Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Indulge in the decadent layers of this Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake! This elegant dessert features a rich chocolate cake base, light and airy strawberry mousse, and a luxurious chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake will wow your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Cake

1. Decadent Layers: The combination of chocolate and strawberry creates a deliciously rich and fruity flavor.
2. Impressive Presentation: Perfect for special occasions, this cake looks as beautiful as it tastes.
3. Light Texture: The mousse gives it a lightness that balances the richness of the chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Mousse:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon gelatin (optional, for stabilization)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings or drizzle (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
• Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Mousse:

• If using gelatin, sprinkle it over the cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. Then, gently heat it until dissolved.
• In a medium bowl, combine the strawberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir in the dissolved gelatin (if using).
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of strawberry mousse over the top.
• Place the second layer of chocolate cake on top of the mousse. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set the mousse.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

5. Finish the Cake:

• Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings or drizzle, if desired.

6. Serve:

• Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every luscious bite!

Tips for Success

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Substitutions: For a lighter mousse, you can use whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
• Decoration: Feel free to get creative with your garnishes—mint leaves or edible flowers add a beautiful touch!

This Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any celebration or special occasion. With its stunning appearance and irresistible taste, it's sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Enjoy!