Smooth and creamy layers of chocolate and white chocolate mousse, rich chocolate fudge, and a moist chocolate cake make up this insanely decadent Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for any chocolate lover.
I’ve been making this triple chocolate mousse cake for years now – I first made it for the 4th anniversary of running this blog (this year will be 14 years!). Since then, I’ve made a few tweaks and decided to give the recipe an update. So what’s changed? If you’ve make this cake before, you may notice that the chocolate cake bottom layer has been updated. The cake has been simplified and it’s now more moist, a little less dense, and has even more chocolate flavor. And I know it’s hard to see a recipe you love change, but trust me. I wouldn’t change it if it wasn’t truly so much better the new way.
It was such an incredible cake before but I daresay that it’s even better now. The combination of the cake, chocolate fudge and mousse layers is just the perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s truly hard to resist! If you’ve never tried it before, now’s your chance!
Why This Mousse Cake Steals The Show
- 4 amazing layers. There are 4 layers in this gorgeous cake – the moist dark chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, chocolate mousse, and white chocolate mousse. Each layer brings its own flavor and texture AND it looks so stunning once removed from the pan.
- ALL the chocolate. This cake really earns the “triple chocolate” name. There is dark chocolate in the bottom cake layer, semi-sweet chocolate in the fudge and mousse layers, and white chocolate in the top mousse layer. It’s always a hit with the chocolate lovers!
- Rich & decadent. As a whole, this triple chocolate mousse cake just feels and tastes so rich and decadent. It’s a great special occasion dessert. There’s the moist cake layer, the airy but firm mousse, and the rich, gooey chocolate fudge. So good!
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
There’s a long list of ingredients in this recipe, but many are the same thing used in multiple places. Here are some notes about why certain ingredients are important and if certain swaps can be made. You can find the full list and exact measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder – I highly recommend sticking with the Dutch-process cocoa. If you use regular cocoa powder, your cake layer won’t rise as much and will be denser.
- Brown sugar – I don’t recommend swapping the brown sugar for regular sugar. The molasses in the brown sugar is acidic and reacts with the baking soda. Without it, your cake will be denser and have large holes.
- Melted butter and vegetable oil – Using both helps to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- Salt – Enhances the flavors already present. Don’t leave it out.
- Egg white – Used in the cake layer, you just need one egg white for such a small amount of batter. Fortunately, you can use the yolk for the chocolate mousse.
- Milk – I’d recommend 2% or whole milk for the cake layer.
- Hot water – This helps to “bloom” the cocoa powder and deepens the chocolate flavor. You could also use hot coffee.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Use a quality brand, like Ghirardelli, for the best flavor. I don’t recommend using another type of chocolate, as that could make your various layers more thin or thick, depending on what you swap it for. For best results, stick with semi-sweet.
- Light corn syrup – Helps ensure a smooth, creamy texture in the fudge and keeps it from getting too firm when cold.
- Egg yolks – Egg yolks help to thicken the mousse and add richness.
- Heavy whipping cream – Keep it cold before whipping it, or it won’t whip properly.
- Unflavored powdered gelatin – I use Knox brand. It’ll firm up the white chocolate mousse. Without it, it won’t set properly.
- White chocolate chips – Like the semi-sweet chocolate, you want to use a quality brand for the best flavor.
How To Make Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Each layer of this cake takes a few steps to prepare but none of them are difficult. Just leave yourself lots of time to prepare the cake and make sure to read through the full instructions and tips ahead of time. You can find the printable version of the instructions in the recipe card below.
Make the chocolate cake
Place a parchment paper circle in the bottom of the pan and grease the sides. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
mix the melted butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla until well combined then add the egg white and sour cream. Once combined, stir in the milk.
Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined
Stir in the hot water. Batter will be thin.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18-22 minutes. Allow to cool.
Make the fudge layer
Prepare your cake collar or cake pan for layering and building the cake before making the fudge. For more on how to do that, see the section below on what type of pan is best.
Combine chocolate chips, corn syrup, and vanilla extract, then set aside. Heat the heavy cream until just boiling then pour over the chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Remove the dome from the top of the cake layer, then add it to your pan or cake collar. Pour the fudge on top of the cake, then place in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.
Make the chocolate mousse layer
Combine the egg yolks, sugar, and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream in the top of a double boiler (or a mixing bowl over simmering water). Whisk constantly until it has thickened, lightened in color, and has more volume.
