Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake
Indulge in a towering masterpiece of flavor with this Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake, inspired by the beloved recipes of Paula Deen. With six decadent layers of rich chocolate cake interspersed with fluffy chocolate mousse and enveloped in velvety chocolate fudge frosting, this cake is the epitome of dessert bliss. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite delivers a delightful mixture of textures and chocolate intensity that makes every slice feel like a special celebration.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Sugar
2 cups (Granulated)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (Sifted)
Baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons (Sifted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Milk
1 cup (Whole)
Strong brewed coffee
1 cup (Coarsely brewed)
Vegetable oil
3/4 cup
Eggs
2 large (Beaten)
Dreamy Chocolate Mousse mix
Enough for about 4 1/2 cups (Prepared as per package instructions)
Unflavored gelatin
1 (1/4 ounce) envelope (Softened in cold water)
Cold water
3 tablespoons
Boiling water
1/4 cup
Heavy whipping cream
3 cups (Cold)
Chocolate fudge frosting
Enough for about 3 cups (Made later in the recipe)
Sugar (for frosting)
1 cup
Heavy whipping cream (for frosting)
1 cup
Unsweetened chocolate squares
5 (1 ounce each) (Chopped)
Butter
10 tablespoons (Softened)
Confectioners' sugar
1 cup (Sifted)
Grated chocolate
To taste (For garnish)
Chocolate curls
To taste (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
3
In another bowl, combine the milk, strong brewed coffee, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix together until smooth.
4
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
7
Once cooled, carefully slice each cake layer horizontally in half to create six layers total.
8
To assemble, place one layer on a serving plate, cut side up, and spread one-fifth of the Dreamy Chocolate Mousse on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with mousse on top. Freeze the layered cake for one hour to set.
9
While the cake is chilling, prepare the Chocolate Fudge Frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and heavy whipping cream. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 6 minutes, stirring frequently.
10
Remove from heat and stir in the unsweetened chocolate and butter until melted and smooth. Allow the frosting to cool for 10 minutes, then whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth and spreadable.
11
Once the cake is set, remove it from the freezer. Use the Chocolate Fudge Frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly. Garnish the sides with grated chocolate and top with chocolate curls, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake?
It is a decadent six-layer chocolate cake filled with fluffy chocolate mousse and covered in a rich chocolate fudge frosting.
Who inspired this cake recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Southern-style recipes of Paula Deen.
How many layers does the cake have?
The final cake consists of six layers, created by slicing three baked cakes horizontally in half.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cake layers.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
You should grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
What are the dry ingredients for the cake?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
What wet ingredients are needed?
The wet ingredients consist of milk, strong brewed coffee, vegetable oil, and large eggs.
Why is coffee used in a chocolate cake recipe?
Strong brewed coffee is used to enhance and deepen the flavor of the chocolate without making the cake taste like coffee.
How long should I beat the cake batter?
Beat the batter at medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until it is smooth.
How long do the cake layers bake?
Bake the layers for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How do I create six layers from three cakes?
Once the three 9-inch cakes are completely cool, carefully slice each layer horizontally in half.
What is used as the filling for the cake?
The filling is a Dreamy Chocolate Mousse, which is spread between each of the six cake layers.
How much mousse goes on each layer?
Spread approximately one-fifth of the prepared chocolate mousse on top of each layer during assembly.
Why does the cake need to be frozen during assembly?
Freezing the assembled cake for one hour helps set the mousse and cake layers, making it easier to frost.
What ingredients are in the Chocolate Fudge Frosting?
The frosting is made with sugar, heavy whipping cream, unsweetened chocolate squares, butter, and confectioners' sugar.
How long do I cook the frosting base?
Bring the sugar and heavy cream to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes while stirring frequently.
What type of chocolate is used for the frosting?
The recipe calls for five 1-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate, chopped.
When should I add the butter to the frosting?
Add the butter and chopped chocolate after removing the cream mixture from the heat.
How do I make the frosting smooth and spreadable?
After the frosting cools for 10 minutes, whisk in the sifted confectioners' sugar until the texture is smooth.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably sifted, for the best texture and flavor.
Is there gelatin in this recipe?
Yes, the ingredients list unflavored gelatin which is used to help stabilize the chocolate mousse.
How do I garnish the cake?
You can garnish the sides with grated chocolate and the top with chocolate curls.
What is the serving size for this cake?
While not specified, a six-layer 9-inch cake typically serves 12 to 16 people depending on slice size.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its neutral flavor, but other neutral oils like canola may be used.
What type of milk is best for this cake?
Whole milk is recommended for the richest texture in the cake batter.
How should I store the finished cake?
Due to the mousse and cream-based frosting, the cake should be stored in the refrigerator.
Is this cake suitable for a birthday?
Yes, its indulgent nature and impressive six-layer height make it perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Can I make the mousse from scratch?
The recipe suggests a mix or a specific 'Dreamy Chocolate Mousse' preparation, but a homemade stable mousse can also be used.
What size should the chocolate squares be?
The recipe specifies using five 1-ounce squares of unsweetened chocolate.