Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (2024)

Published: Modified: by Nina

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This vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling is a perfect cake for any celebration! The vanilla cake layers are filled with a chocolate mousse filling, and the cake is frosted with a whipped chocolate ganache, and decorated with sprinkles.

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (1)

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  • 🍰A classic cake
  • 🥘Ingredients
  • 🔪Instructions
  • ✔️Expert tips
  • 💭FAQs
  • 🔖Related recipes
  • 📋 Recipe

🍰A classic cake

A vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is such a classic pairing. I took that and thought of ways to update and make it more modern. I decided to do a chocolate moose filling, and I'm so glad I did! The mousse is so airy and chocolatey, and goes so well with the fluffy vanilla cake layers.

I chose a whipped chocolate ganache to frost the outsides of the cake. Whipping the ganache creates a light frosting that is easy to spread on the cake, and can be piped too. Finish with some sprinkles, or leave it plain.

For more layer cakes, try my Italian Lemon Cream Cake, Cherry Layer Cake, or my White Cake with Strawberry Filling.

🥘Ingredients

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (2)

Ingredient notes

  • Baking chocolate - I used milk chocolate for this recipe. Semi-sweet would work well too.
  • Gelatin powder - Use unflavoured gelatin powder. It's usually found where the flavoured gelatin is in the store.
  • Whole milk - 2% milk can be substituted.

🔪Instructions

Vanilla Cake

To make the cake layers, whisk all the dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.

Alternate dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Pour into two 9 inch cake pans that have been greased and lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (180°C).

This cake can be made in 8 inch cake pans if you use a cake collar. This cake is layered in a 9 inch springform pan, so the cake layers need to be 9 inch too.

Chocolate Mousse

For the chocolate mousse, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it sit while you continue with the next steps. Place chocolate in a medium sized bowl.

Add ½ cup heavy whipping cream and sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer then remove from heat and add gelatin mixture. Stir until dissolved and pour over chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk smooth.

Cool the moose to room temperature, stirring occasionally to speed up the cooling process. You can also put it in the freezer for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes so it cools evenly.

In a large bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks. Whisk ⅓ of the whipped cream into the cooled mousse. Gently fold in the remaining until combined.

Line the springform pan with parchment paper. Place one cake layer in the bottom of the springform pan. Spread mousse overtop, then top with the second cake layer. Place plastic wrap overtop of cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (3)
Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (4)

Whipped Chocolate Ganache

To make the ganache, place chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy whipping cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then pour over chocolate. Let it sit for 3 minutes, and then whisk until smooth.

Let the ganache cool before whipping. Either at room temperature, or you can put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes so it cools evenly. Whip ganache until stiff peaks form.

Remove cake from the springform pan and place it on a cake decorating stand or plate. Spread whipped ganache on the top and the sides of the cake. Pipe decorations on top of the cake and scatter sprinkles on top. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For more step-by-step photos, see the web story for this vanilla cake with chocolate moose filling!

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (5)
  • You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. I used milk chocolate in this recipe.
  • Make sure you use unflavoured gelatin.
  • I use whole milk when baking, but you could substitute with 2% milk if you want.
  • Don't over mix cake batter. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated and no more. Over mixing can cause a dense cake.

💭FAQs

Does a cake with mousse filling need to be refrigerated?

The best way to store a cake with mousse in it is to cover it and store in the refrigerator. If left at room temperature, the mousse could get soft and may get runny.

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.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, mousse made with gelatin, which this one is, can be frozen nicely. Moose without gelatin will get ice crystals forming on it.
The moose will thaw faster than the cake though, which may cause the moose to be a bit runny.
Wrap the cake with plastic wrap and then wrap with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (6)
  • Homemade Easter Poke Cake
  • Raspberry Champagne Cake
  • Mini Strawberry Champagne Cheesecakes
  • Cranberry Mimosa Cupcakes

Let's Bake Together!

Step-by-step instructions are all written in my recipe below. If you liked it, please rate me 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

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📋 Recipe

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Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling

Nina

The vanilla cake layers are filled with a chocolate moose filling, and the cake is frosted with a whipped chocolate ganache, and decorated with sprinkles. This cake is perfect for any celebration!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Cooling time 4 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine North American

Servings 14 slices

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • two 9 inch cake pans

  • one 9 inch Springform pan

Ingredients

Vanilla Cake

  • 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature

Chocolate Moose

  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ¾ teaspooon gelatin powder
  • 6 ounces baking chocolate (milk or semi-sweet)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream cold, divided
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Whipped Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces baking chocolate (milk or semi-sweet)
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream cold
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cold
  • 2 tabelspoons sprinkles optional

Instructions

Vanilla Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 9 inch cake pans with parchment paper. We need to use 9 inch cake pans for this recipe because we are layering everything in a 9 inch springform pan. You can skip the springform pan and use a cake collar. If you use a cake collar, this cake can be made in 8 inch cake pans as well.

  • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

  • Alternate add the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (3 additions of flour, 2 of milk). Mix until just combined and divide the batter equally into the prepared pans.

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs on it. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes, and then remove cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Chocolate Moose

  • Add water to a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin on top. Let it sit while you move on to the next steps.

  • Place chocolate in a medium sized bowl.

  • Add ½ cup heavy whipping cream and sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer then remove from heat and add gelatin mixture. Stir until dissolved. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes, then whisk smooth.

  • Cool the moose to room temperature, stirring occasionally to speed up the cooling process.

  • In a large bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks. Whisk ⅓ of the whipped cream into the cooled moose. Gently fold in the remaining until combined.

