Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake
Category: Desserts | Serves: 8
This luscious chocolate mousse cake is a true indulgence, with a rich, velvety mousse layer atop a delightful chocolate crumble base. Perfect for any special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The combination of dark chocolate, apricot jam, and a creamy mousse creates a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 100g |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 135g |
| Powdered sugar | 50g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 20g |
| Dark chocolate (75% cocoa) | 90g |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Vegetable oil | 20g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 200g |
| Water | 35g |
| Heavy cream | 160g |
| Dark chocolate (65% cocoa) | 140g |
| Gelatin sheets | 6g |
| Apricot jam | 150g |
| Heavy cream (for topping) | 125g |
| Powdered sugar (for topping) | 25g |
| Dark chocolate (for garnish) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crumble Base
- Start by preparing the crumble for the cake base. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar, mixing them until smooth.
- Add in the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder, and continue mixing until you get a soft, homogenous dough. Use your hands to knead the mixture for a minute or two, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Transfer the dough to a 22 cm round tart pan lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to flatten and press the mixture evenly across the base of the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until it slightly firms up and turns golden. Once baked, remove from the oven and crumble the base into small pieces. Let it cool in a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate and Oil Mixture
- In a separate small bowl, combine the crumbled base with vegetable oil and melted dark chocolate (75% cocoa). Stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Press the mixture into the same tart pan, creating a firm base. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, allowing it to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Mousse
- To begin making the chocolate mousse, you’ll first need to pasteurize the eggs. In a small saucepan, combine 100g of sugar and 35g of water. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the temperature reaches 121°C (250°F). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature carefully.
- While the syrup heats up, break the eggs into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat them at medium speed until they start to thicken, then gradually add the remaining 100g of sugar. Continue beating until the mixture cools to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water to soften them. Chop the 65% dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Heat the 160g of heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it begins to warm. Once the cream is heated, remove it from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until the chocolate completely melts and combines with the cream. Allow the ganache to cool slightly.
- Once the ganache is at a comfortable temperature, gently fold in the whipped egg mixture in three stages, mixing from the bottom up to keep the mousse light and airy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Retrieve the tart pan from the fridge and spread a thin layer of apricot jam (sieved) over the crumble base. The jam will add a sweet contrast to the richness of the mousse.
- Gently pour the prepared mousse over the jam-covered base. Use a spatula to smooth and level the surface.
- Cover with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s in direct contact with the mousse to prevent it from forming a skin. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to allow the mousse to fully set.
Step 5: Final Touches
- After the mousse has set, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the 125g of heavy cream and powdered sugar until it reaches soft peaks.
- Once the mousse cake has fully chilled and set, remove it from the fridge and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the mousse, spreading it evenly to create a smooth, creamy layer on top.
- Garnish with grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings for an added touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent chocolate mousse cake is perfect for any special occasion, from birthdays to dinner parties. The layers of chocolate crumble, creamy mousse, and delicate whipped cream come together to create an unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy each bite with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for the ultimate indulgence.
Notes:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, you can use a higher percentage of dark chocolate for both the mousse and crumble layers.
- This cake can be made a day in advance, as it needs several hours to set, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry for a variation in flavor.
Enjoy your creation!
