Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

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posted by Liz Berg

on July 25, 2021 (updated 10/19/22)

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If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy chocolate dessert, I’ve got you covered with this sublime Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake.

This Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake starts with a flourless chocolate cake base, which is topped with an incredibly rich and creamy mousse and iced with a glossy ganache. It was perfect for a friend facing back surgery and her chocoholic husband.

Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Expert Tips

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 You May Also Like:

5 Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Why You Must Make

  • Frozen desserts are perfect for gifting as they don’t need to be eaten right away and are terrific for unexpected company or those chocolate cravings! My girlfriend is a chocolate fanatic and I knew having slices of this dreamy frozen chocolate mousse cake in her freezer would brighten up a dreary day of rehab.
  • There are three layers of decadence in this frozen mousse cake: a flourless chocolate cake, a layer of dreamy mousse, and a topping of chocolate ganache! The bonus is that it’s a gluten-free dessert!
  • Each one is fabulous on its own, but together, they create a chocolate extravaganza!
  • It can be made weeks ahead of time, so you can fix it when you have time, not the day you’re entertaining or bringing it to an event.
Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

Expert Tips

There are 3 layers, with the final ganache topping being the easiest. You can make the cake layer one day, then the mousse and ganache on the next if you want to spread out the process. Note there are affiliate links below.

  • To get the mousse cake out of the springform pan, use non-stick foil to line it. I used two pieces placed perpendicular to each other so that all the inner surface was covered.
  • Even if the foil is pressed tightly against the inside of the pan, you’ll still see wrinkles and folds on the sides of the dessert when it’s unmolded. No one except the baker will notice this!
  • Do you know what a springform pan is? It’s used mainly for cheesecakes, but works great for any cakes. It has a removable base and a “collar” for the sides which can be released with a clip. It’s a must for this mousse cake.
  • Use this cake spatula for moving cakes and cheesecakes from the pan to the serving plate.
  • The eggs must be separarted to make the mousse. PRO-Tip: Remember that eggs separate easiest when cold, but egg whites whip best when at room temperature.
  • PRO-Tip: Note that any yolk that contaminates the egg whites (or any grease on the bowl or beaters) will prevent them from whipping into stiff peaks. It’s worth taking your time separating the eggs so none are wasted.
  • The cake layer will shrink as it cools, so the mousse layer invariably will be a little bit wider than the cake below.
  • To cut, use a long, sturdy bread knife. It worked well as it could straddle the whole cake. Warming the knife helps cut through a frozen dessert if needed.
  • Let this dessert to sit out at room temperature after it’s sliced and placed on dessert plates. It slices cleanly when frozen solid, but let it soften for a few minutes to make for easier indulging.
  • PRO-Tip: Cold inhibits a dish’s flavor. So for desserts like ice cream, you need to bump up the flavorings a bit.

Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mousse Cake?

A mousse cake can be a traditional cake, brownie, or another baked good that has a layer of mousse. The mousse component can use cream or eggs to give it the classic airy or fluffy texture.
A mousse cake can also be a dense mousse that’s sliced into wedges like a cake. It may or may not have a crust. The main requirement of a mousse cake is to have mousse as an ingredient.

How Do You Make a Mousse Cake?

Often mousse is used as a cake filling or topping, making a “mousse cake.”
To make this mousse cake, the flourless chocolate cake is baked, cooled, and frozen. Then the mousse is made. The chocolate mousse is spread over the cake, then returned to the freezer. Finally, the ganache is made, spread over the frozen mousse, and frozen.

Can You Freeze a Mousse Cake?

This mousse cake freezes well for 1-2 months if wrapped well. This recipe is meant to be frozen, but remember to let it soften for a few minutes before serving so it’s not rock hard.
Mousses made with eggs ordinarily do not freeze as nicely. Their texture may become slightly grainy when defrosted. The mousse layer in this cake is an exception.

You May Also Like:

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

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Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (4)

The Recipe:

Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time45 minutes

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Yield12 servings

3 delicious chocolate layers make every slice a party in your mouth!