Microwave the chocolate chips in 10-15 second intervals, mixing between each interval, until smooth. Vigorously whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Whip the remaining heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/4 cup of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, then fold 1/4 of the chocolate into the whipped cream. Fold the remaining chocolate into the whipped cream.
Spread the chocolate mousse onto the chocolate fudge in an even layer. Refrigerate for an hour.
Make the white chocolate mousse layer
Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water, ensuring all of it is touching the water. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Heat 1/2 cup of the heavy cream until it comes to a boil. Whisk the gelatin into the hot cream until dissolved, then pour the mixture over the white chocolate chips. Whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Whip the remaining heavy cream and powdered sugar on high until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 1/3 of the cooled white chocolate at a time into the whipped cream until completely combined.
Spread the white chocolate mousse on top of the chocolate mousse. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until completely firm.
Finish the cake
Once all layers are completely firm, remove the cake from the pan. Smooth the edges with an offset spatula, if needed, and place on a serving plate. I decorated mine with chocolate curls and a sprinkle of cocoa powder, but feel free to decorate it as you’d like. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
What’s The Best Pan For This Cake?
Using the right pan is key to making this triple chocolate mousse cake because you need to be able to easily remove it from the pan once it’s assembled.
There are a few ways you can set up for layering the cake. The easiest options is to use a clear cake collars, as shown in the photos.
If you don’t have those or don’t want to use them, line the inside of a springform pan with parchment paper that sticks about 2 inches above the top of the pan, to act as a cake collar (see photo).
If you don’t have a springform pan, line a regular cake pan with plastic wrap in the bottom and up the sides (which you can use to lift the cake out later), a cardboard cake circle on top of the plastic wrap to stabilize the cake as you remove it from the pan, and parchment paper around the insides, to act as a collar.
Tips For The Best Cake
- Make the cake layer in advance. The cake layer needs to cool completely before you can proceed with the rest of the recipe, so I often make it ahead of time. Either first thing in the morning to assemble the cake in the afternoon or the night before.
- Leave time for each layer to set. As you add the ganache and mousse layers, the cake will need to be refrigerated for at least an hour each time. The exception is after adding the final white chocolate mousse layer, when it needs 3-4 hours to firm up completely. Don’t skip this chill time, as the layers will mix together too much otherwise.
- Be gentle with the mousse. For both the chocolate mousse and white chocolate mousse layers, take care when adding the whipped cream to the chocolate. The key to mousse is to gently fold the chocolate in a bit at a time. Adding it all at once or mixing it instead of folding it can cause the mousse to collapse.
Proper Storage
Triple chocolate mousse cake needs to be refrigerated until ready to serve. I like to place it in a cake carrier or cover it with plastic wrap (using toothpicks to keep it off the top layer). It’s best if enjoyed within 4-5 days.
More Decadent Recipe To Try
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
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Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- ¾ cup (92g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (29g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder (sifted)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (112g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg white
- 2 tablespoons (29g) sour cream
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80ml) hot water or coffee
Chocolate Fudge
- 6 ounces (170g) semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Mousse
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (52g) sugar
- 1 ¾ cups (420ml) heavy whipping cream (cold, divided)
- 8 ounces (227g) semi sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (86g) powdered sugar
White Chocolate Mousse
- 1 ¼ teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1 ½ tablespoons (23ml) water
- 9 ounces (255g) white chocolate chips
- 1 ¾ cups (420ml) heavy whipping cream (cold, divided)
- ⅓ cup (38g) powdered sugar
Toppings
- Chocolate curls (optional)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Make the cake layer
- Prepare an 8-inch cake pan with a parchment paper circle in the bottom, and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl and set aside.
- Add the melted butter, vegetable oil, sugar and vanilla extract to a large bowl and mix until well combined.
- Add the egg white and sour cream and mix until well combined, then add the milk and mix until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until well combined. Don’t over mix.
- Add the hot water and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cakes pan and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely.
Prep for layering and make fudge layer
- There are a few ways you can set up for layering the cake. The easiest options is to use a clear cake collars, as shown in the photos above. If you don’t have those or don’t want to use them, line the inside of a springform pan with parchment paper that sticks about 2 inches above the top of the pan, to act as a cake collar (see photo). If you don’t have a springform pan, line a regular cake pan with plastic wrap in the bottom and up the sides (which you can use to lift the cake out later), a cardboard cake circle on top of the plastic wrap to stabilize the cake as you remove it from the pan, and parchment paper around the insides, to act as a collar.
