Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling Recipe

How To Make Delicious Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling

Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling is the perfect dessert to impress at any occasion. This recipe combines fluffy vanilla cake layers with a creamy, rich chocolate mousse filling that melts in your mouth. Topped with whipped chocolate ganache, it’s the ultimate treat for both casual gatherings and elegant celebrations.

At Homeasy Recipes, our passion for baking shines through every recipe we share. We believe desserts should not only taste amazing but also bring joy to those who make and enjoy them. You can learn more about our baking journey on our About page where we share tips, tricks, and the inspiration behind our creations.

This guide covers everything you need to know about making the best Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling Recipe at home. From ingredients to assembly, variations, and expert baking tips, you’ll learn how to create a masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Don’t miss our Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe if you’re craving more easy yet indulgent desserts.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling

What Makes Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling So Special?

The magic of this cake lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The soft, moist vanilla cake pairs perfectly with the airy yet decadent chocolate mousse. The balance of sweetness and richness makes it stand out among traditional layer cakes. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just to satisfy a craving, this cake delivers every time.

About Our Story and Baking Passion

Our love for homemade baking began with simple family recipes passed down through generations. Over the years, we’ve experimented with countless flavor combinations, and the Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling has become one of our top favorites. This recipe is a blend of nostalgia and culinary innovation, inspired by the joy of sharing desserts with loved ones.

For more inspiration, check out Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake Recipe and discover fruity layers that are equally delightful.

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Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling Recipe

How To Make Delicious Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A moist and fluffy vanilla cake layered with rich chocolate mousse filling and topped with whipped ganache, perfect for any celebration.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • ¾ teaspoon gelatin powder
  • 6 ounces baking chocolate (milk or semi-sweet)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold, divided)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces baking chocolate (milk or semi-sweet) for ganache
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (cold) for ganache
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cold)
  • 2 tablespoons sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  5. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks.
  6. Bloom gelatin in water. Heat ½ cup cream with sugar, add gelatin, pour over chocolate, let sit, and whisk smooth. Cool to room temperature.
  7. Whip remaining cream to stiff peaks and fold into cooled chocolate mixture to make mousse.
  8. Line a springform pan with parchment. Layer cake, mousse, and second cake layer. Chill for at least 4 hours.
  9. Heat cream and butter for ganache, pour over chocolate, let sit, and whisk smooth. Cool, whip to stiff peaks, and spread on cake. Decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for the best cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense cake layers.
  • Chill mousse properly to set it firmly between layers.
  • The cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling, Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling Recipe, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Vanilla Mousse Cake, Layered Cake Dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Heavenly Cake

Preparing chocolate mousse for cake filling
Perfectly whipped chocolate mousse for cake layers.

Essential Ingredients for the Vanilla Cake Layer

  • 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)

Rich and Creamy Chocolate Mousse Ingredients

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

Optional Whipped Chocolate Ganache Topping

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

ding" id="step-by-step-instructions-to-make-the-perfect-cake">Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Cake

How to Bake the Soft Vanilla Cake Layers

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  5. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.

How to Prepare the Fluffy Chocolate Mousse Filling

  1. Bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over water in a small bowl.
  2. Place chocolate in a medium bowl.
  3. Heat ½ cup cream with sugar until simmering, remove from heat, and stir in gelatin.
  4. Pour hot mixture over chocolate, let sit for 3 minutes, and whisk smooth.
  5. Cool to room temperature, then fold in whipped cream gently until combined.

Assembling the Cake Like a Pro

  1. Line a springform pan with parchment.
  2. Place one cake layer at the bottom, spread mousse evenly on top, then place the second cake layer.
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

ding" id="tips-and-tricks-for-baking-success">Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
Assembling vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling
Layering vanilla cake with chocolate mousse filling.

Expert Tips to Prevent Dry Cake Layers

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
  • Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.
  • Wrap cooled cakes in plastic wrap while chilling to lock in moisture.

How to Thicken Chocolate Mousse for Cake Filling

If your mousse seems too runny, chill it for 30 minutes and gently fold it again. Using slightly more gelatin also ensures a firmer consistency suitable for cake filling.

Storage Tips to Keep Your Cake Fresh

Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and thaw before serving.

ding" id="variations-to-try-for-creative-bakers">Variations to Try for Creative Bakers

Easy Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling Variations

Try adding crushed cookies between layers for extra crunch or swirl caramel sauce into the mousse for a decadent twist.

White Chocolate Mousse Cake with Mirror Glaze Option

Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate in the mousse and finish with a shiny mirror glaze for an elegant dessert worthy of any celebration.

Vanilla Mousse Filling for Cake Lovers

For a twist, make a vanilla mousse instead of chocolate, giving the cake a light and creamy filling perfect for fruit toppings.