Best Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipes

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Grated chocolate, cookie crumbs or chopped nuts for coating the sides of cake, if desired
• Cake:
• Lightly coat the insides of 3 9 by 1 1/2-inch cake pans with melted butter. Line each pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat the parchment paper with more melted butter. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place remaining butter and 8 ounces semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap. Allow to heat for 10 to 12 minutes. remove from the heat, stir until smooth, and hold at room temperature.
• Place the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on high until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high for an additional 2 minutes.
• While the egg yolks are beating, whisk 4 egg whites in a large stainless steel bowl until stiff, but not dry, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolk mixture. Add a quarter of the beaten egg whites and stir to incorporate, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading evenly, and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. (During baking, the surface of the cakes will form a crust; this crust will normally collapse when the cakes are removed from the oven.) Invert the cakes onto cake circles, remove the parchment paper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Filling:
• To prepare the dark chocolate cream, heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place the semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap and allow to heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a stainless steel bowl and set aside until needed. Place heavy cream and sugar in the well-chilled bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a well-chilled balloon whip. Whisk on high until stiff peaks form, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a hand whisk to combine 1/4 of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until smooth and completely incorporated. Add the combined whipped cream and chocolate to the remaining whipped cream and use a rubber spatula to fold together.
• Ganache:
• Heat the heavy cream and the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Place the semisweet chocolate in a 3-quart stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Chill 1 cup of ganache for at least 1 hour. Remaining ganache should be at room temperature
• To assemble cake:
• Arrange one of the cake layers in a 9-inch springform pan, evenly spread half the filling over the cake and top with the second layer. Add remaining filling and top with the remaining cake layer. Chill 2 hours. Transfer chilled cup of ganache to pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Remove cake from springform pan and coat sides and top with room temperature ganache. Using chilled ganache, decoratively pipe stars on top of cake. If desired, coat sides of cake with grated chocolate, cookie crumbs of chopped nuts.

LEMON RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for two 9 inch round pans. Cool cakes completely, then split each in half to make 4 layers.
• To make Raspberry Filling: In a blender or food processor, puree raspberries. In a saucepan, heat pureed raspberries until boiling. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir into raspberries. cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside to cool.
• To make White Chocolate Mousse: In the top of a double boiler, heat white chocolate with 1 cup of the cream, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm. Whip the remaining 2 cups cream until soft peaks form. Stir in the vanilla. Fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture, then quickly fold in the remaining whipped cream. Do not over-mix, or the mousse will become grainy.
• Place 1 cake layer on serving plate and spread with white chocolate mousse. Place the next layer on top and spread with raspberry filling. Repeat next layer of cake with mousse. Cover with the final layer of cake. Frost top and sides with mousse. Pipe a border with remaining mousse. Garnish with fresh berries.

LAYERED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the brownie: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk, butter, vanilla and egg until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Unclasp the pan, remove the outer ring and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the ring with a 2 1/2-inch-wide parchment strip, making sure that it sits tightly and smoothly along the sides. Re-clasp the ring to the bottom of the pan with the cake in it.
• For the mousse: Roughly chop 4 tablespoons of the butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder until smooth; set aside. Chop the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.
• Add 1/4 cup of the heavy cream to a small microwave-safe bowl and stir in the gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the gelatin is dissolved, about 1 minute. Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and add the sugar, vanilla and remaining 3 3/4 cups heavy cream. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide the whipped cream mixture between 2 large bowls. Fold one bowl of the cocoa powder-butter mixture into each batch of whipped cream mixture and stir until no streaks remain (one bowl will contain dark chocolate mousse and the other will contain light chocolate mousse).
• Spread the dark chocolate mousse on top of the brownie in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Spread the light chocolate mousse on top of the dark chocolate mousse and use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Refrigerate until the mousse is set, 3 hours and up to overnight.
• For the ganache: Bring the heavy cream and butter to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the semisweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
• Unclasp the springform pan and remove the parchment paper from the sides of the cake. Use a hot, dry offset spatula to smooth out the sides. Set a rack in a rimmed baking sheet and put the cake on top of the rack. Pour the ganache over the cake and let it drip down over the sides so the entire cake is covered. Swipe once across the top with a clean, large offset spatula to create a smooth top. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
• Hold a stencil or other tool with holes (such as a doily or a cooling rack) over the cake (do not lay it on the ganache; it will stick) and dust with more cocoa powder to create a decorative pattern. Serve immediately.

RASPBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the white chocolate mousse:
• In a bowl whisk together well the yolks, the sugar, and a pinch of salt, add the cornstarch, sifted, and whisk the mixture until it is just combined. Add the milk, scalded, in a stream, whisking, transfer the mixture to a heavy saucepan, and boil it, whisking, for 1 minute, or until it is very thick and smooth. Strain the pastry cream through a fine sieve into a bowl, stir in vanilla and the butter, and chill the pastry cream, its surface covered with plastic wrap, until it is cooled completely. In a metal bowl set over barely simmering water melt the white chocolate, stirring occasionally, and let it cool to lukewarm. In a large bowl whisk together the white chocolate and 1 cup of the pastry cream, reserving the remaining pastry cream for the raspberry mousse, until the mixture is combined well. In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks, whisk one fourth of it into the white chocolate mixture, and fold in the remaining whipped cream gently but thoroughly.
• Line the sides of an oiled 9 1/2-inch springform pan as smoothly as possible with pieces of plastic wrap (the plastic wrap prevents the filling from discoloring and makes unmolding the cake easier), letting the excess hang over the side, and put an 8-inch cardboard round in the bottom of the pan. Invert the top layer of the génoise onto the round, brush the cake with some of the framboise, and spread it evenly with half the white chocolate mousse (about 2 cups). Invert the middle layer of the génoise onto the mousse, brush it with some of the remaining framboise, and chill the cake and the remaining white chocolate mousse while preparing the raspberry mousse.
• Make the raspberry mousse:
• In a blender or food processor purée the raspberries with the reserved syrup and strain the purée through a fine sieve set over a metal bowl, pressing hard on the solids. In a small saucepan sprinkle the gelatin over the framboise and let it soften for 1 minute. Heat the mixture over moderately low heat, stirring, until the gelatin is dissolved and whisk it into the purée. Whisk the reserved pastry cream into the raspberry mixture, whisking until it is smooth, set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water, and whisk the mixture until it is the consistency of raw egg white. Remove the bowl from the ice water and in a bowl with an electric mixer beat the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks. Whisk one fourth of the whipped cream into the raspberry mixture and fold in the remaining whipped cream gently but thoroughly.
• Spread about 1 cup of the raspberry mousse evenly over the middle layer of génoise in the pan, arrange some of the raspberries neatly around the edge of the pan, and continue to arrange the raspberries in concentric circles until the surface of the mousse is covered. Spread the remaining raspberry mousse over the raspberries, invert the third layer of génoise onto the mouse, and brush it with the remaining framboise. Spread the remaining white chocolate mousse over the génoise (the pan will be completely full) and chill the cake, its surface covered with a sheet of wax paper, for at least 6 hours or overnight. Remove the side of the pan, peel the plastic wrap carefully from the side of the cake, and transfer the cake with a spatula to a serving plate.
• Garnish the cake:
• Arrange some of the raspberries around the top edge of the cake, mound the white chocolate curls in the center, and garnish the bottom edge of the cake with the remaining raspberries and the mint sprigs.
• Make the white chocolate génoise:
• Line the bottom of a greased 8 1/2-inch springform pan with wax paper, grease the paper, and dust the pan with flour, knocking out the excess. In a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water melt the white chocolate with the butter, the vanilla, and 3 tablespoons water, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool. Into a bowl sift together the flour and the salt. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat the eggs with the sugar on high speed for 5 minutes, or until the mixture is triple in volume and forms a ribbon when the beaters are lifted. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture until the batter is just combined and fold in the white chocolate mixture gently but thoroughly. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the top, and bake the cake in the middle of a preheated 350°F. oven for 25 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a rack, run a sharp knife around the edge, and remove the side of the pan. Invert the cake onto another rack and remove the wax paper. Reinvert the cake onto the rack and let it cool completely.

STRAWBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Crush the biscuits with a rolling pin to fine crumbs, add the melted butter and mix well. Tip the mix into a 20cm lined, loose-bottomed cake tin, smooth with the back of a spoon and put in the fridge for 30 mins.
• Melt 375g of the chocolate in a microwave or glass bowl set over a pan of simmering water, then allow to cool slightly.
• Take out 6 nice-looking strawberries and set aside. Blitz the remaining strawberries in a food processor until smooth, then add them to a bowl with the soft cheese and cream. Beat until really smooth and thick, then stir in the melted white chocolate. Pour on top of the biscuit base and smooth the top. Place in the fridge and chill overnight.
• Halve the reserved strawberries and place on top of the cheesecake. Melt the remaining 25g chocolate and drizzle over the top, then keep chilled until ready to serve.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE IV

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for two 9-inch layers. Cool and remove from pans.
• In a large bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk and melted chocolate. Gradually stir in the water, then instant pudding until smooth. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Remove the chocolate mixture from the refrigerator, and stir to loosen. Fold in whipped cream and return to the refrigerator for at least another hour.
• Place one layer of cake onto a serving plate. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the mousse, then cover with the remaining cake layer. Frost with the remaining mousse, and refrigerate until serving. Garnish with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings.

