CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE😍🍫😋

 CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE😍🍫

INGREDIENTS

For the chocolate cake:

- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of boiling water

For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:

- 8 ounces chopped dark chocolate
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces chopped dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).  Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Stir in boiling water until dough is smooth.  It will be thin, but that's okay.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center of cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Dark Chocolate Mousse:
1. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Mix the chocolate and cream until smooth and well combined.  Let cool to room temperature.
5. In another bowl, beat remaining 1 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth and creamy.
7. Cover and refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours or until set.

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1. Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Mix the chocolate and cream until smooth and well combined.  Let cool slightly.

Assembling the cake:
1. Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving platter or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of dark chocolate mousse on top of the cake.
3. Place the second layer of chocolate cake on top of the mousse.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it run down the sides.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the mousse and ganache to set.
6. Slice and serve the dark chocolate mousse cake chilled.