: Refrigerate the mousse mixture for about 30 minutes to allow it to set and thicken slightly, making it easier to spread onto the cake layers.
- Slice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife to create multiple tiers for filling.
- Assemble with Mousse: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the raspberry mousse evenly over it. Add the second layer on top, then spread the remaining mousse to cover the top and sides neatly.
- Refrigerate the Cake: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set firmly and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream just until it begins to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Decorate the Cake: Drizzle the prepared ganache over the chilled mousse cake, allowing it to cascade naturally for an elegant finish. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh raspberries.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for smooth creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Straining the raspberry puree removes seeds for a smoother mousse texture.
- Chilling the mousse before spreading helps it maintain its shape.
- Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the cake layers evenly.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent melting the mousse.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cake, raspberry mousse, dark chocolate ganache, layered cake, dessert, chocolate mousse cake, raspberry dessert, holiday cake