FROZEN WHITE CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325.
• Butter a 9-inch spring form pan with 2-3/4 inch high sides.
• Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press mixture evenly over bottom and 1 inch up sides of pan.
• Bake 6 minutes and cool on rack.
• Bring 1/2-cup cream to boil in medium saucepan and reduce heat to low.
• Add white chocolate and stir until smooth.
• Pour mixture into large bowl mix in liqueur and vanilla.
• Cool completely.
• Bring sugar and water to a boil in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves; boil until it reaches 238 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gradually beat in boiling syrup.
• Continue beating until stiff peaks form and meringue is cool.
• Fold egg whites into white chocolate mixture in 2 additions.
• Beat 1-1/2 cups cream in large bowl to soft peaks then fold into other mixture.
• Pour into prepared crust, cover tightly with foil and freeze for at least 5 hours.
• Remove cake from freezer and run a knife around the sides of the pan to loosen the cake.
• Release pan sides and cover the top with raspberries.
• Cut and serve.

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix crumbs and butter to blend thoroughly. Press evenly onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Arrange strawberry halves around the pan side-by-side, pointed ends up, with cut sides against the side of pan; set aside.
• Place chocolate chips in blender container. Pour water and corn syrup into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Immediately pour over chocolate chips and blend until smooth. Pour into a mixing bowl and cool to room temperature.
• While chocolate cools, whip 1 1/2 cups of the cream to form stiff peaks. Use a rubber spatula or large whisk to fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until mixture is thoroughly blended. Transfer the mousse into the prepared pan and smooth the top. The points of the strawberries might extend about the chocolate mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
• Up to 2 hours before serving, in a medium mixing bowl, beat remaining 1/2 cup of cream to form soft peaks. Add sugar. Beat to form stiff peaks. Remove the side of the springform pan and place the cake on a serving plate. Pipe or dollop whipped cream onto top of cake. Arrange remaining halved strawberries on whipped cream. To serve, cut into wedges with thin knife, wiping blade between cuts.

CHOCOLATE-GLAZED HAZELNUT MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make shortbread base:
• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Invert bottom of springform pan (to make it easier to slide shortbread base off bottom), then lock on side of pan and line bottom with a round of parchment paper.
• Pulse hazelnuts with sugar in a food processor until nuts are finely chopped. Add flour, butter, cocoa, and salt and pulse just until a dough forms.
• Press dough evenly onto bottom of springform pan with your fingers. Prick all over with a fork, then bake until just dry to the touch, about 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer base in pan to a rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Remove side of pan and carefully slide out parchment from under shortbread, then reattach side of pan around shortbread base.
• Make mousse while shortbread cools:
• Sprinkle gelatin over water in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan and let stand until softened, about 5 minutes. Heat gelatin mixture over low heat, stirring, just until gelatin is melted, about 2 minutes. Whisk in chocolate hazelnut spread until combined and remove from heat.
• Whisk together mascarpone and chocolate hazelnut mixture in a large bowl. Beat together cream, cocoa powder, and sugar in another large bowl with an electric mixer at low speed until just combined, then increase speed to high and beat until cream just holds soft peaks. Whisk one third of whipped cream into mascarpone mixture to lighten, then fold in remaining whipped cream until well combined. Spoon filling onto shortbread base in pan, gently smoothing top, then chill, covered, at least 3 hours.
• Make ganache and glaze cake:
• Bring cream to a simmer in a small heavy saucepan and remove from heat. Add chocolate and let stand 1 minute, then gently whisk until completely melted and smooth. Transfer ganache to a small bowl and cool, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened but still pourable, about 20 minutes.
• Run a warm thin knife around inside of springform pan, then remove side. Slide cake off bottom of pan and transfer to a serving plate. Pour ganache onto top of cake and spread, allowing excess ganache to drip down sides.

3-LAYER FUDGE CAKE WITH WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FILLING

Steps:

