Description
This Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a decadent dessert that blends a moist cocoa-flavored cake with a rich raspberry mousse and a smooth dark chocolate ganache. The layers of chocolate and fresh raspberry puree create a perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it an elegant treat for any occasion.
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
Mousse
- 1 cup Fresh raspberries
- 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
- Extra fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes; this step incorporates air to give the cake a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition to maintain smoothness. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding to layering.
- Prepare Raspberry Mousse: Puree fresh raspberries with granulated sugar in a blender, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smooth mousse.
- Whip Cream and Add Mousse Ingredients: Whip heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted, cooled dark chocolate and the raspberry puree to create a luscious mousse.
- Chill Mousse: Refrigerate the mousse for about 30 minutes to allow it to set slightly and become spreadable.
- Slice Cake: Once cooled, slice the cake horizontally into two even layers to prepare for filling.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the raspberry mousse evenly over it. Add the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining mousse over the top.
- Chill Assembled Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to let the mousse fully set and flavors meld.
- Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream until it just begins to boil. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring gently until smooth and glossy.
- Finish Cake: Drizzle the ganache over the chilled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Garnish with extra fresh raspberries if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Alternating dry ingredients with buttermilk prevents the batter from curdling and ensures a tender cake texture.
- Straining the raspberry puree removes seeds for a smooth mousse but you can leave them in for added texture if preferred.
- Chill mousse before assembling to make it easier to spread and to help it set properly.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for both the mousse and ganache to enhance the richness of the cake.
- Allow the cake to chill sufficiently after assembly for best slicing and flavor development.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate cake, raspberry mousse, chocolate mousse cake, chocolate raspberry dessert, layered cake, mousse cake
