If you’re looking for a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the creamy delight of mousse, then this chocolate cake with a mousse filling is perfect for you. The cake is moist and flavorful, the mousse filling is light and creamy, and the chocolate ganache topping ties everything together for a truly indulgent treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1/2 cup (120g) Milk
- 1/4 cup (55g) Vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (120g) All-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup (135g) Brown or white sugar
- 1/3 cup (30g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup (120g) Warm water
- 1 tsp Instant coffee (optional)
For the Filling:
- 8 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 cup (226g) Cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (90g) Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180g) Cold heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 150g (about 1 cup) Semi-sweet chocolate (or 240g of milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup (120g) Heavy cream (microwave 20s to bring to room temp)
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add Warm Water: Stir in the warm water (and instant coffee, if using) until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Mousse Filling
- Crush Oreo Cookies: Place the Oreo cookies in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Then, fold in the crushed Oreo cookies.
Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate. Spread the mousse filling evenly over the top, then place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Make Ganache: Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 20 seconds to bring it to room temperature. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Top the Cake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serve
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. Slice and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter and filling.
- Chocolate Choices: Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
- Decorations: Add extra crushed Oreos, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top for decoration.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the mousse filling ahead of time. Assemble the cake and add the ganache on the day you plan to serve it.
What if I don’t have Oreo cookies?
You can substitute with any other type of cookie or leave them out for a plain mousse filling.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or any other frosting you prefer.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake with a melt-in-your-mouth mousse filling is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy mousse filling, and decadent ganache topping is sure to impress your guests. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and stunning cake that everyone will love.