Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your chocolate cravings, these Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes are a perfect choice. Made with bittersweet chocolate, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of Grand Marnier, this treat strikes the ideal balance between a rich mousse and a delicate cake. Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or just a special occasion, these cakes are not only delicious but also a joy to prepare and serve.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
- Dietary Preferences: Suitable for those avoiding certain allergens (detailed below)
Ingredients
This recipe is designed to serve 12 people, with each individual mousse cake offering a luxurious and satisfying portion of rich chocolatey goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable treats:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bittersweet chocolate | 14 ounces |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/4 teaspoons |
| Grand Marnier (or orange liqueur) | 1 tablespoon |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Golden brown sugar | 6 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (for greasing) | 1 tablespoon |
| All-purpose flour (for dusting) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information
These Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes offer a rich, satisfying dessert experience, while still being mindful of nutritional balance. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145.6 kcal |
| Fat Content | 11.7 grams |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.5 grams |
| Cholesterol Content | 139.7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 46.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.9 grams |
| Fiber Content | 0.1 grams |
| Sugar Content | 6 grams |
| Protein Content | 3.7 grams |
Special Diets
- Free From: Gluten, as this recipe uses no flour other than what is used for greasing the cups.
- Cooking Method: Baked in the oven, making it an ideal recipe when you need a dessert that’s baked but easy to assemble in a short amount of time.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these irresistible individual chocolate mousse cakes. With a bit of precision and patience, you’ll create a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure your cakes cook evenly and set perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Custard Cups
Take 12 (3/4-cup) custard cups or ramekins and lightly butter them with 1 tablespoon of butter. Dust each with a thin layer of 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sticking. You want the cakes to slide out easily when ready to serve.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, place 14 ounces of bittersweet chocolate and set it over a pot of simmering water (creating a double boiler). Stir the chocolate occasionally until it’s completely melted and smooth. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let the chocolate cool to lukewarm, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Beat the Cream
While the chocolate is cooling, take a medium bowl and use a hand mixer to beat 1/2 cup of heavy cream with 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until soft peaks form. Once the peaks form, add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier (or another orange liqueur of your choice) and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream mixture aside.
Step 5: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a separate, large bowl, use your mixer to beat 1 large egg and 6 tablespoons of golden brown sugar until the mixture is very light and fluffy, about 5 to 6 minutes. This will incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light texture for your cakes.
Step 6: Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture
Gradually fold the cooled chocolate into the egg mixture. This step ensures the chocolate is evenly incorporated without deflating the batter. Gently fold everything together until smooth.
Step 7: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Next, gently fold in the whipped cream mixture with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to maintain the airiness and lightness of the whipped cream while blending it seamlessly into the chocolate mixture.
Step 8: Fill the Custard Cups
Evenly divide the mousse cake batter between the prepared custard cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This should leave a little room for the cakes to rise while baking.
Step 9: Bake in a Water Bath
Place the filled custard cups into a large roasting pan. Add hot water to the pan, making sure it comes halfway up the sides of the custard cups. This water bath ensures even baking, preventing the cakes from drying out and allowing them to set perfectly.
Step 10: Bake the Cakes
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until the tops look dry and slightly cracked. The center should still be slightly soft. This baking time is key to getting that perfect balance between mousse and cake.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the custard cups from the roasting pan and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow the cakes to cool completely. After cooling, carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen them from the cups. Invert the cups onto serving plates and gently lift them off.
Step 12: Garnish and Enjoy
To finish, serve each mousse cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flair. These Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes are best enjoyed immediately, but can also be chilled for a richer, more intense flavor.
Tips for Success
- Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor. A chocolate with 70% cocoa content will give your mousse cake a rich and intense chocolate flavor.
- Whipping Cream: Make sure the cream is cold when you whip it. This helps achieve stiff peaks and adds a creamy texture to your mousse.
- Water Bath: Always ensure the water is hot when you place the cups into the roasting pan. This step helps prevent the cakes from drying out or overbaking.
- Serving Ideas: These cakes are divine on their own but can be paired with fresh berries, raspberry coulis, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Conclusion
These Individual Chocolate Mousse Cakes are an exceptional dessert, blending the elegance of mousse with the indulgence of cake. With just a few simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, you’ll have a dessert that not only tastes divine but is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or as a special treat for yourself, these cakes are guaranteed to be a hit.
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