Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

This super moist dark chocolate mousse cake combines unsweetened natural cocoa powder and dark cocoa powder for an extra rich flavor. Fill the cake with a simplified chocolate mousse and cover the whole dessert with semi-sweet chocolate ganache. If needed, you can prepare the ganache and mousse ahead of time.

slice of dark chocolate mousse cake on a cake server

Chocolate mousse is simple divinity in its own right, but when paired with chocolate cake, it’s downright decadent. And then add chocolate ganache to the mix? Have mercy.

This spectacularly rich chocolate cake is such a personal and reader favorite that I knew I had to include it in my cookbook, Sally’s Baking 101 (which has become a New York Times Best Seller!). The cakes chapter just would not have been complete without it!

It’s actually the first recipe in that chapter, and in the book it’s titled “Chocolate Ganache Cake: 2 Ways,” because I include a second filling option—peanut butter frosting instead of chocolate mousse, just like this recipe for dark chocolate peanut butter cake. Both versions of ganache-topped chocolate layer cakes have received such glowing reviews on my website, I simply couldn’t choose between them… so I found a way to include them both!


This cake basically demands a huge gathering because—trust me—you don’t want to be left alone with its temptation. It WILL call out your name each time you open the refrigerator.

Taunting you.

One reader, Judy, commented:Don’t make this cake unless you want everyone who has a bite to request that you make it for every special occasion for the rest of time 🙂 I do four layers and follow the recipe exactly, and it has come out perfectly every time. I’ve already made at least ten of these cakes. Fabulous! ★★★★★

One reader, Cecilia, commented:OMG! This cake is absolutely divine! It’s a chocolate lover’s dream. The chocolate mousse is heavenly. I made it for my niece’s birthday and ended up making a four-layer cake. There were no leftovers. I don’t need any other chocolate cake recipe. This is it! Definitely the best! ★★★★★

One reader, Brittney, commented:This cake turned out amazing! I made it for a birthday party… and it was requested to be the new ‘party cake’! ★★★★★

chocolate layer cake on a wooden cake stand

3 Parts to Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Let’s break down each component of this intensely rich cake:

  1. Dark Chocolate Cake: This is actually a variation of my tuxedo cake, which originated from my chocolate cake recipe. In recent years, I’ve found that replacing sour cream for some of the buttermilk gives the cake more structure.
  2. Chocolate Mousse: I researched simplified ways to make a fluffy chocolate mousse filling without the use of eggs or gelatin. This chocolate mousse filling combines real chocolate and homemade whipped cream. Or our whipped frosting would make a wonderful alternative filling if you don’t want to make the chocolate mousse!
  3. Chocolate Ganache: Top the whole cake with 2 ingredient semi-sweet chocolate ganache. You should be a chocolate ganache pro by now!

Video Tutorial: Chocolate Mousse Cake

Stick-to-the-back-of-your-fork moist. This is every chocolate lover’s dream!

4 layer chocolate cake

Dark Chocolate Cake

Use this chocolate cake as the starting point. For a sturdier, yet moister crumb, swap some sour cream in for the buttermilk and reduce the hot liquid. The acidity in both sour cream and buttermilk is a must to properly leaven this cake. (If desired, see my posts on Baking Powder vs Baking Soda and Baking with Buttermilk for more information.) This cake has a natural dark chocolate taste, but to deepen that flavor, use a mix of natural cocoa and Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder. A touch of espresso powder and hot coffee further enhances the chocolate flavor. The cake will not taste like coffee. Rather, the two add depth to the cake’s chocolate flavor.

  • Why hot liquid? The hot liquid encourages the cocoa powder to bloom and dissolve. If you don’t drink coffee, you can use hot water.

You have options! You can make this cake into 2, 3, or 4 layers. I highly recommend 3 or 4 layers because there’s over 4 cups of chocolate mousse to spread inside. You can use 8 inch or 9 inch pans. The bake times are similar, see recipe notes.