- Cut the dome off of the cake, then place it in your prepared pan or cake collar.
- To make the fudge layer, add the chocolate chips, corn syrup and vanilla extract to a medium heat-proof bowl.
- Heat the heavy whipping cream until it just starts to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with clear wrap and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate on top of the cake and spread into an even layer. Place the cake in the fridge while the chocolate firms up, about 1 hour.
Make the chocolate mousse
- Combine egg yolks, sugar and 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy whipping cream in the top of a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a mixing bowl set over a pot with simmering water in it. I use my mixer bowl. Do not let the water boil, or it will be too hot. To ensure that the steam cooking the eggs doesn’t get too hot, occasionally lift the bowl to release the steam.
- Cook mixture, whisking constantly. The mixture will thin out at first, then begin to thicken. The egg mixture will be ready when is has thickened, lightened in color and has more volume. It should take about 7-10 minutes and reach 160°F (71°C). Do not boil. When done, remove egg mixture from heat and set aside.
- Place the chocolate chips for mousse in a medium sized bowl and melt in the microwave in intervals of about 10-15 seconds, stirring well between each interval, until smooth. You could also melt them in a double boiler, if you prefer.
- Vigorously whisk the egg mixture into the melted chocolate until smooth. Set aside to cool to about room temperature.
- In another bowl, whip remaining 1 1/4 cups (300ml) of heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold about a ¼ cup of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until , then fold about a 1/4 of the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream. Slowly fold the remaining chocolate mixture into the whipped cream.
- Spread the chocolate mousse into an even layer on top of the chocolate fudge. Refrigerate for about an hour.
Make the white chocolate mousse
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the water, making sure the powder is all touching water. Let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Place the white chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl. Microwave 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream in a medium measuring cup until it comes to a boil.
- Add the gelatin mixture to the hot heavy cream mixture and whisk until the gelatin is dissolved.
- Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate chips and let stand, covered, for 3-5 minutes. Whisk the white chocolate mixture until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. If it doesn’t completely melt, microwave in 10-15 second intervals, whisking well between each, until smooth. Set aside to cool to about room temperature.
- Whip remaining 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy cream and powdered sugar at high speed with a mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold about a third of the cooled white chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until combined. Add the second third of the cooled white chocolate and gently fold into the whipped cream. Add the remaining white chocolate and fold together until completely combined.
- Spread the white chocolate mousse into an even layer on top of the chocolate mousse. Refrigerate until completely firm, at least 3-4 hours.
Finish off the cake
- Once firm, remove the cake from the pan or remove the cake collar from the sides. If needed, smooth the sides of the cake using an offset spatula, and place cake on a serving plate.
- Finish off the cake with chocolate curls and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Keep cake refrigerated and well covered until ready to serve. Best if eaten within 4-5 days.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Enjoy!
Hey, I love the recipe! I was wondering if you think including blended hazelnuts/walnuts into the bottom layer would be a good idea or if it might totally destroy it? Thanks for the wisdom!
I guess it would probably be fine.
My daughter requested this for her birthday. It turned out amazing. Don’t be fooled by the prep time though. This was definitely a labor of love and it took some time to do. I might be quicker next time around now that I know what I am doing but I can’t imagine ever getting it down to 30 minutes. Definitely going to try to find a cake ring for next time. The parchment worked but it was kind of iffy.
I made this but my chocolate mousse layer didn’t set properly! any ideas why?
Hard to say for sure. Did you use semi-sweet chocolate, or another kind? Did you use the powdered sugar in the whipped cream?
How do I get the cream or eggs stuff or with oreos. My struggle always!
I’m sorry, I don’t understand your question.
I’ve made this a few times now and it’s a big hit! It’s not that hard, just time consuming. Don’t pay attention to the time frame listed at the beginning of the recipe. This takes at least 2-2 1/2 hours to assemble, nowhere near the 20 minute prep time and 50 minutes total stated. But it’s still well worth the effort. Delicious!!
