This Caramel Mousse cake recipe makes the perfect light dessert. It’s made with a rich chocolate cake soaked in a sugar syrup, filled with a a creamy caramel mousse a topped with a chocolate glaze. Make this dessert the day before you want to serve it so it sets up properly.
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The caramel mousse made for this dessert is also great for cake fillings, parfaits, filling chocolate shells and so many other sweet uses. The airy texture of the mousse pairs nicely with crunchy additions such as roasted nuts and crunch cookie bits.
Instructions
Storage
The Caramel Mousse Cake requires refrigeration. I recommend removing cake from the fridge approximately half-an-hour prior to serving. This will allow the glaze to soften a bit.
FAQs
How do I make a salted caramel cake?
Add a teaspoon of fine sea salt before allowing the caramel to cool and before adding the whipped cream. Also, consider adding coarse sea salt to the top of the cake for a saltier taste and more visual appeal.
📋 Recipe
Caramel Mousse Cake Recipe
Creamy caramel mousse, chocolate cake and chocolate glaze.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer or hand mixer
- 10" round springform pan
- 9" Round Cake Pan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Heavy Duty Saucepan
- Heat-Resistant Spatula
Ingredients
Caramel Mousse
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- ½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream Measure #1
- 6 Ounces White Chocolate (Use a high quality chocolate)
- 2 teaspoons Powdered Gelatin
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
- 3 Large Egg Yolks
- 1 ½ Cups Heavy Whipping Cream Measure #2
Chocolate Cake
- ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour Sift if necessary to remove any lumps
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Corn Starch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 Large Eggs Room Temperature
- ⅓ Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
- ⅔ Cup Brewed Coffee, cooled may replace with water
Simple Syrup
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
Chocolate Glaze
- 8 Ounces Semi-sweet chocolate
- ¾ Cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons Light corn syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Water
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Note - Bake the cake and cool before starting the caramel mousse
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
- Prepare a 9" cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing the pan.
- Combine cocoa powder, flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder and baking soda in the bowl of a stand mixer. If mixing by hand or with a hand mixer, combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl.⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder, 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 tablespoon Corn Starch, 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- Add oil and eggs and mix until combined.2 Large Eggs, ⅓ Cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
- Slowly pour brewed coffee into bowl while continuing to mix, scraping the bowl occasionally. The batter should be smooth.⅔ Cup Brewed Coffee, cooled
- Bake for 28 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Place cake on a rack and allow to cool completely.
- Remove cake from pan after cooling. Slice the dome off the cake to create a flat surface.
Simple Syrup
- Combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and the water is just beginning to boil. Set aside to cool.1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Cup Water
Caramel Mousse
- Sprinkle powdered gelatin over cold water. Set aside.2 teaspoons Powdered Gelatin, 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
- Lightly whip egg yolks in a bowl, set aside.3 Large Egg Yolks
- Place granulated sugar in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan.½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- Begin heating the sugar on medium heat and allow to come to a boil. Do not stir sugar.
- Continue boiling sugar until it turns an amber color.
- Turn heat to low and add butter and heavy cream. Use caution as the mixture may sputter. Stir until butter is melted. Note: the sauce may start to separate - just continue to stir until it comes together.½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream, 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Remove from heat and add white chocolate and gelatin. Stir until melted.6 Ounces White Chocolate
- Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring ¼ of the caramel sauce into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent eggs from curdling.
- Place sauce pan on stovetop over low heat. Whisking constantly, pour the tempered eggs gradually into the saucepan. Whisk vigorously until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160℉ (71℃).
- Pour mixture into a large bowl and set aside to allow to cool completely (approximately 30 minutes).
- Begin whipping heaving cream (measure #2) to medium peaks. Medium whipped cream peaks hold their shape well but the tips curl over slightly when you lift the whisk.1 ½ Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the caramel mixture until it's fully blended and no white streaks are visible. Be careful not to fold to much, or you’ll lose the light, fluffy texture.
Assembling the Cake
- Place cake layer in the center of springform pan. Poke about 20 holes in the chocolate cake with a dinner fork. Evenly brush the cooled simple syrup over the cake.
- Pour caramel mousse over chocolate cake in the springform pan. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Tap gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place cake in refrigerator for 2 hours or until mousse is fully set.
Unmold the Cake
- Dip a knife or offset spatula into a cup of hot water and run the knife around the inside of the springform pan. Gently release the spring on the pan. Place cake on a wire rack and prepare chocolate glaze.
Chocolate Glaze
- Place chocolate, butter, corn syrup and water in a heat-proof bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 second bursts at 50% power until melted. Stir between each heating. Alternatively, heat over a pot with simmering water and stir often (note: bottom of bowl should not touch the water).8 Ounces Semi-sweet chocolate, 2 Tablespoons Light corn syrup, 1 Tablespoon Water, ¾ Cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- Allow glaze to cool slightly (5 - 10 minutes). Pour glaze over top of cake. Push glaze down the sides of the cake using an offset spatula.
- Allow glaze to set and move to a serving platter.
Notes
Use caution when making the caramel. Hot sugar can may cause burns if it comes in contact with skin.
Nutrition
Calories: 682kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 7gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 218mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 1145IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Content For Food Bloggers says
This Caramel Mousse Cake recipe is divine! The layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy caramel mousse topped with a smooth chocolate glaze sound irresistible. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and delicious recipe!
Beth says
This cake was so good. When I first saw this, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it. It's actually very easy, and the texture and flavors are so worth giving it a try. It's going to be a permanent fixture in my dessert rotation.
Lavanda Michelle Williams says
Your Caramel Mousse Cake recipe is a game-changer! 😍 The layers of chocolatey goodness and that caramel mousse are a match made in dessert heaven.
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
My family really enjoyed this cake. Thought it might be tricky but the easy to follow instructions helped.
dessertswithstephanie says
Amanda, thank you for taking the time to leave a review on the cake. Yes, it is much easier to create than it may seem.
Dannii says
The caramel in this was incredible. A delicious indulgent dessert.
april says
Oh my goodness this is so yummy. Probably my favorite. Can't wait for more!
Ivan Carlo Jose says
I love that your recipe is so easy to follow, especially with the pictures for each of the steps. I love caramel cakes so we would definitely try this at home.
Linda S says
All of the step by step pictures were really helpful! Thank you
dessertswithstephanie says
Linda, thank you for letting me know the instructions were helpful!
Stacy says
Amazing recipe! The whole family loved this cake
dessertswithstephanie says
Stacy, thank you for stopping by to leave a review! So happy your family enjoyed the cake recipe.
Ally says
Oh my! This was so creamy and tasty.