A cup of chocolate chips adds even more chocolate flavor. I used 1 cup (180g) of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips in this pictured cake, but left them out in the video. They’re optional, but definitely worth the addition!!

You can also see this exact cake batter baked as three layers in both my chocolate peanut butter cake and chocolate raspberry cake (try one of those next!).

chocolate cake batter in glass bowl

Simplified Chocolate Mousse

The chocolate mousse adds a creamy and light contrast to the dark chocolate layers. You need 6 ingredients:

  1. Hot Water
  2. Cocoa Powdernatural or dutch-process
  3. Melted Chocolateuse two 4-ounce chocolate baking bars found in the baking aisle
  4. Heavy Cream
  5. Confectioners’ Sugar
  6. Vanilla Extract

Whisk the hot water and cocoa powder together. Pour into melted chocolate. The hot water breaks up the chocolate, adding to the airy mousse consistency. Cocoa powder creates additional chocolate flavor. Fold this chocolate mixture into whipped cream—a combination of heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract.

2 images of making chocolate mousse including whipped cream and chocolate mixture in glass bowls

Whipped cream + our chocolate mixture. ↑

Fold them together to make our chocolate mousse filling. ↓

chocolate mousse for chocolate cake in glass bowl and between cake layers

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. The mousse is best cold, so I actually recommend serving the cake cold. (Additionally, the cake is much easier to assemble if the mousse is cold!)

By the way, this chocolate mousse also makes for a wonderful alternate filling in homemade eclairs!

2 images of chocolate ganache in glass bowl and pouring on chocolate cake

Chocolate Ganache

I won’t go into a lot of detail about the chocolate ganache because I have a complete chocolate ganache tutorial for you! Like the chocolate mousse, it’s imperative to use pure chocolate. Wait about 20 minutes for the ganache to thicken before pouring onto the cake.

How to Assemble & Decorate Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate ganache enrobes 4 cake layers and 3 mousse layers. Place bottom cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Using a large icing spatula, evenly cover the top with about 1.5 cups of chilled chocolate mousse. Top with 2nd cake layer and another 1.5 cups of mousse. Top with the third cake layer, then spread another 1.5 cups mousse evenly on top. (Save a large spoonful of mousse for a thin crumb coat.) Top with final 4th cake layer. Spread any remaining mousse around the sides as a crumb coat. Run a bench scraper around the cake to smooth it out. Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Chocolate mousse is pretty fluffy, so the cake won’t hold its shape unless it’s properly chilled.

Pour ganache on top then run a bench scraper around the sides to smooth it out. You can serve the cake immediately or wait for the chocolate ganache to set. 🙂

top of chocolate mousse cake with berries and chocolate shavings
slice of chocolate mousse cake on a white plate

What About Cupcakes?

Instead of a big cake, you can make chocolate mousse cupcakes. Use my chocolate cupcakes recipe and halve the chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache recipes below. Fill the cupcakes with chocolate mousse using my Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes as an example. Drizzle cooled cupcakes with ganache. Eat your heart out!

You can also use the chocolate mousse instead of pastry cream in homemade mille-feuille!

More Indulgent Chocolate Desserts

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4 layer chocolate cake

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 403 reviews
  • Author: Sally McKenney
  • Prep Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours, 55 minutes (includes cooling)
  • Yield: serves 12
  • Category: Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This super moist dark chocolate cake combines unsweetened natural cocoa powder and dark cocoa powder for an extra rich flavor. Fill the cake with a simplified chocolate mousse and cover it with semi-sweet chocolate ganache. If needed, you can prepare the ganache and mousse ahead of time (see Notes). This recipe is also in my New York Times best-selling cookbook, Sally’s Baking 101.


