Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Strawberry chocolate mousse cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It layers rich chocolate cake with fluffy chocolate mousse and fresh strawberry mousse for a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions—or any time I want to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake delivers the best of both worlds: deep, velvety chocolate and light, fruity strawberry flavor. Each bite is a mix of creamy, airy texture and bold richness. It looks elegant, but it’s surprisingly easy to assemble with a bit of planning. This cake always turns heads at birthdays, dinner parties, and holidays.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chocolate cake base:

• All-purpose flour

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Sugar

• Eggs

• Vegetable oil

• Milk

• Boiling water

• Vanilla extract

For the chocolate mousse:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

• Heavy cream

• Gelatin (optional, for structure)

• Sugar (if needed, depending on chocolate)

For the strawberry mousse:

• Fresh or frozen strawberries, pureed

• Sugar

• Lemon juice

• Gelatin

• Heavy cream

Optional garnish:

• Fresh strawberries

• Chocolate shavings or ganache

Directions

1. Make the chocolate cake layer:
   I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them to form a smooth batter. I pour it into a greased springform pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Once baked, I let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the chocolate mousse:
   I melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, I whip the cream until soft peaks form. If using gelatin, I bloom it and stir it into the warm chocolate. Then I gently fold in the whipped cream to create a smooth mousse.

3. Layer the mousse over the cake:
   I spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled cake in the springform pan and chill it in the fridge for 30–45 minutes to set.

4. Prepare the strawberry mousse:
   I cook the strawberry puree with sugar and lemon juice, then stir in bloomed gelatin. After cooling to room temperature, I fold in whipped cream until smooth.

5. Add the strawberry layer:
   I pour the strawberry mousse over the set chocolate mousse layer and refrigerate the whole cake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

6. Garnish and serve:
   Before serving, I decorate the top with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings. I carefully remove the cake from the springform pan and slice to serve.

Servings and timing

This cake serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Chill time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
Total time: about 5–6 hours including chilling

Variations

• I’ve made it with a brownie base instead of sponge for a denser bite.

• Sometimes I use white chocolate mousse instead of dark chocolate for a lighter flavor contrast.

• I swap strawberries for raspberries or a mix of berries for a twist.

• For a gluten-free version, I use almond flour or a GF cake base.

storage/reheating

I store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This cake is best served chilled, and I don’t recommend freezing it due to the mousse layers’ delicate texture.
No reheating is needed—just slice and serve straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make it the day before I plan to serve it. It sets beautifully overnight in the fridge.

Do I need gelatin?

Gelatin helps the mousse hold its shape, especially if serving on a warm day or transporting. I’ve made it without, but the layers are softer.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

I prefer real heavy cream for the best texture and flavor, but whipped topping works in a pinch.

Can I skip the chocolate cake layer?

Yes, I’ve made it as a mousse-only dessert in glasses or cups—still delicious, just a different presentation.

What’s the best way to slice this cake?

I use a warm knife (dipped in hot water and wiped dry) to get clean slices without dragging through the mousse layers.

Conclusion

Strawberry chocolate mousse cake is a dreamy dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or whenever I want to treat myself and others. With its rich chocolate base, airy mousse layers, and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s a cake that always impresses—and tastes just as good as it looks.

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