A Chocolate Mousse Cake with Cherries is a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate mousse with a hint of tart cherries. Here's a detailed recipe to create this delightful cake:
Chocolate Mousse Cake with Cherries Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Chocolate Mousse:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish (optional):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
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Melt the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
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Whip the cream: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
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Prepare the egg yolk mixture: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is warm and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine with chocolate: Fold the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling
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Cook the cherries: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
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Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the cherry mixture. Cook until the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
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Layer the cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry filling over the top.
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Add mousse: Spread or pipe a layer of chocolate mousse over the cherry filling.
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Top with second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the mousse.
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Frost with mousse: Cover the entire cake with the remaining chocolate mousse. Smooth the top and sides.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries for a beautiful finish.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set. Serve chilled and enjoy the rich, creamy chocolate mousse paired with the sweet and tangy cherry filling. This cake is perfect for special occasions and is sure to impress your guests!