Ingredients

  • 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (64g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder* (see Notes)
  • 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)*
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (113g/120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g/ml) buttermilk, at room temperature*
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120g/ml) hot water or black coffee*
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips tossed in 1 Tbsp flour (optional)

Chocolate Mousse

  • 1/2 cup (120g/ml) hot water
  • 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 8 ounces (226g) quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped*
  • 2 cups (480g/ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • 8 ounces (226g) quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240g/ml) heavy cream
  • optional, for garnish: fresh berries and/or chocolate shavings


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease four 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)
  2. Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the sour cream, oil, and eggs together on medium-high speed until combined. Add the buttermilk and vanilla and mix until combined. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, add the hot water/coffee, and whisk or beat on low speed until combined. Fold in the floured mini chocolate chips, if using. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  4. Bake for 19–23 minutes. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans set on a cooling rack for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edges to help loosen the sides, remove the cakes from the pans, peel off the parchment, and place on the rack to finish cooling. The cakes may slightly sink in the middle as they cool—that’s expected.
  5. Make the chocolate mousse: In a small bowl, whisk the hot water and cocoa powder together until smooth. Melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler or use the microwave. If using the microwave: place the chopped chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Microwave for 20-second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Pour hot water/cocoa mixture into the melted chocolate and stir until thick and smooth. Set aside. In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Medium peaks are between soft/loose peaks and stiff peaks. Pour in the chocolate mixture and gently fold together with a spatula. Do not overmix, as this could deflate it. Cover the mousse and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days. Makes about 4.5 cups (about 900g).
  6. Assemble the cake before preparing chocolate ganache: First, level the cakes (if needed): using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand, cake turntable, or serving plate. Using a large icing spatula, evenly cover the top with about 1.5 cups (200g) of chocolate mousse. Top with the second layer, upside down, and evenly cover the top with the same amount of chocolate mousse. Top with the third cake layer, right side up, and again cover with the same amount of mousse. Top with final cake layer. Spread the remaining mousse on top and around the sides of the cake as a crumb coat. Run a bench scraper around the cake to smooth out the sides. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Prepare the ganache while the cake is chilling. 
  7. Make the chocolate ganache: Place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat just until it begins to gently simmer. (Do not let it come to a rapid boil—that’s too hot!) Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to gently soften the chocolate. With a metal spoon or small spatula, slowly stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. The finer you chopped the chocolate, the quicker it will melt with the cream. If it’s not melting, do not microwave it. If needed, see Troubleshooting Chocolate Ganache. Refrigerate the ganache for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour to thicken.
  8. Pour/spoon the thickened ganache on the chilled cake. Smooth the top and sides with an icing spatula. Top with optional garnish such as fresh berries and/or chocolate shavings. Serve cake immediately or chill, uncovered, for up to 4–6 hours before serving. Cake can be served at room temperature or chilled.
  9. Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  1. Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Prepare cake through step 4. Wrap the individual baked and cooled cake layers tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature, make mousse filling, then continue with step 6. You can prepare the chocolate mousse in advance. See step 5. You can also prepare the chocolate ganache ahead of time too. Refrigerate prepared ganache for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before spreading onto cake. You can freeze cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or serve cold. See How to Freeze Cakes for more information.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): 8-inch Round Cake Pans or 9-inch Round Cake Pans | Glass Mixing Bowl | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Cooling Rack | Double Boiler | Cake Stand or Cake Turntable | Large Icing Spatula | Bench Scraper | Cake Carrier (for storage)
  3. 3-Layer Cake: You can also prepare this as a 3-layer cake. Divide batter between three 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans in step 1 and bake for 24–26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Use about 2 cups of chocolate mousse between each layer.
  4. Espresso Powder/Coffee: Espresso powder and coffee will not make the cake taste like coffee. Rather, they deepen the chocolate flavor. I highly recommend them both. You can find espresso powder in the baking aisle at many grocery stores or online. If coffee isn’t your thing, you can leave out the espresso powder and use hot water instead of the hot coffee.
  5. Cocoa Powder: For the best dark chocolate flavor in the cake, I recommend using a blend of unsweetened natural cocoa powder (1/4 cup; 21g) and Hershey’s “Special Dark” cocoa powder (1/2 cup; 43g). Hershey’s Special Dark is actually a mix of natural cocoa powder (an acid) and Dutch-process cocoa powder (a base) and it worked fine in this recipe. This recipe needs acidic natural cocoa powder, so do not use ALL Dutch-process cocoa powder. For best results, use 3/4 cup (64g) natural or the blend of natural/Special Dark I used. For the chocolate mousse, you can use either unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder (or the Hershey’s Special Dark).
  6. Why Room Temperature? All refrigerated items should be at room temperature so the batter mixes together easily and evenly. Read more about why room-temperature ingredients are important. Instead of sour cream, you can use plain yogurt. The cake won’t taste as rich, but it’s a fine substitute.
  7. Buttermilk: Buttermilk is required for this recipe. You can make your own DIY buttermilk substitute if needed. Add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup. Then add enough whole milk to the same measuring cup until it reaches 1/2 cup. (In a pinch, lower-fat or nondairy milks work for this soured milk, but the cake won’t taste as moist or rich.) Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes. The homemade “buttermilk” will be somewhat curdled and ready to use in the recipe.
  8. Chocolate in Mousse & Ganache: Mousse & ganache will only set if the correct chocolate is used. You can use high-quality chocolate chips if needed (I prefer Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips), but I recommend using pure chocolate baking bars. You can find them right next to the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. They are sold in 4-ounce (113g) bars. I like Baker’s or Ghirardelli brands.
sally mckenney headshot purple shirt.
About the Author

