Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake Food

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• TO MAKE THE CAKE AND FUDGE LAYER:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare an 8 inch cake pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
• . In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Do not skimp on the amount of creaming time.
• . Add sour cream and vanilla extract mix until well combined.
• . Add egg whites one at a time, mixing until well combined after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
• . Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then combine milk and water in a small measuring cup.
• . Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until well combined. Add the milk mixture and mix until well combined. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
• . Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 19-21 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few crumbs.
• . Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 3-4 minutes, then remove to cooling rack to cool completely.
• . One the cake is cooled, prepare the cake pan for layering. To set up your cake pan, line an 8×3 inch springform pan with parchment paper that goes about 2 inches above the top edge of the pan. A springform pan is best so that you can easily remove the cake once it's been assembled. If you only have a regular 8×3 inch cake pan, line the cake pan with plastic wrap (which can later be used to lift your cake out of the pan once it's assembled), then add the parchment paper. You can also place a cardboard cake circle in the bottom of the pan, on top of the clear wrap. In lou of using a cake pan to build the cake, you could also use cake collars. 10. Cut the
• dome off of the cake, then place it in your pan or cake collar. 11. To make
• the fudge layer, add the chocolate chips, corn syrup and vanilla extract to a medium heat-proof bowl. 12. Heat th
• heavy whipping cream until it just starts to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl with clear wrap and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 13. Pour th
• chocolate on top of the cake and spread into an even layer. Place the cake in the fridge while the ganache firms, about 1 hour. TO MAKE THE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:
• uction-step-15″>1. Combine egg yolks, sugar and 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy whipping cream in the top of a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a mixing bowl set over a pot with simmering water in it. I use my mixer bowl. Do not let the water boil, or it will be too hot. To ensure that the steam cooking the eggs doesn't get too hot, occasionally lift the bowl to release the steam. 2. Cook mixture
• whisking constantly. The mixture will thin out at first, then begin to thicken. The egg mixture will be ready when is has thickened, lightened in color and has more volume. It should take about 7-10 minutes and reach 160°F (71°C). Do not boil. When done, remove egg mixture from heat and set aside. 3. Place the choc
• late chips for mousse in a medium sized bowl and melt in the microwave in intervals of about 10-15 seconds, stirring well between each interval, until smooth. You could also melt them in a double boiler, if you prefer. 4. Vigorously whi
• k the egg mixture into the melted chocolate until smooth. Set aside to cool to about room temperature. 5. In another bow
• , whip remaining 1 1/4 cups (300ml) of heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. 6. Fold about a ¼
• cup of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until , then fold about a 1/4 of the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream. Slowly fold the remaining chocolate mixture into the whipped cream. 7. Spread the choc
• late mousse into an even layer on top of the chocolate fudge. Refrigerate for about an hour. TO MAKE THE WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE:
• step-22″>1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the water, making sure the powder is all touching water. Let stand for about 5 minutes. 2. Place the white
• chocolate chips in a medium glass bowl. Microwave 1/2 cup (120ml) of heavy cream in a medium measuring cup until it comes to a boil. 3. Add the gelatin
• mixture to the hot heavy cream mixture and whisk until the gelatin is dissolved. 4. Pour the hot cr
• am over the white chocolate chips and let stand, covered, for 3-5 minutes. Whisk the white chocolate mixture until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. If it doesn't completely melt, microwave in 10-15 second intervals, whisking well between each, until smooth. Set aside to cool to about room temperature. 5. Whip remaining 1
• /4 cups (300ml) heavy cream and powdered sugar at high speed with a mixer until stiff peaks form. 6. Gently fold about
• a third of the cooled white chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until combined. Add the second third of the cooled white chocolate and gently fold into the whipped cream. Add the remaining white chocolate and fold together until completely combined. 7. Spread the white
• hocolate mousse into an even layer on top of the chocolate mousse. Refrigerate until completely firm, at least 3-4 hours. TO FINISH OFF THE CAKE:
• ep-29″>1. Once firm, remove the cake from the pan or remove the cake collar from the sides. If needed, smooth the sides of the cake using an offset spatula, and place cake on a serving plate. 2. Finish off the ca
• e with chocolate curls and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Keep cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

