Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake Recipe

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a layered dessert that combines rich, fudgy dark chocolate cake with light and airy raspberry mousse.

Topped with silky chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This cake is both elegant and approachable, making it ideal for special occasions or a weekend treat.

The chocolate cake layers provide depth, while the raspberry mousse adds a refreshing fruitiness that lifts the entire dessert.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, my Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is the answer.

This chocolate mousse raspberry cake combines rich, velvety dark chocolate cake layers with light and airy raspberry mousse, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a weekend treat, this raspberry mousse cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

I love how the fresh raspberries and chocolate ganache elevate the flavor, making it a dessert that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

This chocolate mousse cake with raspberries is perfect for home bakers because it’s approachable, requires no special equipment, and delivers a dessert that tastes like it came from a patisserie.

The combination of dark chocolate and raspberry mousse makes every bite rich, smooth, and refreshing.

You’ll love how easy it is to layer the chocolate cake and raspberry mousse while still creating a cake that looks stunning.

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake

Recipe Overview

Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a show-stopping dessert featuring dark chocolate cake layers and luscious raspberry mousse.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Dessert / Baking
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty Level: Medium
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Recommended Tools:

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Cake stand or serving plate
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Raspberry Mousse

• 3 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• ½ cup water, divided
• 12 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1½ cups heavy cream

Chocolate Cake

• 10 ounces good quality dark chocolate, melted
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup boiling water
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 10 ounces dark chocolate
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• Fresh raspberries for garnish

Direction

Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Mousse

• Sprinkle gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
• In a saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until raspberries break down.
• Remove from heat, add bloomed gelatin, and stir until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
• Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and fold it gently into the cooled raspberry mixture. Set aside in the fridge.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry, then fold in melted chocolate. Add boiling water carefully to make a smooth batter.
• Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

• Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the raspberry mousse evenly on top.
• Add the second cake layer and cover with the remaining mousse. Smooth the sides.
• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

• Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
• Pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• Pour ganache over the chilled cake and spread evenly. Decorate with fresh raspberries.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g

Tips

✅ For a lighter mousse, you can fold in some whipped egg whites along with the whipped cream.

✅ Swap fresh raspberries for a raspberry jam layer if fresh berries aren’t available.

✅ To make ahead: Prepare cake layers and mousse separately, then assemble a few hours before serving.

✅ Substitution: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter variation, or semi-sweet chocolate for a balanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve slices with extra whipped cream or fresh berries on the side.

2. Add a drizzle of raspberry coulis for a restaurant-style presentation.

3. Perfect with a cup of coffee or dessert wine.

Storing Tips

✔️Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

✔️Freeze individual slices for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Is Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake Healthy?

While Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake isn’t considered a health food, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The raspberries add natural antioxidants and vitamin C, while dark chocolate provides heart-healthy flavonoids. Just keep portion sizes in check and savour this dessert as an occasional treat, rather than an everyday indulgence.

Recipe Note

• Make sure the mousse is fully set before adding ganache to prevent mixing.
• Use a serrated knife for clean cake slices.
• Always fold whipped cream gently to maintain airy texture.

What Type of Chocolate Works Best When Making a Homemade Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake?

For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60–70% cocoa content. This gives the cake a deep, rich chocolate taste without being overly sweet.

Semi-sweet chocolate works too, but avoid milk chocolate, as it can make the cake taste too sweet and less balanced with the tartness of the raspberry mousse.

Using good chocolate is key to achieving that luxurious texture and taste in both the cake layers and ganache.

What Makes Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake So Rich and Indulgent Compared to Other Mousse Cakes?

The richness comes from the combination of high-quality dark chocolate and the smooth, creamy mousse.

Unlike standard mousse cakes, this dessert layers dense chocolate cake with airy raspberry mousse, giving it multiple textures in each bite.

The chocolate ganache on top adds extra decadence, while the fresh raspberries provide a subtle tart contrast that keeps the cake from feeling too heavy. Every slice is indulgent without being overwhelming.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dark Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake is a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its rich chocolate layers, airy raspberry mousse, and silky ganache create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

I hope you try this recipe and enjoy making it as much as I do. Share your photos or questions in the comments—I love seeing your versions!