Sally McKenney

Sally McKenney is a baker, food photographer, and New York Times best-selling author. Her kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials have given millions of readers the knowledge and confidence to bake from scratch. Sally’s work has been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Taste of Home, People, and more.

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Reader Comments and Reviews

  1. Taryn Martini says:
    October 9, 2021

    I made this cake today for my daughter’s birthday with one edit, I added a raspberry couli I made from fresh berries, honey, cognac and lemon juice in the center of the mousse filling. It was an absolute success!!! Thank you so much for all of the fantastic recipes.

    Reply
  2. aneta chrapak says:
    October 7, 2021

    Hi Sally , do you think if I add an extra two cake layers( this recipe) on top it would hold well ? Thank you

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 7, 2021

      Hi Aneta, I just responded to your comment on our Triple Chocolate Cake post. We don’t have a sturdy enough chocolate cake to support a second tier at this time!

      Reply
  3. Brian McSkimming says:
    October 5, 2021

    Hi Sally,

    I made this cake at the weekend as a birthday cake. We did 4 layers and used dark chocolate at 70% where we could. (Dark chocolate and a peaty whisky go so well together!!)

    Simply stated, this is the best chocolate cake we have ever made (or bought!).
    It was moist, rich and absolutely delicious.

    Thank you
    Brian

    Reply
  4. Dan says:
    October 1, 2021

    When you say to use pure chocolate what exactly do you mean? A 70% bakers chocolate?

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      October 1, 2021

      Hi Dan! You can find pure chocolate baking bars right next to the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. They are sold in 4 ounce bars. We like Bakers or Ghirardelli brands. We use semi sweet which is about 56% cocoa. 70% would also work for a richer chocolate flavor!

      Reply
  5. Paige says:
    September 30, 2021

    Hi Sally,
    I am absolutely itching to make this recipe for my birthday in a few days… however, I have searched high and low for places that sell natural cocoa powder and I cannot find it anywhere! I live in New Zealand and most of the cocoa powders that are sold in grocery stores are dutch-processed. I know that natural cocoa powder is necessary in this recipe for its acidity, but I was wondering if I could use dutch-process instead and add another acidic ingredient, such as substituting some of the white sugar for brown sugar? I was also wanting to make the sour cream version, so would adding sour cream make up for the lack of acidity from the natural cocoa powder?
    This recipe looks incredible and I would love to find a solution to my cocoa powder conundrum so that I can try it myself.
    I love your blog by the way! You have taught me so much 🙂
    Thanks,
    Paige

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 30, 2021

      Hi Paige! Thank you so much for your kind note and for making and trusting our recipes. Unfortunately, this recipe needs acidic natural cocoa powder, so do not use ALL dutch-process cocoa powder. It would take some recipe testing to tweak it so that you can use all Dutch-process and still get great results. You can learn more about the difference between the two here. If you decide to do any experimenting, we’d love to know how it turns out for you — sorry we can’t help more!

