Mocha Mousse Cake

Recipe Ingredients

This Mocha Mousse Cake recipe is a mocha lover’s dream. Below are the ingredients needed to make this ultra-chocolatey cake.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: Provides the base structure and chocolate flavor for the cake layers.

Coffee-Flavored Liqueur (or Cold Brewed Coffee): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a mocha element, adding depth and complexity.

Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and binding to the cake, contributing to its texture and stability.

Whipping Cream: Creates a light and airy texture when whipped, forming the base of the mousse and whipped topping.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the mousse and helps stabilize the whipped cream.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provides the primary chocolate flavor and richness to the mousse.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps stabilize the whipped cream, creating a smooth consistency.

Dutch Processed Unsweetened Baking Cocoa: Adds chocolate flavor and color to the topping. Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic, providing a smoother, richer chocolate taste.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Water, vegetable oil, vanilla

How to Make Mocha Mousse Cake

Here are the key steps to make this perfect Mocha Mousse Cake.  The recipe below gives the full details.

1. Prepare the Cake Batter and Pans

Generously grease and lightly flour the bottoms and sides of your pans to ensure the cakes release effortlessly after baking. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake ingredients, starting with a low speed to prevent any dry ingredients from creating a cloud. Gradually increase the speed and mix until everything is combined, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure a uniform batter.

 2. Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Carefully pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, which helps them set and become easier to handle. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen them before inverting them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

3. Craft the Mocha Mousse Base

In a saucepan, combine all the mousse ingredients except the chocolate chips. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent the sugar from scorching, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth. Add your vanilla extract, then pour it into a large bowl to cool to room temperature which ensures it won't melt the delicate whipped cream in the next step.

4. Create the Light and Airy Mousse

In a chilled bowl, whip the remaining 1/2 cup cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this into the cooled chocolate mixture, being careful to preserve the air and create a light, airy mousse. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Whipped Cream Topping

In another chilled bowl, whip the topping ingredients until soft peaks form.  

6. Assemble the Cake

Trim the rounded top of one cake layer to create a flat surface. Slice each cake layer horizontally, using toothpicks as a guide for even layers. Place the first layer, cut-side up, on a serving plate to allow the mousse to soak into the cake. Spread with one-third of the mocha mousse and repeat with the second and third layers. Top with the fourth layer, cut-side down. Finally, frost the entire cake with the chocolate whipped cream topping and chill for at least an hour, allowing the filling and topping to set.

Storage

To maintain the Mocha Mousse Cake's delightful flavor and texture, follow these storage instructions.

Refrigerator 

This cake must be stored in the refrigerator due to its mousse and whipped cream components. Cover the cake with plastic wrap, tented with toothpicks, or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator. The cake can be stored for up to 5 days, but the texture of the cake layers may become slightly softer over time. The whipped cream topping may also begin to lose some of its structure. When ready to serve, remove the cake from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to soften slightly, making it easier to cut.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended for this cake because the mousse and whipped cream topping can change texture and become watery upon thawing. The cake layers may also become denser.