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Ultimate Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

A decadent slice of triple chocolate mousse cake showing four distinct layers of chocolate mousse and a dark brownie base, topped with chocolate shavings.

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Make this decadent, layered triple chocolate mousse cake featuring dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse on a simple chocolate base. This impressive dessert is perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

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  • For the Base: 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • For the Dark Chocolate Mousse: 6 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Milk Chocolate Mousse: 6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the White Chocolate Mousse: 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Garnish: Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and egg until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let the base cool completely on a wire rack.
  2. Make the Dark Chocolate Mousse: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale. Temper the yolks by slowly whisking in a small amount of the warm chocolate mixture, then pour the tempered yolks back into the main chocolate bowl, whisking constantly. Stir in vanilla. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream to medium peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled dark chocolate mixture until uniform. Pour this mousse over the cooled base and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until set.
  3. Make the Milk Chocolate Mousse: Repeat the process above using the milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Ensure the milk chocolate mixture cools to room temperature before folding in the freshly whipped heavy cream. Carefully spoon the milk chocolate mousse over the set dark chocolate layer. Return the cake to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  4. Make the White Chocolate Mousse: Repeat the process using the white chocolate. White chocolate can be sensitive, so heat the cream gently. Once smooth, cool the mixture, then fold in the freshly whipped heavy cream. Spread the white chocolate mousse over the milk chocolate layer.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the cake loosely and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm up properly. Before serving, carefully release the springform side. Garnish the top with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

  • For a stable mousse, use high-quality chocolate. The fat content helps the structure.
  • If you want a no-bake option, you can skip baking the base and press a mixture of crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter onto the bottom of the pan instead.
  • To prevent deflation when folding in the whipped cream, use a rubber spatula and cut down through the center, scraping up the side of the bowl.

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