Ingredients

Flourless Cake:

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) butter
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

Mousse:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter
  • 10 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 3 large eggs, separated (pasteurized eggs preferred)*
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Glaze:

  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Make the cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350º.
  2. Line inside of 9-inch springform pan with nonstick foil and wrap a piece of foil around outside, too.
  3. Heat butter and chocolate in the microwave until melted. Whisk till smooth.
  4. Whisk in the eggs and sugar. Add vanilla and pour into prepared pan.
  5. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and fill the larger pan with hot water to come about halfway up the sides of the pan.
  6. Bake 40-45 minutes and remove from oven, allowing the cake to cool in the water bath.
  7. Once cool, place the cake pan in the freezer.

Make the mousse:

  1. Melt butter and chocolate in the microwave. Whisk till smooth.
  2. Whisk yolks, sugar, and vanilla together.
  3. Whisk yolk mixture into the hot chocolate mixture carefully.
  4. Using a mixer, beat the whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate.
  5. In the mixer, beat the cream to soft peaks and fold it into the mousse.
  6. Spread mousse over the cold cake and return to the freezer for an hour.

Make the Glaze:

  1. Microwave corn syrup and cream just till hot. Add chocolate.
  2. Let sit one minute and then whisk smooth. Let sit an additional 30 mins to thicken. Remove cake sides.
  3. Pour glaze over cold mousse layer and return to freezer for a few hours until ready to serve. Keep frozen.
  4. Let the cake warm up at room temperature for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To prevent foodborne illnesses, I recommend using pasteurized eggs in recipes calling for raw eggs.

Recipe adapted fromThe Pastry Queen by Rebecca Rather via Hugs & Cookies XOXO

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 553Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 173mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 66gFiber: 4gSugar: 60gProtein: 8g

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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posted by Liz Berg on July 25, 2021
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    69 Comments on “Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake”

  1. Karen Silon Reply

    Would it be possible to make your chocolate mousse cake with out freezing? Thank you for you cooperation. I will be awaiting your reply. Sincerely yours, Karen Silon

    • Liz Berg Reply

      Hi, Karen, Since the mousse is pretty loose, if you don’t freeze it, it won’t slice neatly/nicely. If that’s not a big deal, it shouldn’t be a problem. Happy Mother’s Day!

  2. Lisa M Daly Reply

    I don’t understand. You said mousses made with eggs do not freeze as well and develop a grainy texture. But your mousse recipe has eggs in it and you are telling us to freeze it

    • Liz Berg Reply

      Oh, duh! I needed to word this better. Typically mousses with eggs don’t work well, but this is an exception. Hope you give it a try!

  3. angiesrecipes Reply

    Wish I could reach into the screen and grab that slice to try!

  4. mary anderson Reply

    This cake looks fantastic. My daughter was walking past me looking at this cake on the computer and stopped and said she wants it for her 19th birthday. You know you have a hit when a teenager likes your stuff. Keep up the great work. I so look forward to what your coming up with.

  5. Donya Reply

    I can’t wait to make this for my family!

  6. Katherine | Love In My Oven Reply

    Swoon-worthy is right! This cake is so smooth and GORGEOUS! I love that it’s frozen!

  7. Blackswan Reply

    Oh wow, the word FROZEN certainly caught my attention! xoxo

  8. Gloria Roa Baker Reply

    So delicious Lizzy ! hugs!!

  9. Juliana Reply

    Oh Liz, this case looks amazing…flourless chocolate cake layered with chocolate mousse…I need a slice of this cake now…thanks for sharing the recipe.
    I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

  10. Tricia | Saving Room for Dessert Reply

    My goodness Liz – this is the kind of cake I love! It sounds and looks fantastic. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous creation 🙂

  11. Phong Hong Reply

    I’d really like to try this frozen chocolate mousse cake! It’s very very hot right now in Malaysia and a cool chocolate dessert would really make my day.

  12. Cakelaw Reply

    Wow, this cake looks amazing. Chocoholics’ delight.

  13. Stephanie Manley Reply

    Soo perfect for the weather in Hot Houston!

  14. Lori Reply

    Love that I can make this one ahead of time. Always a big hit!

  15. Toni | Boulder Locavore Reply

    This didn’t last long in my house! A huge hit!

  16. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes Reply

    OMG those layers! This is a beautiful cake!

  17. Brenda Reply

    Absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee!