• Make cake:
• 1- Preheat oven to 325 °F.
• 2- Butter and flour three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 ½-inch-high sides.
• 3- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl to blend.
• 4- Place cocoa in medium bowl; whisk in 1 2/3 cups boiling water. Cool cocoa mixture to room temperature, whisking occasionally.
• 5- Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar, then vanilla. Beat in eggs 1 at a time.
• 6- At low speed, beat in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with cocoa mixture in 2 additions.
• 7- Divide batter equally among prepared pans. Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes. Cut around cakes to loosen. Turn out onto racks/plates lined w/ wax paper so they don't stick. Cool completely.
• Make peppermint mousse:
• 1- Combine white chocolate, ¾ cup whipping cream, and sour cream in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat just until chocolate is melted and smooth.
• 2- Transfer white chocolate mixture to large bowl; cool to barely lukewarm, whisking occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• 3- Mix in candies.
• 4- Beat remaining 1 cup cream in medium bowl to soft peaks. Fold cream into barely lukewarm white chocolate mixture in 4 additions.
• 5- Chill mousse until beginning to set, about 2 hours.
• 6- Place 1 cake layer on cardboard round or cake tray. Spread half of mousse over top of cake. Top with second cake layer, remaining mousse, and third cake layer. Chill assembled cake until mousse is cold & set, about 3 hours (can be made a day ahead).
• Make ganache:
• 1- Bring cream to simmer in heavy large saucepan.
• 2- Remove from heat. Add semisweet chocolate; whisk until melted & smooth.
• 3- Cool ganache until thick but still pourable, about 45 minutes.
• 4- Place cake on rack or baking sheet. Pour ganache over cake, spreading with metal spatula to cover sides evenly.
• 5- Chill cake till ganache sets, at least 30 minutes & up to 1 day.

GHIRARDELLI® CHOCOLATE AND ORANGE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch spring form pan and line with parchment paper.
• In a large microwaveable bowl melt 1 cup chocolate chips and butter together. You can do this over a pot of simmering water (bain marie) or gently in the microwave.
• When the chocolate has cooled, whisk in sugar then add 6 egg yolks, one at a time. Add in the vanilla extract.
• Sift cocoa and salt over chocolate mixture and whisk to combine.
• In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer) beat 6 egg whites at medium high speed until peaks form and it becomes stiff.
• Gently fold in a large spoon full of the egg whites to the chocolate mix. This is called "introducing." It will loosen up the chocolate mixture. Then follow with the rest of the egg whites. Gently folding, taking care to maintain the bubbles in the eggs.
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until it is just set. Take care not to overbake or it won't be as moist. Cool the cake in the tin until totally cold. The cake will naturally fall in the center but that is normal.
• Cover the cake and set it aside until ready to decorate. This cake is best made the day before.
• For the Chocolate Mousse: Put 3/4 cup chocolate chips, butter and orange zest in a heatproof bowl and place over a pot of simmering water (bain marie) to melt. Gently stir until melted. Remove from the heat and cool.
• Whisk 3 egg whites in a large clean bowl until stiff peaks form.
• Whisk 3 egg yolks into the chocolate mix until combined.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mix. Start by folding in one spoonful to loosen the mix, then fold in the rest until fully incorporated.
• Place the mousse in the refrigerator to set overnight or a minimum of 10 hours.
• The next day, spoon the mousse over the cold cake. The cake naturally falls during baking, which creates a nice crater for the mousse.
• Once the mousse is on top of the cake, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Optional: decorate the cake with colorful fruit on top.

ORANGE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE MIRROR CAKE

Steps:

• Mix crushed cookies, orange zest and butter; press onto bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Set aside. , In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over orange juice; let stand 1 minute. Stir over low heat until gelatin is dissolved. Set aside. , For filling, melt chocolate with 1/2 cup cream in microwave; stir until smooth. Cool slightly; stir in dissolved gelatin. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and cocoa until smooth. Gradually add chocolate mixture and orange zest; mix well. In another bowl, beat remaining cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into cream cheese mixture. Spoon over crust. Refrigerate, covered, until set, about 4 hours. Freeze, covered, overnight., For glaze, sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup water in a small bowl; set aside (mixture will solidify). Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine sugar, milk and remaining water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Add baking chips; stir with a whisk until melted. Stir in food coloring; mix well. Cool glaze, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 90°, about 40 minutes. , Place cake on an inverted 9-in. pie plate in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. pan. Remove the sides of the springform. Pour cooled glaze over frozen cake, allowing excess to drip off. Let glaze set 15 minutes before removing drips from bottom edge of cake. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

