Ingredients
- 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
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Melt chocolate gently and let cool slightly.
- Whip 1 cup heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold melted chocolate into whipped cream until combined.
- Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream until stiff peaks form; fold into chocolate mixture to lighten mousse.
- Spread mousse evenly over cooled cake.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until mousse is set.
- Optional: garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving.
Notes
- Add raspberry jam layer between cake and mousse for fruity contrast.
- Use dark chocolate for richer mousse.
- Top with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or fresh mint for festive touch.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days; serve chilled.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to make gluten-free.
- Make mousse ahead and fold onto cake before chilling.
- Freeze wrapped for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge.
- Use freshly whipped cream for best mousse texture.
- Gently fold whipped cream into chocolate to prevent collapsing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