  18. Jennifer Farley Reply

    My new favorite dessert! I love all that chocolate.

Frozen Chocolate Mousse Cake - Make Ahead! - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

FAQs

Can you freeze cake with mousse filling? ›

Once baked, cool them completely and then wrap them in a double layer of plastic wrap. Place in a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can you put mousse in the freezer to set? ›

You can absolutely freeze chocolate mousse, and it will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use again, do not attempt to heat it in any way. Transfer to the fridge and let it thaw in the fridge until you can spoon it out to serve.

What happens if you freeze chocolate mousse? ›

As the mousse contains gelatine and some sugar it will not freeze completely solid. Thaw the mousses overnight in the fridge and consume within 24 hours. You may also be able to serve the mousse almost frozen, as an iced chocolate mousse.

Can I freeze a chocolate mousse cake? ›

Can You Freeze a Mousse Cake? This mousse cake freezes well for 1-2 months if wrapped well. This recipe is meant to be frozen, but remember to let it soften for a few minutes before serving so it's not rock hard. Mousses made with eggs ordinarily do not freeze as nicely.

Should mousse cake be refrigerated or frozen? ›

Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for upto 3 days in an airtight container. Except Fruit cakes which need to be consumed the same day. All mousse cakes need to be refrigerated until served.

How do you defrost chocolate mousse cake? ›

You should take the mousse out of the freezer and pop it into the fridge to defrost for several hours. Once it has thawed, you can serve as usual.

Can you put mousse in the night before? ›

Wash your hair before bed. Gently towel dry, and apply a dollop of mousse — the mousse keeps curls intact while you're sleeping. Go to bed with wet hair, and you'll wake up with body and a natural curl.

Can chocolate mousse sit overnight? ›

A good chocolate mousse should be light, airy, and not fatty. All chocolate mousses should set for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator. Most should be eaten at room temperature, so remember to take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

How do you store chocolate mousse cake? ›

This Chocolate Mousse Cake must be stored in the fridge. You can store the cake in the springform pan with plastic wrap on top until ready to serve or store it directly on a serving plate, covered. Chocolate Mousse Cake will last up to 4 days.

Are raw eggs in mousse safe? ›

This will make the recipe quicker and easier. However, do note that the raw egg version should not be served to at risk individuals such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, infants and young children, and immunocompromised individuals due to the risk of salmonella and other infections.

Why is my chocolate mousse not fluffy? ›

The chocolate you used wasn't fluid enough

A three-drop chocolate has exactly the right cocoa butter content to produce the perfect end results. Chocolate with less cocoa butter in it will give the mousse too little texture.

Can you freeze Costco chocolate mousse cake? ›

It comes packaged in a rectangular plastic container that you can easily reseal after opening. The cake slices super easily and freezes wonderfully. If you love this cake like I do, don't feel like you need to wait for a special occasion to buy it.

Can you make a chocolate cake in advance and freeze it? ›

You can freeze just about any cake after they've cooled completely. Mega flavorful cakes such as banana cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, and pumpkin cake freeze and thaw beautifully when wrapped in a couple layers, as detailed above. I find their flavor is even better after the freezing/thawing process!

How long does it take to defrost a mousse cake? ›

Set it on a flat surface in the freezer. Later, when you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator. This may take anywhere from 6-12 hours depending on the size of the cake.

How long does chocolate mousse last in cake? ›

The mousse will last for about 3 to 6 hours, depending on the climate. If you are making chocolate mousse or mousse cake, you need to refrigerate it ideally within an hour of making it.

Does chocolate mousse deflate? ›

It's very important that the chocolate mousse is folded gently and handled less amount of time. If you over-mix it then it will deflate and not be fluffy and airy?

How long can a cake with mousse filling sit out? ›

A cake with mousse filling can sit out a room temperature for no more then 2 hours. If the inside temperature is cool, it could last up to 5 hours, but keep an eye on it.

Does a cake with mousse filling need to be refrigerated? ›

Always refrigerate any cake with a frosting that contains eggs or egg whites, or one that has whipped-cream frosting or any type of filling — be it whipped cream, custard, fruit or mousse. You won't hurt a cake by refrigerating it, but the cold does dry it out.