DARK CHOCOLATE MOCHA MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Butter a metal 8-inch square cake pan. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper; lightly butter the parchment. Combine the cocoa and espresso powders in a medium bowl. Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the milk is steaming and the butter melts. Whisk into the cocoa mixture; let cool to room temperature.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until very pale, thick and pillowy, 5 to 8 minutes. Beat 30 to 45 more seconds to stabilize the egg foam.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the cocoa mixture in 2 additions, alternating with the flour mixture in 2 additions. Beat just until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.
• Pour the batter into the cake pan and gently tap against the counter to eliminate any air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out the cake onto a rack. Peel off the parchment but let it rest gently on top of the cake while it cools completely. Wipe the cake pan clean and reserve.
• Make the ganache: Combine 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan. Gently cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until melted and smooth. Let cool.
• Make the mousse: Combine the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and 4 ounces chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and the gelatin powder in a small microwave- safe bowl. Let stand until the gelatin absorbs the liquid, about 5 minutes, then microwave until melted, 20 to 30 seconds, whisking. Let cool, stirring occasionally.
• Combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, the sugar and espresso powder in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium speed to dissolve the sugar, about 1 minute. Stream in the cooled gelatin mixture, then increase the speed to medium high and beat until the mixture is thick and stiff peaks form. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture in 2 or 3 batches until the mousse is well blended.
• Assemble the cake: Line the reserved cake pan with 2 crisscrossed strips of parchment paper (this will help you lift out the finished cake). Carefully slice the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers. Lay the best layer cut-side up in the bottom of the pan and brush with some of the chocolate liqueur, if using. (Use a plate or small cutting board to move the layers; if your top cake layer is domed, use it for the middle of the cake.) Evenly spread half of the mousse on top with an offset spatula, all the way to the edges. Top with a second cake layer. Brush again with chocolate liqueur, then spread half of the ganache evenly on top. Add the final cake layer, cut-side up, and brush with the remaining liqueur. Top with the remaining mousse and ganache. (The assembled cake should fill the pan.)
• Refrigerate the cake until the top is set, about 30 minutes, then wrap the whole cake pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to set completely.
• Lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment pieces and transfer to a cutting board. Using a hot, dry serrated knife, slice the cake, wiping the knife in between cuts for clean edges.

DECADENT DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F Butter a 9-inch round cake pan. Dust the pan with flour and tap out the excess.
• Whisk together the flour and cocoa powder in a medium bowl; set aside.
• Fill a pot one-third full with water and bring to a simmer. Combine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch. Transfer the bowl to the mixer stand and, using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture triples in volume and forms a thick ribbon when the whisk is lifted, about 8 minutes. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour mixture. Fold in the melted butter. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
• Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it has pulled away from the side of the pan and the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Unmold the cake on a rack and cool completely, right side up.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, beat 2 1/2 cups of the heavy cream to soft peaks. Scrape half of the whipped cream into a medium bowl. Cover both bowls and refrigerate.
• Place the dark chocolate in a large bowls. Bring the remaining 1 cup cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate and set aside till it melts. Once it's nearly melted start gently the mixture until smooth.
• Let the chocolate mixtures cool for 10 minutes, then fold the chocolate into the remaining whipped cream.
• Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar, then mix in the Raspberry Liqueur. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
• Using a serrated knife, slice the cake horizontally in half. Cup a strip of parchment paper to line the inside of a 9x4-inch cake ring. Line the mold with the strip and place it on a serving plate. Place a 9-inch cardboard cake round in the bottom of the cake ring. Place the bottom cake round, cut side up, in the ring. Brush the cake generously with the Raspberry syrup. Scrape the dark chocolate mousse onto the cake and smooth it into an even layer. Top with the second cake round, cut side down. Brush the cake generously with Raspberry syrup. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
• To unmold the cake, lift it off the plate, holding it with your palm against the cardboard round. Using a hairdryer or warm damp towel, briefly warm the cake ring mold. Lift off the ring mold and peel off the parchment strip. Allow the cake to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

LISA'S WHITE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Grease and flour 2 round 8" pans.
• Beat flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl on low speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, for about 30 seconds.
• Then, beat on high speed for about 2 minutes.
• Add egg whites; beat on high speed 2 minutes longer.
• Fold in white chocolate.
• Pour into pans.
• Bake until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean- 30 to 35 minutes.
• Allow cakes to cool completely, and then carefully slice each in half, lengthwise.
• For the Mousse (I recommend making the night before): Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler. Set aside.
• Puree fresh strawberries.
• Place the berries in a small saucepan, add the preserves, and cook over medium heat (stirring constantly) until thickened, or just before boiling.
• Remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly.
• Fold into melted chocolate.
• Allow the strawberry chocolate mixture to cool until tepid.
• Then gently fold in whipped cream, followed by gently folding in egg whites.
• Cover and refrigerate 8 hours.
• For the Icing: In a medium saucepan, combine melted chocolate and flour.
• Blend in milk, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick (about the consistency of melted chocolate alone).
• Cool completely.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter and vanilla.
• Beat until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add completely cooled chocolate mixture.
• Beat until well blended, but DO NOT over beat, or it will become runny.
• To Assemble Cake: Spread set mousse between layers of cake (there will be three layers of mousse).
• Make sure not to have any mousse leaking out of the sides, or it will make icing the cake difficult.
• After the mousse is between the layers, put the cake in the freezer.
• In the meantime, melt the 3 ounces of chocolate.
• Arrange the thinly sliced strawberries on a pan that has been covered with saran wrap.
• Drizzle the chocolate in thin ribbons, in all directions over the strawberries, until they are nicely covered (but not completely).
• Take the cake out of the freezer, and place the pan of strawberries in the freezer.
• Ice the cake generously with the white chocolate icing using a spatula, so it forms soft peaks all over the cake.
• Once the cake is completely iced, take the strawberries out of the freezer.
• Arrange them around the perimeter of the top of the cake, points inward, and around the bottom of the cake, points upward.
• Use five strawberries to form a "flower" in the middle of the cake, if desired.