  • Line the springform pan with parchment paper. Allow the parchment paper to overhang a bit. This will help easily remove the cake later on.

  • Place one cake layer in the bottom of the springform pan. Spread moose overtop, then top with the second cake layer. Place plastic wrap overtop of cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Whipped Chocolate Ganache

  • Place chocolate in a medium bowl.

  • Heat heavy whipping cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and then pour over chocolate. Let it sit for 3 minutes, and then whisk until smooth.

  • Let the ganache cool before whipping. Either at room temperature, or you can put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Whip ganache until stiff peaks form.

  • Remove cake from the springform pan and place it on a cake decorating stand or plate. Spread whipped ganache on the top and the sides of the cake. Pipe decorations on top of the cake and scatter sprinkles on top. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. I used milk chocolate in this recipe.
  • Make sure you use unflavoured gelatin.
  • I use whole milk when baking, but you could substitute with 2% milk if you want.
  • Don't over mix cake batter. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated and no more. Over mixing can cause a dense cake.

YOUR OWN NOTES

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Nutrition

Serving: 14gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 7gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 186mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 3gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 895IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram!Mention @ninakneadstobake or tag #ninakneadstobake!

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mosse Filling (2024)

FAQs

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

Researching on baking sites as yes it does require that refrigeration as the cake is better served cold. Baker's Tip: The chocolate mousse must chill in the refrigerator before using, so it's a good idea to make it ahead of time or as the chocolate cake layers are cooling.

What goes well with vanilla in a cake? ›

Mild fruit flavors, such as fig, pear, and strawberries, will act as a complement to vanilla. Lady Baltimore cake, for instance, is made with a light vanilla cake paired with a fig and fruit filling topped with a fluffy cloud of meringue buttercream.

What is the difference between mousse and mousse cake? ›

A chocolate mousse is a dessert made with whipped cream, chocolate, and sometimes egg yolks. It has a light and airy texture and is typically served chilled. On the other hand, a chocolate mousse cake is a cake with layers of chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, covered in a chocolate glaze or frosting.

Can you put mousse on top of cake? ›

Assemble the cake

Place down the cooled chocolate sponge, then pour over the chocolate mousse. Spread it out, and put into the fridge for 20 minutes so the mousse is somewhat set. Then for final touches, spread on a layer of whipped cream and dust generously with cocoa powder.

What cake filling does not need to be refrigerated? ›

Buttercream, ganache, jams, dulce de leche and most fillings are stable at room temperature. Cream cheese can stay out for several hours.

What cake fillings don't need to be refrigerated? ›

Shelf stable cake fillings
  1. Cottage Foods Bakery Approved Buttercream Frosting. ...
  2. Shelf-stable White Chocolate Ganache Buttercream - Sweet Mac Shop. ...
  3. Shelf Stable “Cream Cheese” Flavored Icing Recipe - Angel Foods. ...
  4. Shelf Stable Mousse Fillings. ...
  5. 35+ Easy Cake Filling Recipes.

How do you keep a vanilla cake moist? ›

I promise you SOFT & MOIST cakes!
  1. Use Cake Flour. Reach for cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. ...
  2. Add Sour Cream. ...
  3. Room Temperature Butter / Don't Over-Cream. ...
  4. Add a Touch of Baking Powder or Baking Soda. ...
  5. Add Oil. ...
  6. Don't Over-Mix. ...
  7. Don't Over-Bake. ...
  8. Brush With Simple Syrup/Other Liquid.
Aug 25, 2019

Why is chocolate mousse so good? ›

Chocolate mousse is creamy because it is made with whipped egg whites and heavy cream. The whipped egg whites provide a light and airy texture, while the heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the dessert.

Why is my cake batter like mousse? ›

Your eggs or milk are too cold!

The blobs in the batter are pieces of butter. This butter breaks out of the batter when the fat gets too cold and seizes.

What is the purpose of using mousse? ›

Mousse helps keep frizz in check and helps make your curls bouncier. Using the right amount of hair mousse can really make a difference. There are many methods on how to use hair mousse effectively. The foam consistency helps enhance whichever hairstyle you choose.

What can I put in between cake layers? ›

34+ Best Cake Filling Recipes
  1. Salted Caramel Sauce.
  2. Strawberry Compote (20 Minutes)
  3. Nutella Buttercream Frosting.
  4. Chocolate Fudge Frosting.
  5. Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Topping.
  6. Mascarpone Whipped Cream.
  7. Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting.
  8. Oreo Whipped Cream.
Aug 15, 2023

What is mousse in cake? ›

A mousse (/ˈmuːs/; French: [mus]; "foam") is a soft prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. Depending on preparation techniques, it can range from light and fluffy to creamy and thick. A mousse may be sweet or savoury. Mousse. Chocolate mousse garnished with ground cinnamon.

How long does mousse cake last at room temperature? ›

If placed at room temperature, it can only last for 3 hours before the air trapped inside escapes and deflates. To store the mousse cake, cover the mousse cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until it's ready to serve. Chocolate mousse cake will last 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Does cake with filling need to be refrigerated? ›

However, there are exceptions: If the temperature of your kitchen is hot, or if there's fresh fruit, fruit compote, or fresh dairy in the cake, such as cream cheese, whipped cream, or mascarpone, it's best not to keep the cake out at room temperature.

Can mousse cake sit out? ›

Once the cakes and filling come to room temperature they will be perfect. Your mocha ganache will be fine out of the fridge for a couple of days but the chocolate mousse is another story. If you use whipped cream and eggs in your recipe as I do then you cannot leave it out.

Does a cake with cream 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.

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