ALMOST-FAMOUS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Prepare the cake mix as the label directs for a 9-by-13-inch cake. Bake; cool slightly in the pan, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
• Clean out the cake pan and line it with plastic wrap. Cut the cake in half lengthwise, then in thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles. Using a serrated knife, slice each rectangle in half to make two layers. Arrange half of the pieces snugly in the cake pan. Crumble the remaining pieces and press tightly into 6 small balls; arrange 1 cake ball in the center of each cake rectangle in the pan.
• Make the mousse: Heat the chocolate, butter, coffee and 1/4 cup water in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water), stirring, until melted. Remove the bowl from the pan; stir until cool. Reserve the simmering water. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Whisk the egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a separate large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water and whisk until pale yellow, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chocolate-coffee mixture and the vanilla and whisk until combined, about 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and set in the bowl of ice water; whisk until slightly cool but not thick, about 4 minutes.
• Beat the egg whites and salt in a bowl with a mixer until foamy. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until almost stiff; gently fold into the chocolate-yolk mixture to make a dark chocolate mousse. Spread 5 cups over the cake and cake balls. Freeze until firm on top, about 30 minutes.
• Beat the heavy cream and the remaining 4 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form; fold into the remaining mousse. Remove the cake from the freezer; spread with the light chocolate mousse, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Make the chocolate shell: Stir the chocolate, heavy cream and 4 tablespoons corn syrup in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) until melted. A spoonful at a time, spread half of the shell mixture over the frozen mousse. Return to the freezer.
• Make the chocolate sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon corn syrup and the butter to the remaining chocolate shell mixture. Microwave 30 seconds, then stir until glossy.
• To serve the cake, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until foamy. Add the sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Remove the cake from the freezer; invert onto a baking sheet and unmold, then invert again onto a platter, chocolate shell-side up.
• Cut the cake in half lengthwise using a warm knife, then cut into thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to make 2 triangles. Top each triangle with whipped cream, ice cream and the prepared chocolate sauce.

LAYERED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the brownie: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk, butter, vanilla and egg until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Unclasp the pan, remove the outer ring and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the ring with a 2 1/2-inch-wide parchment strip, making sure that it sits tightly and smoothly along the sides. Re-clasp the ring to the bottom of the pan with the cake in it.
• For the mousse: Roughly chop 4 tablespoons of the butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder until smooth; set aside. Chop the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.
• Add 1/4 cup of the heavy cream to a small microwave-safe bowl and stir in the gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the gelatin is dissolved, about 1 minute. Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and add the sugar, vanilla and remaining 3 3/4 cups heavy cream. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide the whipped cream mixture between 2 large bowls. Fold one bowl of the cocoa powder-butter mixture into each batch of whipped cream mixture and stir until no streaks remain (one bowl will contain dark chocolate mousse and the other will contain light chocolate mousse).
• Spread the dark chocolate mousse on top of the brownie in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Spread the light chocolate mousse on top of the dark chocolate mousse and use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Refrigerate until the mousse is set, 3 hours and up to overnight.
• For the ganache: Bring the heavy cream and butter to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the semisweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
• Unclasp the springform pan and remove the parchment paper from the sides of the cake. Use a hot, dry offset spatula to smooth out the sides. Set a rack in a rimmed baking sheet and put the cake on top of the rack. Pour the ganache over the cake and let it drip down over the sides so the entire cake is covered. Swipe once across the top with a clean, large offset spatula to create a smooth top. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
• Hold a stencil or other tool with holes (such as a doily or a cooling rack) over the cake (do not lay it on the ganache; it will stick) and dust with more cocoa powder to create a decorative pattern. Serve immediately.

TRIPLE-LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE DESSERT

Steps:

• Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Process cookies in food processor until finely ground; mix with butter. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.
• Place 3 oz. semi-sweet chocolate in medium microwaveable bowl; add 2 Tbsp. milk. Microwave on HIGH 30 sec.; stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Repeat with 2 oz. white chocolate and 2 Tbsp. milk in separate microwaveable bowl. Then, repeat with remaining semi-sweet chocolate, remaining white chocolate and 2 Tbsp. of the remaining milk in third microwaveable bowl. Cool.
• Beat pudding mix and remaining milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir 1/3 cup pudding mixture and 2 tsp. cocoa powder into melted semi-sweet chocolate. Stir 1/3 cup of the remaining pudding mixture into each of the remaining 2 bowls of melted chocolate until blended. Gently stir 1 cup COOL WHIP into chocolate mixture in each bowl.
• Layer pudding mixtures over crust, starting with semi-sweet/cocoa mixture and ending with white chocolate mixture, smoothing top of each layer before adding the next. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
• Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan just before serving. Sprinkle lightly with remaining cocoa powder. Cut into 9 squares, then cut each square diagonally in half.

TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place eight 6-ounce (3 1/2-inch diameter) ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet, and coat with cooking spray; set aside.
• Stir flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer. Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add egg, milk, oil, vanilla, and 1/4 cup water; mix on medium-low speed until smooth and combined, about 3 minutes.
• Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Bake until a cake tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely. Run a knife around sides of cakes; unmold. Cakes can be refrigerated, wrapped in plastic, up to 1 day.
• Trim each cake to 1 inch high. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut eight 10 3/4-by-4-inch strips of parchment paper. Wrap a parchment collar around base of each cake, keeping bottom flush with baking sheet. Secure each collar with tape; set aside.
• Transfer bittersweet-chocolate mousse to a large pastry bag fitted with a large round tip (such as Ateco #808). Pipe a 1-inch layer of mousse into each parchment collar. Refrigerate until mousse is set, about 20 minutes. Repeat with milk chocolate mousse, piping on top of the bittersweet chocolate mousse. Refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to overnight.
• Microwave semisweet chocolate until slightly warm but not melted, about 30 seconds. Scrape at a 45-degree angle with a vegetable peeler, forming curls. Before serving cakes, remove parchment collars, and garnish with chocolate curls.

TRIPLE-CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375ºF.
• Pour chocolate syrup into 12-cup fluted tube pan sprayed with cooking spray.
• Beat cake mix, water, oil and 3 eggs in large bowl with mixer 2 min. or until blended. Add sour cream; mix well. Pour over syrup in pan.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar in separate bowl with mixer until blended. Add remaining eggs; mix well. Blend in evaporated milk and melted chocolate; gently spoon over cake batter in pan. Cover with Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil sprayed with cooking spray, sprayed side down.
• Place tube pan in large shallow pan. Add enough water to larger pan to come at least 2 inches up side of tube pan. Bake 1 hour 30 min. or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool cake completely in pan. Refrigerate 2 hours. Invert cake onto plate; remove pan. Serve cake topped with COOL WHIP.

TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the chocolate mousse: Put the chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and salt.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the sugar dissolves and the milk comes to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• With the motor of the food processor running, pour the hot milk through the feed tube.
• Process for 10 to 20 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted.
• Using a spatula, scrape down the side of the work bowl.
• Add the oil and vanilla extract; process for 5 to 10 seconds, until the mixture is creamy.
• Scrape the chocolate mixture into a large bowl and cool for about 5 minutes, until tepid.
• In a chilled 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, whip the cream until soft mounds barely start to form and the cream is still pourable.
• Do not overwhip the cream.
• Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the tepid chocolate mixture to lighten it.
• Fold in the remaining whipped cream.
• Do not overfold the mousse or the texture will be grainy.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, until firm.
• Make the cake: Grease three 10-inch round cake pans.
• Cut three 10-inch circles of waxed paer and place in the bottom of each pan.
• Grease the pan well and then flour, tapping out the excess.
• Set aside.
• Place the oven racks two shelves apart.
• Preheat the over to 350 degrees F.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Set aside.
• Place the coarsely chopped chocolate and the water on top of a double boiler and turn heat to medium-high, whisking occasionally until smooth.
• Remove from the top of the double boiler and cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, in a 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the sugars.
• Add the vanilla.
• Add the eggs one by one, mixing on medium speed until blended.
• Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• With the mixer at its lowest speed, add half of the dry ingredients and the half of the buttermilk.
• When blended, add the remaining buttermilk and the chocolate mixture.
• Mix until blended then add the remaining dry ingredients.
• Mix on medium speed just until blended and the flour lumps disappear.
• Divide evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset metal spatula.
• Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Remove the pans from the oven and place on wire cooling racks.
• Cool for 15 minutes and invert.
• Peel off the waxed paper and cool completely.
• Begin to assemble the cake: Place a dab of chocolate mousse and then a layer of the cooled cake on a 10-inch cardboard cake circle or the circular insert of a tart pan.
• Using a large rubber spatula, place about one-quarter of the chilled chocolate mousse on top of the first cake layer.
• Using a metal cake spatula, spread the mousse evenly not quite to the sides of the cake.
• There should be slightly less than one-half inch of mousse on top of the cake.
• Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the mousse layer.
• Place the third cake layer on top, then spread the remaining chocolate mousse over the top and sides of the cake, coating smoothly and evenly.
• Place the cake in the freezer for a minimum of four hours.
• Make the ganache glaze: Place the coarsely chopped chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a medium pan, scald the heavy cream and pour over the chocolate.
• Using a metal whisk, gently stir until smooth and melted.
• Continue stirring until the ganache is room temperature or just slightly warmer.
• Glaze and garnish the cake: Place the Oreos in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and place on a wire rack that has been set over aluminum foil or a sheet pan.
• Slowly pour the ganache over the top of the cake, smoothing with a large metal cake spatula.
• When the top has been coated, slowly pour the ganache around the sides of the cake so it drips down and coats the sides.
• Use the spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the sides of the cake.
• When completely coated with the ganache, scoop the Oreo crumbs with your hand and press them onto the sides of the cake, coating its entirety.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• ----makethe chocolate genoise----:[You can also use your favorite Chocolate American Butter Cake if you don't feel comfortable with the genoise] preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• butter a 9" springform pan, put a round of parchment in the bottom, butter again and flour.
• Sift the cocoa and flour into a medium bowl, whisk to combine, set aside.
• Fill a pot one third full with water and bring to a simmer.
• Comine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer.
• Place the bowl over the simmering water (bowl should not be touching the water) and whisk until the mixture is warm to the touch.
• Transfer the bowl to the mixer and, using the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture triples in volume and forms a thick ribbon when the whisk is lifted-- about 8 minutes.
• In four batches, sift the flour mixture into the egg mixture and quickly, but gently, fold the flour in.
• (this may take some practice).
• Fold in the butter, scrape into prepared pan.
• Bake cake for 20-25 minutes, until it's just pulled away from the sides and the top springs back when lightly touched.
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then unmold cake on a cooling rack and allow to sit until room temperature.
• Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan.
• ----Make the Sugar Syrup----: Combine the 1/4 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a small sauce pan.
• You can flavor the syrup with a liquer if desired.
• Almond or hazlenut works well with this cake.
• Bring to a boil (be sure to cook off all alcohol if using a liquer).
• Let cool to room temperature.
• ----Makethe Mousses----: Chop the chocolate and place in three medium bowls.
• Bring the cream to a boil in a small sauce pan.
• Pour a half cup of hot cream into each of the bowls of chocolate.
• Whisk each until smooth (it's nice to have a helper for this;-).
• Let the chocolate mixtures cool for 15 minutes, should be a warm room temperature.
• Meanwhile whip the 3 3/4 cups of cream and refrigerate.
• When all is cool gently fold 1/3rd of the cream into each of the chocolates, refrigerate.
• ----Assemblethe cake----: Using a long serrated knife cut the cake horizontally into three layers.
• Install side of springform pan.
• Brush sugar syrup onto the bottom layer, spread the milk chocolte mousse onto the cake.
• Place 2nd cake layer ontop of the mousse and brush with syrup.
• Spread white chocolate on this layer.
• Finally, put the top on the cake and spread dark chocolate mousse.
• Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours or up to 24 hours.
• Garnish with white chocolate curls before serving.
• I've kept this cake for a couple days with good results, but it is at it's peak the same day it's made.

