If you love rich chocolate desserts, Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is perfect. This cake is creamy, soft and full of chocolate flavor.
Many people say it is one of the best chocolate cakes they have tried. Learning how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake is easier than it looks.
With the right ingredients for Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake, you can impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dessert at home. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations or a special treat.
My Experience With This Recipe
I tried this recipe last weekend, and it was amazing. The cake was soft, the mousse was creamy and the chocolate flavor was rich but not too sweet.
I loved how easy it was to follow Ina Garten’s instructions. Making this cake felt special and serving it to family made everyone happy.
The cake looked beautiful and it tasted even better than it looked. I will definitely make this recipe again for holidays and dinner parties.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins + chilling time
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- 9-inch cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for slicing
- Serving plate
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cocoa powder, for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Melt Chocolate and Butter
Put chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Melt over low heat. Stir until smooth. - Whisk Egg Yolks
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar. Add vanilla and mix well. - Combine Chocolate and Yolks
Slowly add melted chocolate mixture to egg yolks. Stir until smooth and fully combined. - Beat Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. - Fold Egg Whites
Gently fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Keep it light and airy. - Whip Cream
In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. - Fold Whipped Cream
Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Use a spatula carefully to avoid deflating. - Pour Into Pan
Grease the cake pan and pour in the mixture evenly. Smooth the top. - Chill the Cake
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cake should be firm and chilled. - Serve
Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Slice carefully and enjoy rich chocolate mousse cake.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
- Beat egg whites properly to create light texture.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep mousse fluffy.
- Chill the cake for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating chocolate can make it grainy.
- Overmixing egg whites will deflate the mousse.
- Skipping chilling time will make the cake runny.
- Using low-fat cream will reduce richness.
- Rushing steps can affect texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate mousse cake with fresh berries, whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs well with coffee or a glass of red wine.
This cake works perfectly as a dessert for dinner parties, birthdays or romantic dinners. Its creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
Variations You Can Try
- Add a layer of raspberry jam between mousse layers.
- Top with chocolate shavings or curls for decoration.
- Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for stronger flavor.
- Add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Mix in coffee for mocha-flavored mousse.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for long periods.
- Do not freeze, as texture may change.
- Slice carefully with a warm knife for clean edges.
- Serve chilled for best taste.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
Health Benefits
Chocolate contains antioxidants that may help heart health. Using moderate amounts makes this dessert a treat without guilt.
Eggs provide protein and heavy cream adds healthy fats. Enjoying this cake in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs separated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Melt Chocolate and Butter
- Put chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Melt over low heat. Stir until smooth.
Whisk Egg Yolks
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar. Add vanilla and mix well.
Combine Chocolate and Yolks
- Slowly add melted chocolate mixture to egg yolks. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
Beat Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.
Fold Egg Whites
- Gently fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Keep it light and airy.
Whip Cream
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Fold Whipped Cream
- Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Use a spatula carefully to avoid deflating.
Pour Into Pan
- Grease the cake pan and pour in the mixture evenly. Smooth the top.
Chill the Cake
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cake should be firm and chilled.
Serve
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Slice carefully and enjoy rich chocolate mousse cake.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
- Beat egg whites properly to create light texture.
- Fold ingredients gently to keep mousse fluffy.
- Chill the cake for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices.
FAQs about Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day before serving. Keep it refrigerated for best texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes, but the cake will be sweeter and slightly less rich. Adjust sugar if needed.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this cake is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour. Perfect for gluten-sensitive people.
Q4: How do I get smooth slices?
Use a warm knife and wipe clean between slices for neat pieces every time.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan or two pans. Keep chilling time the same for best results.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. It is creamy, rich and light at the same time.
Learning how to make Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake is simple and following the steps ensures perfect results.
Using quality ingredients for Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse Cake makes every bite indulgent. Try this cake for special occasions or simply to enjoy a delicious treat at home. Your friends and family will love it!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!