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MOUSSE TRUFFLE CAKE, RASPBERRY-CASSIS SAUCE

Steps:

• MAKE THE CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM CAKE:.
• Preheat oven to 350ºF.
• Lightly butter the bottom and sides of two 9x2" round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper. Dust the sides of the pans with flour and tap out the excess.
• Sift together flour, baking soda and salt onto a piece of waxed paper.
• Place chocolate in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium(50%power)1 minute. Stir. Microwave 1 minute more or until chocolate softens.
• Stir until smooth. Let cool.
• Beat butter and shortening in mixing bowl until creamy, using electric mixer at medium speed.
• Add brown sugar.
• Continuing to beat, gradually add granulated sugar over a 4 minute period.
• Continue beating for another 1-2 minutes or until mixture is a light texture and off-white in color. Beat in vanilla.
• Beat eggs with fork until frothy. At medium speed while continuing to beat, slowly add beaten eggs to batter.
• Add sour cream aand beat until smooth. Beat in melted chocolate until blended. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula.
• At low speed, beat in flour mixture alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just blended. Mix batter for 10 more seconds.
• Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth top.
• Bake 35-40 minutes or until center springs back when gently pressed with a finger.
• Cool in pans on wire racks for 5 minutes.
• Run a thin-bladed knife around the edges of layers to loosen. Invert the cake layers onto wire racks.
• Peel off the paper circles and leave them loosely attached to the bottom of the cake layers. Reinvert the layers onto other racks so that they are right side up.
• Cool cake layers completely.
• MAKE THE RASPBERRY SYRUP:.
• Combine water and sugar in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Raise heat to medium-high and bring syrup to boil. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the raspberry brandy and Grand Marnier.
• Keep syrup covered until ready to assemble the cake.
• MAKE THE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY MOUSSE:.
• Put chocolate in food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade. Cover and process 30-45 second or until finely ground.
• Combine frozen raspberries and 1/3 cup sugar in a noncorrosive medium saucepan. Cook over medium-heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and raspberries soften.
• Press raspberry mixture through a fine meshed sieve into noncorrosive saucepan. Discard seeds. Cook raspberry pureé over medium-high heat until it reduces to 1/3 cup.
• Pour hot pureé over ground chocolate.
• Combine egg yolks, 3 tablespoons sugar and salt in small bowl. Whisk vigorously until well blended.
• Scald 3/4 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. While whisking constantly, temper egg yolk mixture into saucepan of hot cream.(To temper eggs; stir a little of the hot cream into eggs to warm "temper" them. The warmed eggs are then stirred into the remaining hot mixture. Tempering helps to prevent eggs from curdling).
• Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture starts to thicken. (Do not allow the custard to overcook or the custard will be grainy.).
• With the motor of the food processor running immediately pour the hot custard through the feed tube. Process for 15-25 seconds or until chocolate is completely melted.
• With a spatula, scrape down the side of bowl.
• Add raspberry brandy, Grand Marnier and vanilla. Process briefly until blended.
• Turn chocolate/raspberry mixture into large bowl.
• Whip remaining heavy cream in chilled bowl just until it starts to thicken and barely forms soft peaks, using electric mixer at high speed.(Do not overwhip cream or mousse will be grainy.).
• Using a rubber spatula gently fold one-third of whipped cream into chocolate/raspberry mixture to lighten it. Fold in remaining whipped cream.(Do not OVERFOLD the mousse.) Keep the mousse at room temperature while preparing cake layers.
• ASSEMBLE THE TRUFFLE CAKE:.
• Line the inside of 2 quart round glass bowl with plastic wrap. Remove paper circles from bottoms of cake layers. Using a long serrated knife, slice each cake layer in half horizantally.
• Trim one cake layer into 6-1/4" circle. Generously brush with some of the raspberry soaking syrup. Place the cake circle into the bottom of the prepared bowl. Spoon slightly less than half of the chocolate raspberry mousse over the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Trim a second cake layer into 7-1/2" circle and generously brush with soaking syrup. Place cake circle on top of the mousse and press it down gently. Cover with remaining mousse.
• Brush a third layer cake with remaining syrup and press it gently on top of the mousse.
• Wrap the bowl in plastic-wrap and chill the truffle cake overnight.(Reserve the leftover cake layer for another use. It may be frozen for up to 1 month.).
• MAKE THE RAPBERRY-CASSIS SAUCE:.
• Combine frozen raspberries, red currant jelly and sugar in noncorrosive medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is completely dissolved and the berries are soft. Do not let mixture boil.
• Strain raspberry mixture a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl. Discard seeds. Pour raspberry pureé back into noncorrosive medium saucepan.
• Put arrowroot in small cup. Slowly stir in water until mixture is smooth. Stir arrowroot paste into raspberry mixture.
• Cook raspberry mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to boil for 30-60 seconds or until sauce is translucent.
• Do not boil more than 1 minute or the sauce will become watery. Remove pan from heat. Cool sauce to room temperature and stir in Crème de Cassis, to taste. Transfer sauce to a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
• MAKE THE TRUFFLE FROSTING:.
• Put chocolate in food processor fitted with metal chopping blade. Process for 30-45 seconds or until finely ground.
• Heat cream, corn syrup and salt in small saucepan over medium heat to a gentle boil.
• Pour cream mixture over chocolate in food processor. Add vanilla. Let the mixture stand for 30 seconds to melt chocolate. Process briefly until mixture is smooth. Turn into a small bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap.
• Let mixture stand at room temperature for about 1 hour or until stiff enough to frost truffle cake.
• ASSEMBLE THE TRUFFLE CAKE:.
• Remove the plastic from the top of the truffle cake bowl. Invert bowl onto cake plate and remove bowl and plastic wrap from the top of the cake.
• Using a small metal cake spatula, cover the cake with an even layer of truffle frosting.
• Create decorative swirls in the frosting using the back of a soup spoon.
• Lightly dust the cake with cocoa powder.
• Store the truffle cake in refrigerator under a cake dome for up to 4 days.
• TO SERVE:.
• Spoon a pool of raspberry-cassis sauce onto a dessert plate. Lay a slice of cake on top of sauce. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

