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Black Forest Chocolate Mousse Cake

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Black Forest Chocolate Mousse Cake is a luxurious layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake, silky chocolate mousse, and sweet-tart cherries. Perfect for special occasions, it’s a beautiful, decadent treat that’s both indulgent and elegant.

Ingredients

  • For the cake layer:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee
  • For the chocolate mousse:
  • 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1½ cups heavy cream (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin)
  • For the cherry layer:
  • 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • For topping:
  • Whipped cream or ganache
  • Extra cherries
  • Chocolate shavings or curls

Instructions

  1. Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Add eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in hot water or coffee. Pour into pan and bake 25–30 minutes. Let cool and level the top if needed.
  2. Make the cherry layer: In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Simmer until juicy. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
  3. Make the mousse: Melt chocolate and let cool. Whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. If using gelatin, bloom it in cold water, melt, and mix into the chocolate. Fold whipped cream into chocolate until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Assemble: Place cake layer in springform pan. Spread cherry mixture over the top. Pour mousse over cherries and smooth. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.
  5. Garnish: Remove from pan and top with whipped cream, cherries, and chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Add kirsch to cherries for a traditional flavor.
  • Use gluten-free cake base if needed.
  • Serve in cups for individual portions.
  • Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a milder taste.
  • Cherry pie filling works in a pinch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/black-forest-chocolate-mousse-cake/