If you’re looking for a dessert that sings the perfect duet of refreshing mint and rich chocolate, this Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is sure to become your new favorite indulgence. This cake brings together a tender, almond flour-based chocolate cake topped with a luxuriously creamy mint-infused mousse, finished off with a fluffy whipped cream topping and elegant chocolate shavings. It’s an impressive yet approachable treat that delights the senses with each bite, making it ideal for any celebration or a special weekend dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, versatile ingredients is the first step toward creating this dreamy Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, whether building the structure of the cake, lending luxurious creaminess, or lifting the flavor with a cool minty note.
- Almond flour: Provides a moist, tender base with a subtle nutty flavor.
- Tapioca flour: Adds lightness and helps bind the cake together.
- Coconut flour: Boosts texture and absorbs moisture for balance.
- Coconut sugar: Sweetens the cake gently with a caramel nuance.
- Cacao powder: Powers the deep chocolate taste that makes this cake irresistible.
- Baking soda: Gives the cake a perfect rise and light crumb.
- Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate depth without overpowering it.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
- Egg: Acts as the cake’s binder and contributes to structure.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- Water: Keeps things just right in consistency.
- Coconut oil: Adds richness and a subtle tropical hint.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to every layer.
- Heavy cream: Central to the velvety mousse and the whipped topping.
- Semisweet chocolate: The star ingredient of the mousse for a luscious finish.
- Peppermint extract: Infuses the mousse with that unmistakable refreshing mint sensation.
- Chocolate shavings: Decorative and flavorful garnish.
- Fresh mint leaves: Adds a bright, herbal note for the final touch.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients—the almond, tapioca, and coconut flours, coconut sugar, cacao powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and salt. Whisk them well to distribute all those flavor-packed elements evenly.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, milk, water, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid goodness into the dry mix and whisk for about 1 to 2 minutes until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, slightly thick batter that promises a moist, tender cake.
Step 3: Baking the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on it by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before moving on to the mousse layer.
Step 4: Crafting the Mint Chocolate Mousse
Using a food processor, combine the finely chopped semisweet chocolate, vanilla, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream just to a boil, then slowly pour it into the processor while it’s running. This magic melts the chocolate into a silky ganache. Transfer the mixture into a large bowl and let it cool, stirring now and then to maintain smoothness.
Step 5: Folding in the Whipped Cream
Whip the remaining 2 cups of chilled heavy cream with coconut sugar until you achieve stiff peaks. Gently fold this fluffy cream into your cooled chocolate mixture, being careful to keep the airiness intact. This is the luscious mousse layer that makes this cake truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Assembling and Chilling
Pour the mousse over your fully cooled cake base, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Cover and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight to set perfectly—it’s worth the wait!
Step 7: Making the Whipped Cream Topping
Finally, whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream with vanilla extract until medium-firm peaks form. Transfer into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and pipe beautiful mounds on top of your set mousse cake. This adds a light, creamy contrast to the dense mousse below.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Garnish your masterpiece with chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves for that irresistible finishing flourish. Your Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves not only enhance the cake’s visual appeal but also reinforce the delightful flavor combo of mint and chocolate. Lightly dusting with cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add extra drama for presentation.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy dessert pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A cup of hot mint tea or a bold espresso can also perfectly complement the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a little bitterness or herbal brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping look, slice the cake into generous wedges and serve on individual plates decorated with a sprig of mint and a delicate drizzle of chocolate sauce. You could also create mini versions in parfait glasses by layering cake crumbs, mousse, and whipped cream for a playful, layered dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the mousse’s wonderful texture and avoid any melting of the whipped cream topping.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled mousse cake, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to come to just below room temperature in the fridge if you prefer a softer mousse before serving. This preserves the delicate layers and flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free options like almond milk and coconut cream. Just ensure the coconut cream is thick enough to whip properly for the mousse and topping.
Is espresso powder necessary in the cake?
While optional, espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, bringing out deeper notes without making the cake taste like coffee. If you don’t have it, you can omit it without losing too much flavor.
How long does it take for the mousse to set?
Plan for about 6 hours in the refrigerator for the mousse to fully set and achieve that perfect, sliceable texture. Overnight chilling is even better if you have the time.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated. Just make sure they’re completely cool before assembling the mousse on top.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps you cut through the mousse and cake smoothly for neat, beautiful slices every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe enough if you want to wow your friends and family with something that feels lavish but is surprisingly straightforward to make. The harmony of mint and chocolate in a silky mousse form on a tender cake base simply never fails to delight. Grab these ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a dessert experience that’s as elegant as it is delicious!
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Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 44 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake is a decadent and refreshing dessert combining a tender almond flour-based chocolate cake with a rich peppermint-infused chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh mint leaves. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent treat, this no-bake mousse layered on a quick-baked cake sets beautifully after chilling for a smooth and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Cake:
- ¾ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup tapioca flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon espresso powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Mousse:
- 3 cups heavy cream (divided)
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- pinch kosher salt
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- chocolate shavings
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, cacao powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, water, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a smooth cake batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature.
- Melt chocolate for mousse: Place the chopped semisweet chocolate, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of kosher salt into a food processor. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until just boiling. With the processor running, slowly pour the hot cream through the feed tube until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Whip the cream for mousse: Using a hand mixer, beat 2 cups of chilled heavy cream with coconut sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble mousse layer: Pour the chocolate mousse over the cooled cake in the springform pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 6 hours, or until set.
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, whip 1 cup of chilled heavy cream with vanilla extract using a hand mixer until medium-firm peaks form. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a round tip.
- Decorate and serve: Pipe mounds of whipped cream atop the set mousse. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves. Slice and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The cake can be cooled completely at room temperature before assembling to avoid melting the mousse.
- Use dairy or dairy-free milk and cream depending on dietary preference, but heavy cream is recommended for best mousse texture.
- The mousse can be prepared a day in advance and chilled for easier assembly and enhanced flavor.
- Make sure the heavy cream used for whipping is well chilled for optimal whipping results.
- For a more intense mint flavor, add extra peppermint extract cautiously as it is potent.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