      Reply
  6. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
    September 26, 2021

    Sure!

    Reply
  7. Julie A says:
    September 26, 2021

    can i use this on your marble cake instead of chocolate cake base?

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 26, 2021

      Definitely!

      Reply
  8. Seren Waldman says:
    September 22, 2021

    Hi Sally, I have made this cake multiple times and it is SO good. I’m wondering if it would work in 3 square pans (10″, 8″ and 6″ ) then stacked on top of one another?

    Thanks so much!!

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 22, 2021

      Hi Seren! Here is everything you need to know about converting recipes to different Cake Pan Sizes.

      Reply
      1. Seren Waldman says:
        September 23, 2021

        Hi Trina,
        Thanks so much! I guess I was more wondering if the cakes would be stable enough to hold one another?

  9. Lisa Myles says:
    September 18, 2021

    Hi Sally! I love all of your recipes that I have tried so far – thank you so much! I’m wondering whether you’ve ever tried combining your black forest cake with this cake? Do you think you could successfully add the cherry syrup portion from the black forest cake to this one? Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 19, 2021

      Hi Lisa, we haven’t tried it but we can’t see why that wouldn’t work. Let us know if you give it a go!

      Reply
  10. Anisa Pradhan says:
    September 18, 2021

    Hi Sally! I’ve made this cake a million times and it’s my absolute favorite!

    Do you think this cake could be made with Nutella mousse, and if so is there a Nutella mousse recipe that you could recommend?

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 18, 2021

      Hi Anisa, a Nutella mousse would be delicious! You can try with the mousse filling from these homemade eclairs (swapping the peanut butter for Nutella).

      Reply
  11. Sally says:
    September 13, 2021

    I am making this for my mother’s birthday this week and it looks amazing! Do you think the cake will be okay if I make 2 8in rounds and then divide each cake into 2? I know I’ll have to bake them longer, just wondering if the crumb is strong enough to withstand me cutting them. I bought the Wilton cake leveler and I’m excited to see how it works. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 15, 2021

      Hi Sally, this batter as written is too much for just two 8 inch rounds, but you could try halving the recipe for two 8 inch rounds. Or, you could make the full recipe as written and divide among four 8 inch rounds for thinner layers. Hope your mom enjoys the cake!

      Reply
  12. Tabitha says:
    September 3, 2021

    Can whipping cream be substituted for sour cream? I’m not generally a fan of sour cream. . .or is it really best with sour cream?

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 3, 2021

      Hi Tabitha, plain full-fat yogurt would be a fine substitute for the sour cream. This cake needs the thicker sour cream (or yogurt) for structure, whipping cream would be too thin.

      Reply
  13. Hayley says:
    September 2, 2021

    Hi, I’m located in Aus and just wondering if natural cocoa powder is the same as cacao powder?
    I looked at my local supermarket and all the cocoa powders seemed to be Dutch processed? Will they cake be okay if I just use that? Or should I use cacao powder. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      September 2, 2021

      Hi Hayley! They’re not the same, we haven’t tested this recipe with cacao powder so we’re unsure of the results. Cacao can be more drying and bitter. This recipe needs acidic natural cocoa powder, so do not use all dutch-process cocoa powder. You can read more on the difference between the two in this blog post. If at all possible we recommend sticking with natural cocoa powder, sorry I can’t help more!

