Chocolate Mousse Cake

This is my no fail recipe that I whip together whenever I want a decadent dessert for company. It is easy, takes only a couple of ingredients and it is oh so delicious!

Ingredients for Chocolate Mousse

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 10 ounces (280 g) dark fair trade chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar

Preparation of Mousse

Prepare Chocolate Mixture

1. In a double boiler on low heat combine 3/4 of a cup of cream, chocolate, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
2. Gently stir the chocolate and cream until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
3. Let the chocolate mixture cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Prepare Cream Mixture

1. In a large bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups of cream and the sugar.
2. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Gently combine the Chocolate and Cream Mixtures together

1. Fold a little whipped cream mixture into the chocolate mixture to thin it out.
2. Then pour the chocolate mixture into the remaining whipped cream mixture.
3. Gently folding the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until they are combined.

Let the mousse set and serve

1. Pour the mousse into a springform pan, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours. I generally prepare this the night before.
2. Top with your choice of fresh fruit, a berry sauce or nuts and coconut.

Topping Ideas

You can top the mouse with a dollop of whipped cream, your favourite fresh berries, orange or lemon zest, nuts, coconut.

Berry Sauce

I like to top my cake with this super simple berry sauce and here are the instructions.

1. Heat a cup of fresh berries (strawberry, raspberry or blueberry) in a microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop.
2. Once the berries become a jam consistency remove them from the stove.
3. Then stir in a splash of vanilla, lemon zest, a pinch of cinnamon and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve over your mousse.

Note: You can put the mousse in separate serving dishes instead of a cake pan. I often let the mousse set in martini glasses to serve individual portions. Very decadent!

The mousse will keep for several days in the refrigerator.

Sugar: I try to eliminate as much sugar as possible in my diet and you will notice the mousse cake has very little added which makes a very rich chocolaty flavoured mousse. Make the cake according to your taste. My berry sauce does not have any sugar added and I find the vanilla and cinnamon make it perfect. Again, prepare it according to your taste. Enjoy!