Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake Recipe
This decadent Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake with a light and airy raspberry mousse, topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert treat.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Prepare cake pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- 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 and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, to incorporate air for a tender cake crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can lead to a dense cake.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.
- Make raspberry puree: Puree the fresh raspberries with sugar in a blender, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, creating a smooth puree.
- Prepare mousse: Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold in melted dark chocolate and the strained raspberry puree, mixing carefully to keep the mousse light.
- Chill mousse: Refrigerate the raspberry mousse for about 30 minutes to help it set and develop structure for layering.
- Slice the cake: Once completely cooled, slice the cake horizontally into two layers using a long serrated knife.
- Assemble layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the raspberry mousse evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining mousse on top.
- Chill the assembled cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse layers to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Make ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just boiling, pour over the chopped dark chocolate, and let sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the prepared ganache over the chilled cake. Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the dark chocolate for the mousse is melted and cooled slightly to prevent curdling the whipped cream.
- Straining the raspberry puree removes seeds for a smoother mousse texture.
- Chilling the mousse before layering helps it set and makes assembly easier.
- Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the cake without crumbling.
- Ganache can be made ahead and gently reheated if necessary before drizzling.
- Store the finished cake in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Dark chocolate cake, raspberry mousse, chocolate ganache, layered cake, dessert, chocolate raspberry cake