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Coffee Mousse Cake

An elegant dessert combining rich chocolate cake with airy coffee mousse and smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for special occasions.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee

Coffee Mousse

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 6 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 0.33 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder (dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream

Decoration (Optional)

  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • Chocolate shavings or chocolate-covered coffee beans

Instructions
 

Make the Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  • In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Slowly stir in the hot brewed coffee.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Coffee Mousse

  • In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  • In another bowl, mix the melted chocolate with powdered sugar, dissolved coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Gently fold the chocolate-coffee mixture into the whipped cream.
  • Refrigerate the mousse until ready to assemble.

Assemble the Cake

  • Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
  • Spread a thick layer of coffee mousse over the top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and cover with remaining mousse.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make the Ganache

  • Heat the heavy cream until just simmering.
  • Pour it over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute. Then whisk until smooth.
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cake.

Decorate & Serve

  • Once the ganache is set, lightly dust the top with cocoa powder or add chocolate shavings.
  • Use a warm knife to cut for clean slices.

Notes

Ensure cakes are completely cool before assembling. Chill the cake after adding the ganache for a clean presentation.
Keyword Chocolate Cake, Coffee Mousse Cake, Elegant Dessert, Rich and Creamy, Special Occasion Dessert