Indulgent, luxurious, and visually stunning, chocolate-covered strawberry mousse cakes are a perfect dessert for special occasions. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and the fresh, sweet tang of strawberries, these individual cakes are a showstopper that will leave your guests impressed. While they may look intricate, with a bit of patience and precision, you can recreate these gourmet delights in your own kitchen. Here’s how to make them.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the Strawberry Mousse:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
Instructions:
Making the Chocolate Cake Base:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Add the hot water and mix until combined.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Preparing the Strawberry Mousse:
1. Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a saucepan, combine the strawberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
3. Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Mixture: Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for about 10 seconds until melted. Stir the melted gelatin into the strawberry mixture.
4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
5. Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Assembling the Mousse Cakes:
1. Cut the Cake: Using a round cookie cutter or a small ring mold, cut out circles from the cooled chocolate cake.
2. Layer with Mousse: Place a chocolate cake circle at the bottom of each mold. Pipe or spoon the strawberry mousse over the cake, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Making the Chocolate Ganache:
1. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just about to boil.
2. Add Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
3. Cool: Let the ganache cool to room temperature, but still pourable.
Final Assembly:
1. Unmold the Mousse Cakes: Carefully remove the mousse cakes from their molds.
2. Pour Ganache: Place the cakes on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Pour the ganache over each cake, allowing it to cover the sides completely. Let the ganache set.
3. Decorate: Garnish each cake with a fresh strawberry on top for a final touch.
Conclusion
Chocolate-covered strawberry mousse cakes are a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, encased in a smooth, creamy mousse. They may require a bit of effort, but the result is a sophisticated and delectable dessert that is sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cakes are a perfect choice. Enjoy!
