Description
Indulge in this luscious Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavor with tart, fresh raspberries. Featuring a moist cocoa cake layered with creamy raspberry mousse and topped with a silky dark chocolate ganache, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or a decadent treat any day.
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
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
- Prepare cake pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well blended, then mix in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined to keep the batter tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it’s ready for layering.
- Prepare raspberry mousse: Puree fresh raspberries with sugar using a blender, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Whip cream and fold in ingredients: Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted and cooled dark chocolate, followed by the raspberry puree to create a smooth mousse.
- Set mousse: Refrigerate the mousse for about 30 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, making it easier to spread.
- Slice cake layers: Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife.
- Assemble cake: 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 assembled cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to let the mousse set firmly between the layers.
- Make ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil, then pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze cake: Drizzle the dark chocolate ganache over the chilled cake for an elegant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Straining the raspberry puree removes seeds for a smoother mousse texture.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake layers cleanly without crumbling.
- Refrigerate the mousse and assembled cake adequately to help them set well before serving.
- Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich and balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dark chocolate mousse cake, raspberry mousse cake, chocolate raspberry dessert, layered mousse cake, chocolate ganache cake
