Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake Americas Test Kitchen Recipe 385

TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• Line three 9-inch cake pans with foil, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on all sides. (See Cook's Note.)
• Add the cookies and sugar to the bowl of a food processor and pulse to fine crumbs. Drizzle in the butter and pulse until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened with the butter. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of one of the prepared pans; set aside.
• Add the dark chocolate pudding mix to a large bowl and whisk in 2 cups of the heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. (It's fine if there are still a few granules in the mix; they will dissolve once set.) Pour the pudding mixture on top of the crumb crust and spread until even. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, clean out the bowl, add the chocolate pudding mix and whisk in 2 cups heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Pour into another prepared pan and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• Clean out the bowl again, then add the white chocolate pudding mix and whisk in the remaining 2 cups heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Pour into the third prepared pan and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• When all 3 layers are completely frozen, use the foil to lift out the cakes from the pans. Place the dark chocolate layer crumb-side down on a cake stand or large plate. Top with the chocolate layer and then with the white chocolate layer. Refrigerate until the layers are thawed and the cake is set, about 8 hours and up to overnight.
• Before serving, run a hot knife around the outside of the cake to smooth it and sprinkle the top with the chocolate shavings.

TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN RECIPE - (3.8/5)

Steps:

• To make the bottom layer, butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. (I lined the bottom of the pan with a parchment round for easy removal later.) Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 325˚ F. Combine the butter, chocolate, and espresso powder in a large heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the vanilla and egg yolks. Set aside. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and salt on medium speed until foamy, about 30 seconds. Crumble half of the brown sugar into the mixing bowl with your fingers to remove any lumps. Beat until incorporated, about 15 seconds. Add the remaining brown sugar and continue to beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more. Using a whisk, mix one-third of the beaten egg whites to the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining egg whites gently with a rubber spatula until no streaks remain. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until the cake has risen, is firm around the edges and the center has just set but is still soft (should spring back after pressing gently with a finger), about 14-18 minutes. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Do not remove the cake from the pan. (If not making the second layer right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to proceed.) To make the second layer, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water in a small bowl; set aside. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Once melted, remove from the heat and let cool slightly, 2-5 minutes. In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream, sugar and salt on medium speed until the mixture begins to thicken, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and whip until soft peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 30-60 seconds. Whisk in the cocoa powder mixture until smooth. Using a whisk, mix one-third of the whipped cream to the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream gently with a rubber spatula until no streaks remain. Pour the mousse into the springform pan over the cooled cake and tap gently on the counter 3 times to remove air bubbles. Gently smooth the top with a spatula. Wipe the inside edge of the pan to remove any drips. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes while preparing the top layer. To make the top layer, sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small bowl and let stand at least 5 minutes to soften. Place the white chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring ½ cup of the cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove the pan from the heat, add the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved. Pour the hot cream mixture over the white chocolate and let stand about 1 minute. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Cool to room temperature, about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the remaining 1 cup of cream at medium speed until it begins to thicken. Increase the speed to high and whip until soft peaks form when the whisk is lifted, 30-60 seconds. Using a whisk, mix one-third of the whipped cream to the white chocolate mixture to lighten it. Fold in the remaining whipped cream gently with a rubber spatula until no streaks remain. Spoon the white chocolate mousse into the pan over the middle layer. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Return the cake to the refrigerator and chill until set, at least 2½ hours. (Note: Do NOT cover your pan with plastic wrap unless you are completely sure you can do so without it touching the top of your cake during placement or removal. If it does touch the cake, it will smudge the perfectly pristine top, forcing you to make an excessive amount of chocolate curls. I speak from experience.)

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 RECIPE

Steps:

• 1. For the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease 9 or 10 inch springform and line the bottom with parchment paper. The cake should be baked in a water bath so the edges don't dry out (wrap the springform pan in two layers of aluminum foil and place it in larger pan with about 1-1/2 inches of hot water). Melt 10 oz. high-quality semisweet chocolate on low heat over a double boiler or in the microwave. Place egg whites in a large bowl with about a third of the sugar and beating on low speed. Gradually increase the speed and beat until the mixture begin to look fluffy, then add the remaining sugar, salt and vanilla. Continue beating until all sugar is dissolved and the meringue looks shiny (nearly soft-peak stage). Using a whisk stir softened butter into the melted chocolate until it's combined, then whisk in the egg yolks. Add half of the meringue into the chocolate mixture and whisk gently, then with a spatula fold in the remaining meringue (keep in mind to mix in well the heavier batter at the bottom of the bowl) Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 26-28 minutes (Until the toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). When you remove the cake from the oven first let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate it for 1 hour(cooled cake will sink a little and lose some volume). Take it out the fridge and run a knife around the edge of the pan, unlock the ring from the springform pan, take it off and invert the cake onto a serving plate. Remove the bottom of the pan and parchment paper then place back the ring from the springform around the cake to use it as a mold for the chocolate mousses.
• 2. Chocolate Mousse Layer: Place 10 oz. high-quality semisweet chocolate(chopped) in a heat-proof bowl. In a small dish soften 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons cool water set aside. Bring 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream to a boil and pour it over the chopped chocolate, stir it gently, until smooth and the chocolate is completely melted. If the chocolate won't melt completely re-heat the mixture on a low heat, and continue to stir until it's all melted. Heat softened gelatine on low heat, stirring to dissolve. When it' s completely free of lumps, stir melted gelatin into the melted chocolate. Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy whipping cream(DO NOT overwhip it!!!) until a soft peaks form. Chocolate mixture must be free of lumps and the temperature should be about 80 degrees F(in order to avoid that chocolate sets up, but if it's too hot , whipped cream will melt). Add about half of the whipped cream to the chocolate and whisk gently until it's all combine, then fold in the remaining whipped cream (make sure to evenly incorporate all melted chocolate from the bottom of the bowl) Spread the mousse over the top of the cooled cake in the ring and smooth it with the spatula. Place the cake back to the fridge.
• 3. White Chocolate Mousse Layer: Repeat the directions for the chocolate mousse layer, using white chocolate(be careful not to overheat the white chocolate while it's melting or it will separate and become unusuable) Spread the white chocolate mousse over the top of the chocolate mousse and set back into the fridge for at least 4-5 hours (or overnight). Before serving, run a thin knife around the edge, open the lock and lift off the springform pan ring. Garnish the cake with chocolate curls or shaving if desired. Store it in the fridge. The cake can be frozen for up to several weeks.