Is chocolate mousse good the next day? ›

The mousse can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, though is at its best within the first two days. We would suggest covering the tops of the glasses or ramekins tightly with food wrap, so that the surface of the mousse doesn't dry out too much.

Does mousse go before or after cream? ›

Here's a foolproof routine to stick to, courtesy of Henson: Apply leave-in conditioner, mousse or foam, styling cream, gel, and oil—in that exact order.

Do you put mousse before or after? ›

For the best results you can use a hair mousse on damp hair and after that use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment to blow dry and style your curls. Even better is to towel dry your curls.

Why did my chocolate mousse go hard? ›

Overbeaten egg whites. If you beat the egg whites too stiff they can become grainy. For a mousse I beat them to JUST BEFORE they form stiff peaks. Overheated chocolate causes to form sugar crystals.

How long does chocolate mousse stay fresh? ›

Since chocolate mousse is made from raw eggs, it should be consumed cold and soon after making. Chocolate mousse will last for 1-2 days if kept in the fridge.

How long does chocolate mousse take to set in the freezer? ›

Freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight, if time permits, until firm. Using the plastic wrap, gently ease mousse from ramekins. Turn out onto chilled serving plates. Dust with cocoa (cocoa powder, to serve) and serve.

Do you have to freeze mousse cake? ›

As the cake freezes the chocolate in the mixture solidifies and once this has happened it is almost impossible to regain the light texture, even if you let the cake come back to room temperature. So we would not recommend freezing the cake.

How do you transport mousse cakes? ›

If you have cakes, mousses, or confections that are temperature-safe, consider packing desserts in coolers to prevent sweets from melting while on the go. However, instead of filling coolers with messy ice, consider placing reusable ice sheets on the inside of coolers.

How do you prevent salmonella in chocolate mousse? ›

Mousse recipes that use raw eggs should be modified by heating the milk, eggs and sugar to 160 degrees F. Hillers recommends any recipe calling for raw eggs should be modified to either heat the eggs or to substitute a modified egg product. If your recipe can't be modified, Hillers advises finding a substitute recipe.

Why do you add eggs to mousse? ›

Eggs provide emulsifying properties to chocolate mousse, as well as contribute to its texture. They are frequently separated, with their yolks being cooked into a custard cream sauce or perhaps whipped with sugar into a thick sabayon. Egg whites are commonly aerated into a frothy meringue (see sidebar).

What part of the egg should you not eat raw? ›

When an egg is cracked, there is a risk that any Salmonella bacteria on the shell can touch the egg white and end up in the bowl. This risk grows when a piece of broken egg shell falls into the raw egg or eggs are separated by passing the yolk back and forth between two shell halves.

What are the three basic elements of a mousse? ›

Mousse is a light and airy dessert made with eggs, sugar, heavy cream, and flavoring. All mousses have four basic components: aerated egg yolks, whipped egg whites, whipped cream, and a flavoring base.

Can you over whip mousse? ›

If you over-whip the cream, you'll end up with a grainy mousse (although you can try to remedy it by whisking in a few extra tablespoons of cream). An electric hand mixer and a nice big bowl are my tools of choice, but a big balloon whisk and a chilled mixing bowl work well, too.

What happens when you over Whip mousse? ›

If your mousse feels grainy, it's because you have overwhipped your cream. Not following the whipping time given in the recipe and over whipping separates the cream into butter, which gives a grainy and broken texture to your mousse.

Can mousse with gelatin be frozen? ›

Can You Freeze Mousse With Gelatin? Provided that gelatin is only used sparingly, you should be ok to freeze mousse desserts. Be warned, however, that you are most likely going to notice a drastic change in the texture of your mouse once it has been frozen. It may no longer be light and fluffy.

Can you freeze mousse to make ice cream? ›

The chocolate mousse can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To freeze the mousse base, place the set mousse into your ice cream container and freezer until set {about 2 to 3 hours}.

How far in advance can you bake a chocolate cake? ›

Un-iced: If you don't need to ice your cake until the day, you can bake your cake at least 2-3 days ahead of time. But you will need to store it carefully. Wrap it and seal it in an airtight container so it doesn't lose moisture.