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake:.
• Adjust the oven rack to the middle of the oven and heat to 350ºF. Lightly grease and flour 1 8-inch springform pan. Tap out any excess flour.
• Place the chocolate in a small heatproof bowl. Bring water to a boil and pour it over the chocolate. Stir with a silicone spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the coffee granules and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the sugar and stir until thick and glossy, about 2 minutes.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and remaining sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Add the chocolate mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.
• In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir with a whisk. Add half of the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture, followed by the buttermilk, mixing until incorporated. Add remaining flour mixture and mix until the batter is thoroughly combined.
• Spread the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it to the edges with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool to room temperature in the pan on a wire rack.
• Make the mousse:.
• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over water, let stand for 5 minutes. Place chocolate and sugar in a medium bowl. Bring 1/2 cup of the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add the softened gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Pour the cream over the chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken slightly.
• In the bowl a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 1 cup cream at medium speed until it begins to thicken, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and whip until soft peaks form, about 30 to 60 seconds. Use a whisk to mix in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until no streaks appear. Spoon the chocolate mousse into the pan over the chocolate cake. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill until set, about 2 hours.
• Make the ganache:.
• Heat the cream and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat just before it begins to boil. Place the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Cool to room temperature. Spread the ganache over the top of the mousse layer and refrigerate until set. About 45 minutes.
• Run a knife along the outer edge of the cake to loosen it from the pan and gently remove from the pan. Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.
• Notes.
• Total time does not reflect the time needed for the mousse and ganache to set. Please allow 3 extra hours for this.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Grated chocolate, cookie crumbs or chopped nuts for coating the sides of cake, if desired
• Cake:
• Lightly coat the insides of 3 9 by 1 1/2-inch cake pans with melted butter. Line each pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat the parchment paper with more melted butter. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place remaining butter and 8 ounces semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap. Allow to heat for 10 to 12 minutes. remove from the heat, stir until smooth, and hold at room temperature.
• Place the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on high until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high for an additional 2 minutes.
• While the egg yolks are beating, whisk 4 egg whites in a large stainless steel bowl until stiff, but not dry, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolk mixture. Add a quarter of the beaten egg whites and stir to incorporate, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading evenly, and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. (During baking, the surface of the cakes will form a crust; this crust will normally collapse when the cakes are removed from the oven.) Invert the cakes onto cake circles, remove the parchment paper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Filling:
• To prepare the dark chocolate cream, heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place the semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap and allow to heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a stainless steel bowl and set aside until needed. Place heavy cream and sugar in the well-chilled bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a well-chilled balloon whip. Whisk on high until stiff peaks form, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a hand whisk to combine 1/4 of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until smooth and completely incorporated. Add the combined whipped cream and chocolate to the remaining whipped cream and use a rubber spatula to fold together.
• Ganache:
• Heat the heavy cream and the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Place the semisweet chocolate in a 3-quart stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Chill 1 cup of ganache for at least 1 hour. Remaining ganache should be at room temperature
• To assemble cake:
• Arrange one of the cake layers in a 9-inch springform pan, evenly spread half the filling over the cake and top with the second layer. Add remaining filling and top with the remaining cake layer. Chill 2 hours. Transfer chilled cup of ganache to pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Remove cake from springform pan and coat sides and top with room temperature ganache. Using chilled ganache, decoratively pipe stars on top of cake. If desired, coat sides of cake with grated chocolate, cookie crumbs of chopped nuts.

