Description

This Chocolate Mousse Cake combines a moist buttermilk and sour cream sponge with a silky, pudding-based chocolate mousse. It is a reliable, comforting dessert that rewards patience with deep cocoa flavors and a light, airy finish.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Granulated white sugar
Brown sugar
Large eggs, room temperature
Vanilla extract
White vinegar
Buttermilk, room temperature
Sour cream, room temperature
Hot water
Instant chocolate pudding mix
Milk
Heavy cream
Powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, both sugars, eggs, vanilla, vinegar, buttermilk, and sour cream until smooth, then slowly whisk in the hot water.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 33 to 36 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the mousse by beating the instant pudding mix with one cup of milk for two minutes until thickened.
Whip two cups of heavy cream with cocoa powder and vanilla to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the pudding mixture.
Trim the cooled cake flat, place it back into the springform pan with parchment-lined sides, and spread the mousse evenly over the top.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least six hours to allow the mousse to set.
Before serving, whip the remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla to medium peaks and spread over the mousse layer.

Notes

To ensure the best texture, always allow your refrigerated ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing. If you find your cake batter is very thin, do not worry; this high moisture content results in a tender sponge that pairs perfectly with the weight of the mousse. For a professional finish, wipe your slicing knife clean with warm water between every cut.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American