Name: Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup hot water; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin; 2 tablespoons cold water; 6 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Are you ready for the ultimate dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the sweet freshness of strawberries? This Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Imagine a luscious, velvety mousse made with real chocolate, layered on top of a moist, decadent chocolate cake, and topped with juicy, ripe strawberries. It’s a dessert that feels like a celebration, whether it’s a special occasion or just a Wednesday night when you want to indulge in something extraordinary. Trust me, this one is a showstopper!

Every bite is a perfect balance of smooth, creamy mousse and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake—finished off with the sweet-tart pop of fresh strawberries. If you’ve ever been caught between choosing chocolate or strawberries for dessert, this cake gives you both, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Let’s dive in and make this decadent dessert!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake

Decadent Layers: This cake has it all—moist chocolate cake, fluffy chocolate mousse, and fresh strawberries. Every layer enhances the next, creating a dessert experience that’s almost too good to be true.

Perfect for Special Occasions: From birthdays to anniversaries, or even a weekend treat, this cake brings the wow factor to any celebration.
Creamy & Light: The mousse is luxuriously creamy, yet light enough to not feel overwhelming. The strawberries add a refreshing balance.
Impressive Yet Easy: While it may look like you spent hours crafting this cake, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together. A great way to wow your guests without all the hassle.

A Crowd-Pleaser: Who doesn’t love chocolate and strawberries together? This is a dessert that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for a tender, moist cake.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The secret to that deep chocolate flavor.
Baking Soda: To help the cake rise and become fluffy.
Granulated Sugar: To add sweetness to balance out the cocoa.

Eggs: To bind everything together and add richness.
Buttermilk: For a soft, moist crumb and a little tang.
Butter: Adds richness to the cake texture.

Vanilla Extract: For a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
Boiling Water: This helps create a moist cake with a rich, fudgy texture.

For the Chocolate Mousse:

Heavy Cream: This will be whipped to create that light, airy mousse texture.
Dark Chocolate: The star of the mousse! Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
Sugar: Just a little to help balance the bitterness of the chocolate.

Vanilla Extract: A splash to enhance the flavor of the mousse.
Gelatin: To help set the mousse into a thick, velvety texture.

For the Strawberry Topping:

Fresh Strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries for a sweet, fresh pop on top.
Sugar: To sweeten the strawberries and create a little syrup for added flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or line it with parchment paper). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar. Add the eggs, buttermilk, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Finally, pour in the boiling water and stir until combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s what makes the cake so moist.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool further.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:

While the cake is cooling, prepare the mousse. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam (but not boil). Remove from the heat and add in the dark chocolate, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract.

Once the gelatin has bloomed, add it to the warm chocolate mixture and stir until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly. Once chilled, whip the mixture until it forms soft peaks.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally, creating two even layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the chocolate mousse over the bottom layer, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.

Carefully place the second layer of cake on top of the mousse, pressing down lightly. Spread the remaining mousse over the top of the cake. Chill the cake in the fridge for about 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Topping:

While the cake chills, prepare the strawberry topping. Slice the fresh strawberries and toss them with a tablespoon of sugar. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes so the sugar draws out the juices, creating a sweet syrup.

5. Serve:

When you’re ready to serve, remove the cake from the fridge and top with the sliced strawberries. You can also drizzle any extra strawberry syrup over the cake for added sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming 12 servings)

Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g

Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 85mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g

Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake

Valentine’s Day Delight: This cake is a perfect way to celebrate with your loved ones. The chocolate and strawberry combination is a classic for a reason, and this cake brings it to life in the most delicious way.
Party Showstopper: Serve this at any birthday or special event, and watch your guests’ faces light up when they take their first bite.

After-Dinner Dessert: Perfect for finishing off a hearty meal, this cake is rich yet refreshing with the mousse and strawberries.
A Slice of Heaven: Serve a slice with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine to really elevate the experience.

Additional Tips

Cake Variation: If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap the chocolate cake for a vanilla or red velvet cake base.

Mousse Texture: For a thicker mousse, you can use less cream and more chocolate, or chill it for longer before whipping.
Decorating Ideas: To make the cake even more special, try garnishing with shaved chocolate, mint leaves, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The mousse gets even better as it sits!

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries for the topping?
A2: Fresh strawberries will give you the best result for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture.

Q3: What kind of chocolate should I use for the mousse?
A3: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the mousse to get the best flavor. A 60-70% cacao chocolate works perfectly, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.

Q4: Can I substitute the gelatin in the mousse?
A4: If you don’t have gelatin, you could try using agar-agar or even whipped cream to make the mousse thicker, though it might change the texture slightly.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes, this cake freezes well. Freeze it without the strawberry topping for best results. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cake base?
A7: Yes! If you prefer, you can swap the chocolate cake for a different flavor like vanilla or red velvet.

Q8: How can I make the mousse less sweet?
A8: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the mousse if you prefer a less sweet taste, especially since the strawberries add a bit of sweetness on top.

Q9: Can I add other fruit to this cake?
A9: Absolutely! Other berries like raspberries or blueberries would pair wonderfully with the chocolate mousse, or you could even do a combination of fruits.

Q10: How do I know when the mousse is whipped enough?
A10: Whip the mousse until soft peaks form, meaning it holds its shape but isn’t too stiff. If you whip it too much, it may become grainy, so keep an eye on it!

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake is the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and fruity freshness, creating a dessert that’s decadent but not too heavy. With its light, airy mousse and rich, chocolatey cake, it’s a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will never disappoint. Prepare to be the hero of your next dessert gathering!

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake