Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate and the sweetness of cherries in a smooth, velvety mousse layered on a soft chocolate cake. It’s a show-stopping treat for any occasion, offering a balance of indulgent flavors and textures! Here’s how to make this irresistible cake:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cherry juice (from the cherry filling)

For the Garnish:

• Fresh cherries (for topping)
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth.
• Gradually add the boiling water and stir until the batter is thin and well combined.
• Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Cherry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cherries break down and the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
• Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the filling until smooth.

3. Make the Chocolate Mousse:

• In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth and fully incorporated. Add the cherry juice to enhance the flavor of the mousse.
• Set aside and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up slightly.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
• Spread a generous layer of the cherry filling over the cake, followed by a thick layer of the chocolate mousse.
• Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to compact the layers.
• Cover the entire cake with the remaining chocolate mousse. Smooth the top and sides with a spatula.

5. Decorate and Serve:

• Garnish the top of the cake with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, and a swirl of whipped cream if desired.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to set the mousse before serving.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy the heavenly combination of cherry and chocolate flavors!

Tips:

• If you want extra cherry flavor, drizzle some of the cherry filling on top of the mousse before adding the garnish.
• You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache between the mousse and the cherry filling for an extra layer of richness.
• For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding a splash of cherry liqueur to the mousse or the cherry filling.

This Cherry Chocolate Mousse Cake is the perfect treat for chocolate and fruit lovers alike, with layers of moist cake, creamy mousse, and sweet cherry filling.