What a rich and delicious cake! I made it for my husband’s birthday. The only changes I made were to substitute mascarpone for sour cream. I think mascarpone has a richer, fuller taste. I also used granulated sugar while making the whipped cream. That’s a personal preference, but it does taste less artifical in a very rich cake. The last thing I did, after shaving chocolate curls on top, was lay powdered cacao in my hand and blow it gently on the finished cake. Thank you so much for this recipe, I really was proud to serve this cake. You’re a talented baker.
Hello, can I use a silicone mold instead? Do you think it will be taken out easily? Maybe if I leave it in the freezer for an hour or so?
Hello Lindsey!! So glad to read this recipe, it looks fab!! I’m planning to make this for my husband’s birthday which on 24th this month. Quick question, the recipe serves 12-14 people as you’ve mentioned but i need to make it inly for 2 people with 2 slices each not more than that. Can you plz help me with the measurements if possible?
Looking forward to your reply.
Lots of love
Thank you!!
Shruti
I’m sorry but I’m not sure how to reduce it that much.
I’ve had this recipe pinned for a LONG time, but for some reason, I’ve never made it. I finally made this for my birthday. It is SO delicious!! This turned out perfectly! The mousse layers are SO creamy, and they balance the dark chocolate cake layer really well. It would’ve been nice to know how long it would’ve taken the mousse layers to cool to room temperature, so for those who are wondering… the chocolate mousse took 30-45 minutes (closer to 45 for me… I had the bowl sitting on a wire rack on the countertop and I would give it a stir every few minutes), and the white chocolate mousse took about 15-20 minutes to cool. I love that you can use chocolate chips for this recipe and not use bars of chocolate which tend to be more expensive. I also found your detailed instructions very helpful (except wishing I had known in advance how long it would’ve taken the chocolate mixtures to cool). This is a keeper! Thanks for a great recipe!
Ho come you didn’t make the white layer with eggs? Do you have a recipe for that and also for milk chocolate?
Could I just use the egg mousse recipe ffor every chocolate layer dark milk anand and white. I morsels none semi sweet just regular chocolate just use same exact ingredients and measurements? Thank you
It’s been along time since I posted this recipe, so I don’t really remember what my exact thinking was. I don’t have a recipe for white chocolate mousse made with eggs at this point. As for using a different kind of chocolate, I’m not entirely sure. I know with chocolate ganache, it makes a difference because there are varying amounts of cocoa in different kinds of chocolate and so it affects the consistency. If you don’t change anything with a different chocolate, it’s possible that the mousse won’t firm up quite as much.
Hi..Do you have a video making this cake?I want to see how you did it.
I don’t, but I will keep in mind that it would be helpful to see if I can get one made.
Hi there
I have made this recipe before and it turned out great, however, I am making it again and while I was making the chocolate mouse and i added the chocolate and egg mixture together it went all lumpy and separated do you know why this happened?
It sounds like maybe the temperature of the two mixtures were off. If one was a good bit cooler than the other, the cooler one could cool off the warmer one too quickly and could make it form lumps. Just a guess. Sorry you were having trouble with it this time!
Is there another way then to make it set without using gelatin, that you know of?
Hey! This looks amazing. I just have one question. Can this powdered gelatin be switched out with agar agar? If so then how much would I need to use of that?
I’ve never worked with agar agar, so I’m not sure.
Hi Lindsey,
I’m going to try and bake this, but have a question. I tried your Neapolitan ice cream cake and really loved it! Do you think the chocolate cake (which I also really, really loved) would work okay in this recipe for the bottom layer?
Yes, that should be fine. Glad you enjoyed that cake!
This cake is delicious!! Made it for a family birthday and everyone devoured it. It was a lot of work but absolutely worth it. I only had a 10 inch spring form but I was afraid the cake would not turn out right so I used your suggested method of placing a cake board and plastic wrap at the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan. It worked like a charm and the layers were tall enough. Next time, I will likely use the 10 inch spring form. This recipe is a keeper! Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you very much. Just to let you know – my improvised milk choc option did not thicken, and was waay too sweet. I had to remove it, start the set up from the beginning, and using dark semisweet chocolate according to your recipe – mousse came out beautifully! Lesson learned. Thank you again!
You can use Halal gelatin if that’s of your concern?
When I made this and I mixed together the egg mixture and the whipped cream it turned liquid, is this supposed to happen, will it set in the fridge
It definitely ends up thinner than you might expect and should firm up correctly in the fridge.