DARK CHOCOLATE MOCHA MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Butter a metal 8-inch square cake pan. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper; lightly butter the parchment. Combine the cocoa and espresso powders in a medium bowl. Heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until the milk is steaming and the butter melts. Whisk into the cocoa mixture; let cool to room temperature.
• Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until very pale, thick and pillowy, 5 to 8 minutes. Beat 30 to 45 more seconds to stabilize the egg foam.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the cocoa mixture in 2 additions, alternating with the flour mixture in 2 additions. Beat just until the batter is smooth and no dry flour remains.
• Pour the batter into the cake pan and gently tap against the counter to eliminate any air bubbles. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out the cake onto a rack. Peel off the parchment but let it rest gently on top of the cake while it cools completely. Wipe the cake pan clean and reserve.
• Make the ganache: Combine 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan. Gently cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until melted and smooth. Let cool.
• Make the mousse: Combine the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and 4 ounces chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder until smooth. Let cool.
• Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and the gelatin powder in a small microwave- safe bowl. Let stand until the gelatin absorbs the liquid, about 5 minutes, then microwave until melted, 20 to 30 seconds, whisking. Let cool, stirring occasionally.
• Combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, the sugar and espresso powder in a large bowl. Beat with a mixer on medium speed to dissolve the sugar, about 1 minute. Stream in the cooled gelatin mixture, then increase the speed to medium high and beat until the mixture is thick and stiff peaks form. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture in 2 or 3 batches until the mousse is well blended.
• Assemble the cake: Line the reserved cake pan with 2 crisscrossed strips of parchment paper (this will help you lift out the finished cake). Carefully slice the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers. Lay the best layer cut-side up in the bottom of the pan and brush with some of the chocolate liqueur, if using. (Use a plate or small cutting board to move the layers; if your top cake layer is domed, use it for the middle of the cake.) Evenly spread half of the mousse on top with an offset spatula, all the way to the edges. Top with a second cake layer. Brush again with chocolate liqueur, then spread half of the ganache evenly on top. Add the final cake layer, cut-side up, and brush with the remaining liqueur. Top with the remaining mousse and ganache. (The assembled cake should fill the pan.)
• Refrigerate the cake until the top is set, about 30 minutes, then wrap the whole cake pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to set completely.
• Lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment pieces and transfer to a cutting board. Using a hot, dry serrated knife, slice the cake, wiping the knife in between cuts for clean edges.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the Cake:.
• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Wrap the outside of an 8-inch spring form pan with a double layer of tin foil to prevent seepage.
• Butter the inside of the pan and cut a circle out of parchment paper the size of the bottom of the pan. Place it in and butter it too.
• Combine the chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water (don't let it touch the bottom of the pot, it will scorch the chocolate). Stir until the chocolate and butter are smooth and lump free. You can also microwave the mixture on 100% or high. Make sure you stop and stir the mixture every 15 seconds; remove the chocolate when all the lumps are gone.
• Put the eggs in a large mixer bowl over simmering water and stir constantly until warm to the touch, about 3 minutes; remove from the heat. If using an electric mixer, beat the eggs until triple in volume and form soft peaks when the beater is lifted, 5-8 minutes. To ensure maximum volume when using a hand mixer continue to beat the eggs over simmering water until hot to the touch, about 5 minutes, then removed from heat until cool.
• Fold half the eggs into the melted chocolate until partially incorporated. Add the remaining eggs and fold until just blended but no streaks remain.
• Pour at once into your prepared spring form pan and smooth the surface with an off-set spatula. Place the spring form pan into a larger pan and carefully pour boiling water into the larger pan until the water is about 2/3 of the way up the side of the spring form pan. Don't get any water on the chocolate! This method of a water bath is often referred to as a "bain marie".
• Bake the cake for 5 minutes. Then cover the spring form pan loosely with lightly buttered tin foil and bake for 10 more minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes; then cover it again and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours.
• To remove the cake from the spring form pan: Run a small spatula around the edge of the spring form until the sides of the cake come loose. Place the cake on a round plate that the cake fits nicely on and invert the plate and open the spring form pan up and remove from the cake. Remove the bottom metal part of the spring form pan and the parchment. Cover it again with tin foil and leave for another 6 hours or over night. It needs to be really chilled to set.
• If you are making the Ganache, set the cake on a metal rack and put wax paper under the cake (tuck strips). Pour the tepid glaze over the center of the cake and allow the ganache to dribble down the sides of the cake.
• Using a metal off set spatula run it around the top of the cake to ensure that the g.
• Ganache won't be too thick on the top. Patch any bare spots at this point. If any air holes occur, use a pin to break them. Remove the strips of wax paper from under the cake and let this stand undisturbed for 2-3 hours at room temperature, or 30 minutes in the fridge.
• Bon Appetit!

TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Steps:

• SOFT MOUSSE: Melt chocolate over simmering water of a water bath.
• Whip egg yolks with 1/3 cup powdered sugar until pale and airy, place whipped yolks in medium sized bowl. Add warm melted chocolate and fold until just mixed. Wash bowl and wipe thoroughly.
• Dissolve 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in small pot, bring to a boil, cook to 230 degrees on a candy thermometer.
• While sugar is boiling slowly whip whites to soft peak. When sugar is ready, slowly pour into whites while beating at a medium speed in a steady stream. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Spoon whites on top of yolks but do not fold.
• Whip cream and 1/3 cup powdered sugar until medium stiff peak, now fold in whites until just mixed. Add cream and fold until incorporated. Do not over fold. Store in refrigerator until ready to use (should be used as soon as possible).
• SOLID CHOCOLATE MOUSSE: Melt chocolate hot, over double broiler (do not burn chocolate), heat until it is warm to the touch. Whip cream until very soft peaks form (lines show in slightly whipped cream).
• Very, very quickly add chocolate to cream and fold in, mixture may look broken but keep folding until everything is smooth, but do not overmix. Place in bowl, cover and refrigerate until set.
• TO SERVE: Place the two mousses in composition to contrast each other. Garnish with chocolate cool whip.