Can you Premake and freeze cake? ›

You can keep unfrosted cakes in the freezer for two months. When you're ready to eat, defrost in the fridge until thawed. Editor's tip: Partially frozen cakes are super easy to decorate since they are stiffer and produce fewer crumbs—so don't wait for them to thaw completely if you want to frost them!

Can I bake a cake and put it in the freezer? ›

Yes, freezing homemade cakes is a great way to preserve their freshness and moisture for up to 3 months. Can you freeze a cake with icing? Many cakes with icing freeze well. In fact, the icing provides a barrier to stop the cake drying out.

How far in advance should you leave out ice cream cake to thaw? ›

Friday, December 7, 2018, As a general guide, you should leave your ice cream cake out at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting it.

How do you make chocolate mousse thicker? ›

Mix 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 tablespoon of cold milk for every 1 cup of finished souffle. Mix the cornstarch slurry into the main liquid ingredient. Heat the main ingredient over a double boiler until it thickens, or for 5 to 7 minutes.

What goes well with chocolate mousse? ›

Due to the creamy textures and bittersweet taste, chocolate mousse pairs well with alcoholic sweet wines and berry wines. The sweetness of the wines balances the bitterness of the chocolate, creating perfect harmony between their contrasting tastes. Shiraz works well with rich, dark desserts like chocolate mousse.

How do you stabilize mousse? ›

Gelatin is a protein mixture and these proteins can form a network which stabilizes all the remaining liquids in the mousse. Together, the gelatin and chocolate stabilize.

Can you freeze a cake that has filling? ›

Freezing cake with filling

The answer to your question is yes your lemon or fruit filling can be safely frozen.

Can I freeze a cake with whipped cream filling? ›

Frosted cakes that do NOT freeze well: Cakes covered in whipped cream frosting will not freeze well. Also, do not freeze mousse cakes or cakes with a custard, pudding, or cream filling (like Boston cream pie). The filling could separate in the freezing and thawing, leading to a soggy cake.

Can you freeze a cake with pastry cream filling? ›

Yes, you can freeze pastry cream, provided it is not made with cornstarch.

Can you bake a cake ahead of time and freeze it? ›

You can freeze just about any cake after they've cooled completely. Mega flavorful cakes such as banana cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, and pumpkin cake freeze and thaw beautifully when wrapped in a couple layers, as detailed above. I find their flavor is even better after the freezing/thawing process!

How do you keep a cake moist after freezing it? ›

Once solid, “You want to wrap the cake as tightly as possible in plastic wrap,” Stankiewicz says. “Maybe even take a piece of parchment paper and put it up against the surface of the cake, because that's where most of the moisture is going to evaporate.

Can you freeze cakes after they are baked but before you frost them? ›

The simple answer is because it can save time. You can freeze it so when you're ready to decorate all you have to do is remove it from the freezer and get to work. The second reason to freeze a cake is that it makes it easier to handle when you're working with it.

Can I put whipped cream on a cake in advance? ›

It's best when kept cold, so keep your dessert refrigerated until you're ready to serve it. After about 48 hours, the whipped cream starts to give off some of its moisture. If it's on a cake or cupcake, it's fine because the moisture just soaks into the cake and that is delicious in its own way.

Can I put whipped cream on cake ahead of time? ›

Even better, you can go ahead and frost or pipe this super easy whipped cream recipe onto your cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, etc. and safely keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Can whipped cream be frozen for later use? ›

Yes. Instead of throwing it out, you can easily freeze extra whipped cream in individual servings for later use. These single servings are great for adding to hot drinks like mochas or lattes or on top of individual desserts.

How long to thaw frozen cake before frosting? ›

The best way to defrost a cake is to let it slowly thaw in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Then, let it come to room temperature by taking it out of your fridge and placing it on your counter for about an hour before you plan to eat it. Thanks!

What happens if you freeze all purpose cream? ›

No, cream does not freeze. Freezing destabilises cream. When thawing you risk the cream separating (with water on one side and fat on the other). However, there is no reason why you cannot freeze dishes containing cream.

Can you freeze a cake with cream cheese frosting? ›

Believe it or not, you can freeze frosted cakes, too, provided they've got a freezer-stable frosting. Meringue-based frostings aren't suitable for freezing, but popular icings like American buttercream and cream cheese frosting freeze wonderfully.

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