Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This elegant dessert combines a chocolate cake base with two types of chocolate mousse layers for an impressive and decadent treat.
Ranah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:57:27 GMT
A layered chocolate cheesecake topped with chocolate shavings and creamy swirls, set on a rustic wooden surface. Pin it
A layered chocolate cheesecake topped with chocolate shavings and creamy swirls, set on a rustic wooden surface. | lifesugar.co

Want to know what my absolute favorite chocolate cake recipe is? This Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake started as my little baking experiment and turned into the most requested dessert in my family. Three incredible layers of chocolate that'll make your heart skip a beat! I can't wait to show you how to make it.

Why You'll Fall in Love

I still remember the first time I made this cake for my daughter's sweet sixteen. The look on everyone's faces when they saw those gorgeous layers just melted my heart! You've got a fudgy chocolate base then two dreamy layers of mousse one dark one white. Pure heaven!

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

  • For the cake layer you'll need flour cocoa powder baking essentials and that boiling water trick I learned from my grandma.
  • The dark mousse needs good quality semisweet chocolate heavy cream and just a touch of vanilla.
  • For that gorgeous white top layer grab white chocolate heavy cream and a pinch of salt trust me on this one!

Making Magic Together

Start With The Cake
Crank that oven to 350°F and get your pan ready. Mix up your dry ingredients then the wet ones fold them together and add that magical boiling water at the end.
Time For Dark Chocolate Heaven
While the cake cools melt that chocolate oh so gently. Whip up your cream until it's perfect then fold them together like you're wrapping a present.
The Grand Finale
Now comes my favorite part the white chocolate layer! Same idea gentle melting fluffy cream then combine with love.
A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on a brown plate. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings on a brown plate. | lifesugar.co

Trust The Process

I know it seems like a lot of steps but stick with me! The first time I made this I was nervous too but now it's like a beautiful dance in my kitchen. The end result will make you so proud!

My Best Tips

Let me share what I've learned the hard way! Make sure each layer is completely cool before adding the next. Use really good chocolate it makes such a difference. And don't rush the chilling time between layers.

Perfect For Special Moments

This has become my go to celebration cake. Every New Year's Eve birthday and anniversary gets the triple chocolate treatment. It just has that wow factor that makes any occasion feel extra special.

Keeping It Fresh

Pop this beauty in the fridge and it'll stay perfect for about 4 days. Here's my pro tip when you're ready to serve dip your knife in hot water between slices for picture perfect pieces.

A slice of layered chocolate dessert featuring a chocolate crust, mousse, and creamy topping, garnished with chocolate shavings, served on a beige plate. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate dessert featuring a chocolate crust, mousse, and creamy topping, garnished with chocolate shavings, served on a beige plate. | lifesugar.co

Mix It Up

Sometimes I sneak a layer of raspberry jam between the mousses or sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts on top. Don't be afraid to make it your own that's how the best recipes evolve!

Pure Chocolate Bliss

What makes this cake so special is how the chocolate flavors build on each other. Every bite takes you on a journey from rich and deep to smooth and creamy. It's like a chocolate symphony!

Tools You'll Need

Let's talk equipment! You'll want your mixer (hand or stand both work fine) some good bowls for melting chocolate my trusty 8-inch pan and a nice spatula for those smooth layers.

Growing As A Baker

I remember feeling so accomplished the first time I nailed this recipe. Now I make it with such joy knowing I'm creating something special. You've got this too I promise!

Perfect Pairings

Want to make it extra special? Serve it with a nice glass of red wine or my personal favorite a tiny cup of espresso. The coffee really brings out all those chocolate notes!

A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a plate. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a plate. | lifesugar.co

Plan Ahead

Here's a secret this cake actually tastes better the next day! I often make it a day before my event. It gives all those flavors time to get cozy together.

Share The Love

Nothing says I care like a homemade chocolate cake! I've given this as a gift so many times and people just light up when they see those beautiful layers.

Family Memories

My kitchen has seen so many happy moments around this cake. From teaching my kids to fold mousse to celebrating life's big moments it's become part of our family story.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a tiny splash of coffee liqueur or a hint of orange zest. The basic recipe is fantastic but don't be afraid to add your personal touch!

Always A Hit

Whether I'm serving this at a fancy dinner party or a casual family gathering it never fails to impress. There's something magical about those three layers that draws everyone in.

A slice of layered chocolate mousse cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a brown plate. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate mousse cake topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, served on a brown plate. | lifesugar.co

Kitchen Helpers Welcome

My grandkids love helping with this cake! The little ones get to mix and the older ones practice their chocolate melting skills. It's become such a sweet tradition.

Pure Joy In Every Slice

This isn't just dessert it's a celebration on a plate! Every time I make it I fall in love with baking all over again. Ready to create some chocolate magic in your kitchen?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bake the cake in a water bath?
The water bath prevents the edges from drying out and ensures even baking, resulting in a more moist and tender cake.
→ Why must chocolate be at 80°F for mousse?
This temperature ensures the chocolate won't set up too quickly but isn't hot enough to melt the whipped cream when combined.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the cake can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days or frozen for several weeks. Perfect for planning special occasions.
→ Why use gelatin in the mousse?
Gelatin helps stabilize the mousse layers, giving them structure and ensuring they hold their shape when sliced.
→ What's the best way to slice this cake?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest slices through all three layers.

Conclusion

This elegant dessert combines a chocolate cake base with two types of chocolate mousse layers for an impressive and decadent treat.

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

A showstopping dessert featuring three layers: chocolate cake base topped with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate mousse. Perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
28 Minutes
Total Time
48 Minutes


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 10 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (for cake).
02 4 large eggs, room temperature.
03 1/3 cup sugar.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 1/2 cup butter, softened.
07 10 ounces semisweet chocolate (for mousse).
08 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for dark mousse).
09 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin.
10 2 tablespoons water.
11 7 ounces white chocolate, chopped.
12 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for white mousse).
13 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin.
14 1 tablespoon water.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Wrap springform pan in foil and place in water bath. Line with parchment.

Step 02

Melt chocolate. Beat egg whites with sugar until fluffy. Mix chocolate with butter and yolks, then fold in meringue.

Step 03

Bake 26-28 minutes until done. Cool completely then chill 1 hour.

Step 04

Melt chocolate with hot cream, add dissolved gelatin. Fold in whipped cream. Spread over cake.

Step 05

Repeat process with white chocolate. Spread over dark mousse.

Step 06

Refrigerate at least 4-5 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

  1. Can be made ahead and frozen.
  2. Water bath prevents dry edges.
  3. Temperature control important for mousse.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9 or 10-inch springform pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Double boiler.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, butter, chocolate).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 6 g