Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:
1 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2 In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3 Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4 Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay — it ensures a moist cake.
5 Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6 Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before assembling the mousse cake.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Mousse:
1 In a small bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in ¼ cup cold water. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes.
2 In a saucepan, gently warm the strawberry puree over medium heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3 In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4 Once the strawberry mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the mousse.
3. Assemble the Cake:
1 Carefully slice the cooled chocolate cake horizontally into two layers using a serrated knife.
2 Place the bottom layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of strawberry mousse over the cake.
3 Top with the second cake layer. If desired, you can spread a thin layer of mousse over the top of the cake for an extra touch of strawberry goodness.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
1 In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
2 Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until the ganache becomes smooth and glossy.
5. Finish & Garnish:
1 Drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the assembled cake, letting it cascade down the sides for a luxurious finish.
2 Garnish with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and chocolate shavings or curls for a beautiful presentation.
3 Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the mousse to set.
Serving & Storage:
• Serve chilled and enjoy the delicate balance of flavors and textures.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
With its velvety chocolate layers and airy strawberry mousse, the Crimson Velvet Rhapsody Mousse Cake is a masterpiece that will not only captivate your taste buds but also your eyes. Whether it’s a special celebration or a treat for your family, this cake will leave everyone in awe.
