Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Base Cake:

• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (15g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 200g dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks

For Garnish:

• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan (8×8 inches) with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until fluffy. Add milk, oil, and vanilla extract, then mix well.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine until smooth.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Mousse:

• Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave (in intervals).
• In a separate bowl, whisk the cold heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
• Once the chocolate has slightly cooled, mix in the egg yolks one at a time.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate in three additions, ensuring a smooth mousse.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled base cake.
• Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until set.

4. Garnish and Serve:

• Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.
• Slice into squares to achieve the grid-like design from the image.