CHOCOLATE KAHLUA MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Place first 4 ingredients and 1/2 teaspoon salt in mixing bowl; add melted butter and mix at medium speed for one minute. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and pecans. Coat a 9 inch x 3 inch round spring form pan with cooking spray. Spread batter over bottom and place in preheated oven. Bake at 350 degrees 20-25 minutes or until done. Set aside to cool. Reserve half of one bar of the baking chocolate for making chocolate curl garnish. Break remaining chocolate into small pieces and melt in double boiler over hot, not boiling, water, stirring occasionally until smooth; remove from heat and set aside to cool. Sprinkle gelatin over Kahlua. Let stand 5 minutes or until gelatin is softened. Microwave on high, stirring in 10-second intervals, until gelatin is dissolved; cool. Place chilled whipping cream and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt in mixing bowl and beat at high speed until soft peaks form and cream does not move when bowl is tilted. Combine one cup of the whipped cream with 1 tablespoon superfine sugar; place in refrigerator for topping. To the remaining whipped cream, gently stir in cooled melted chocolate. Next, fold in the cooled Kahlua mixture; spread over cake in spring form pan. Refrigerate 2 hours or until set. Spread mousse layer with chilled cup of sweetened whipped cream. For chocolate curls, use a vegetable peeler to shave remaining chocolate into curls and arrange curls on top of cake. Remove sides of pan from bottom and keep chilled until serving time.

CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Lightly coat the insides of 3 (9 by 1 1/2-inch) cake pans with melted butter. Line each pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat the parchment with more melted butter. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place remaining butter and 8 ounces semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap. Allow to heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat, stir until smooth, and hold at room temperature.
• Place the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on high until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high for an additional 2 minutes.
• While the egg yolks are beating, whisk 4 egg whites in a large stainless steel bowl until stiff but not dry, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolk mixture. Add a quarter of the beaten egg whites and stir to incorporate, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading evenly, and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. (During baking, the surface of the cakes will form a crust; this crust will normally collapse when the cakes are removed from the oven.) Invert 1 of the cakes onto the bottom of a springform pan. Invert the other 2 cakes onto cake circles. Remove the parchment paper and refrigerate cakes for 30 minutes.
• To prepare the chocolate and strawberry mousse, reserve the 12 best-looking strawberries to decorate the top of the cake. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, puree 4 ounces of strawberries (12 medium-sized berries should yield 1/2 cup of puree). Set aside until needed. Refrigerate the remaining berries until needed (that includes the 12 berries for decoration) Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place 16 ounces semisweet chocolate, the white chocolate and the strawberry puree in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap. Allow to heat for 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Transfer to a stainless steel bowl, using a rubber spatula to remove all of the melted chocolate mixture. Keep at room temperature until needed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a balloon whip, whisk the 6 egg whites on high until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Continue to whisk on high while gradually adding 2 tablespoons sugar. Whisk until stiff but not dry, about 30 seconds. Set aside at room temperature until needed.
• Using a hand-held whisk, whip the heavy cream in a well-chilled stainless steel bowl until stiff. Fold a quarter of the egg whites into the melted chocolate mixture, then fold in the whipped cream. Now fold in the remaining egg whites. Set aside at room temperature until needed.
• Assemble the springform pan. Spread 1/2 cup of chocolate strawberry mousse onto the cake layer in the assembled springform pan. Arrange 1/2 the amount of reserved strawberries (not including the 12 for decoration), stem side down, into the mousse. The berries should be arranged in 2 rings: the first ring being 3/4-inch from the outside edge of the cake, and the second, inside ring, 3/4-inch away from the first. Distribute 3 cups of mousse over the berries, being careful to keep the berries in position. Holding the pan by the top rim, gently but firmly tap the bottom of the pan 2 to 3 times on your work surface (this will eliminate air pockets). Position a cake layer on top of the mousse, then repeat the process used on the first cake layer (1/2 cup mousse, remaining strawberries, and 3 more cups mousse). Top the mousse with the remaining cake layer and gently press into position. Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours (do not freeze).
• Refrigerate 1 cup of Semisweet Chocolate Ganache for at least 1 hour. Keep the remaining ganache at room temperature until needed.
• Remove the sides from the springform pan (do not remove the bottom of the pan from the cake; this will make it easier to handle later). Use a cake spatula to smooth and fill in the sides of the cake with 2 to 3 tablespoons of room-temperature ganache. Evenly spread the remaining amount of this ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour.
• Transfer the chilled cup of ganache to a pastry bag fitted with a large-sized star tip. Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Pipe a circle of 12 evenly spaced stars along the outside edge of the top of the cake. Place a strawberry, stem side down, into each ganache star. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes.
• Cut the cake with a serrated slicer, heating the blade of the slicer under hot running water before making each slice. Allow the slices to come to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
• Heat the heavy cream, butter, and sugar in a 2 1/2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Place the chocolate in a stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• Yield: 2 cups

CHOCOLATE CAPPUCCINO MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Line the bottoms of three 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water and coffee on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 1 minute. Gently spoon batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until tops are golden brown and dry. Cool in pans on wire racks., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chocolate, coffee granules and cinnamon. In a small saucepan, cook and stir cream over medium heat until hot (do not boil). Pour over chocolate mixture; stir until smooth. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until chilled and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Beat on medium speed just until stiff peaks form., In a large bowl, beat the frosting ingredients until light and fluffy. Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread frosting over the top and sides of cake. Refrigerate leftovers.

VANILLA BEAN BUTTERCREAM, VANILLA BEAN WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE AND VANILLA SYRUP FOR WEDDING CAKE

Steps:

• For the buttercream: Combine the sugar and egg whites in a double boiler and heat to 120 degrees F.
• Transfer the egg white mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the lemon juice and salt and beat on high speed until completely cooled, about 15 minutes. Add the butter piece by piece and whip until light fluffy, about 10 minutes. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and reserve the rest.
• For the vanilla bean white chocolate mousse: Whip the egg yolks on high speed in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until light and foamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Heat the sugar, vanilla bean paste and water to 120 degrees C in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the sugar syrup to the whipping yolks and beat until cool, about 15 minutes. Once cooled, fold in the whipped cream.
• Melt the white chocolate over a double boiler until 110 degrees F., about 10 minutes. Add the melted chocolate to the egg and cream mixture and fold to combine. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and reserve the rest.
• For the vanilla syrup: Combine the vanilla bean paste, sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Cool completely.
• To assemble the cake: Split the cake rounds in half to make 4 layers. Brush the top of each with 3 tablespoons of the vanilla syrup. Place 1 round on desired platter and pipe the buttercream around the top edge of the cake to create a dam. Fill the dam with a layer of the white chocolate mousse. Top with a second cake round and repeat piping and filling with the remaining layers, leaving the top undecorated. Place the stack in the freezer until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Remove from the freezer and lightly frost the whole cake with some of the buttercream. Place the cake back in the freezer to firm up, another 30 minutes to 1 hour. Frost and decorate the cake as desired with the remaining buttercream and mousse.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch-round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper; butter the parchment and dust the pans with flour, tapping out the excess.
• Whisk 3 cups flour, the baking powder and salt in a bowl until combined. Beat 2 sticks butter and the sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. (The mixture may look separated at this point.)
• Mix 1/2 cup water with the cream in a liquid measuring cup or bowl. Beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 batches, alternating with the cream mixture, beginning and ending with flour, until just smooth.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake until the cakes are lightly golden on top and the centers spring back when pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge of the pans and turn the cakes out onto the racks to cool completely. Remove the parchment. Trim the tops of the cakes with a long serrated knife to make them level, if desired.