Description
This Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with a light and airy raspberry mousse, topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat, it balances deep chocolate flavors with fresh, tart raspberries in a stunning presentation.
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) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t 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 flavor.
- 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, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to incorporate them fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes 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 layering.
- Prepare raspberry puree: Puree the fresh raspberries with granulated sugar in a blender, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, creating a smooth puree.
- Make the mousse: Whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the melted and cooled dark chocolate followed by the raspberry puree until evenly combined.
- Set the mousse: Refrigerate the mousse for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to spread.
- Slice the cake: Once cooled, carefully slice the cake horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife.
- Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a serving plate, spread half the raspberry mousse evenly over it, then top with the second layer and spread the remaining mousse on top.
- Chill the assembled cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set fully.
- Make the ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just boiling, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Finish the cake: Drizzle the ganache over the chilled cake evenly, allowing it to cascade down the sides, then garnish with extra fresh raspberries if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Handle the raspberry mousse gently to maintain its airy texture.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor in the mousse and ganache.
- Strain the raspberry puree thoroughly to avoid seeds in the mousse.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for convenience.
- Let the cake reach room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate cake, raspberry mousse cake, chocolate mousse cake, dessert, layered cake, chocolate raspberry dessert