      Reply
  14. Rachel says:
    August 29, 2021

    Hi Sally,
    I was going to use this recipe to make cupcakes and then realized you have a full section within this recipe about cupcakes and list a completely different recipe to use instead of this one. Is there a reason for the recipe switch? Should I not use this recipe for cupcakes? Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 30, 2021

      Hi Rachel, you can use this recipe for cupcakes if you prefer, but it will have a much higher yield than the chocolate cupcakes. Let us know if you give it a try!

      Reply
  15. SWilborn says:
    August 26, 2021

    Hi Sally! Could I frost the outsise of my cake with mousse and omit the frosting? Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Sally @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 27, 2021

      Some readers have done that and have reported back with great success!

      Reply
  16. Diane says:
    August 23, 2021

    Is this recipe adaptable to a bundt cake? Thank you.
    Also, you are amazing! Your recipes have never EVER failed me.

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 23, 2021

      Hi Diane, thank you for your kind note! We recommend using this Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe instead, and you can leave out the cream cheese swirl.

      Reply
      1. Diane McDonald says:
        August 23, 2021

        Thank you for the quick response. Will do

  17. Rajal says:
    August 18, 2021

    Hi Sally, Can i use this recipe for tier cake and use it as bottom tier..8 6 4 is my size. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 18, 2021

      Hi Rajal, we don’t have a chocolate cake recipe sturdy enough to be the bottom of a tiered cake at this time. It could work as a top tier, though! You can reference our cake pan sizes and conversions guide to adjust this recipe.

      Reply
  18. Shayla says:
    August 11, 2021

    Absolutely delicious! I usually make cakes from a box because they usually turn out dry. I will definitely be making this again!

    Reply
  19. Abigail Carey says:
    August 9, 2021

    Hello! I love the look of this cake and can’t wait to make it, but it is cupcakes I’m after today. I did find your cupcake recipe and that looks great too, I am just curious why the sour cream is not included as it is in the large cake. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 9, 2021

      Hi Abigail! Our super moist chocolate cupcakes recipe uses buttermilk instead of sour cream for a slightly lighter texture, this full sized cake needs the thicker sour cream for structure. You can try replacing the buttermilk with the same amount of sour cream in the cupcake reicpe if you prefer.

      Reply
  20. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
    August 9, 2021

    Hi Jean, the completed cupcakes should stay well in the refrigerator for up to five days, however, the closer you can assemble them to the wedding day, the better! See recipe notes for a few make ahead options, if you’re interested.

    Reply
  21. Zahra says:
    August 7, 2021

    This is such an incredible cake. Its the kinda cake I get to spend all day making which is my favourite thing to do! Intensely rich and chocolatey. Thankyou for this recipe!

    Reply
  22. Fatema says:
    August 6, 2021

    Hi
    If I want to make a smaller cake I can use half of the measurement in this receipe ya?
    Thanks

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      August 6, 2021

      Hi Fatema, yes, you can halve the recipe for a smaller cake. (Our cake pan sizes and conversions guide might also be helpful to you for making smaller cakes).

      Reply
  23. AJ says:
    August 1, 2021

    Hi! Can this cake be made with six inch rounds?

    Reply
    1. Irene says:
      September 13, 2021

      I have successfully done this by halving the whole recipe

      Reply
  24. Jan says:
    August 1, 2021

    This cake is insanely good. Definitely a keeper! It is a bit labor intensive but my family said it’s the best cake that I have ever made!

    Reply
  25. Stephanie says:
    August 1, 2021

    The BEST chocolate cake recipe! So rich and decadent without being too sweet. Also very easy to follow along. Thank you so much for this gem of a recipe!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Anna says:
    July 26, 2021

    Hello! I have a question about this cake and it’s components. I baked the cake and made the mousse this last weekend in anticipation of my sons 2nd birthday dinner. Unfortunately he got sick and we’ve had to postpone the dinner until sometime next week. The cake can obviously be frozen, but what about the mousse?? We’re going to be leaving on a family vacation in a few days, so we won’t have time to eat it before we leave, but I also hate to let it go to waste and have to make more since it used ingredients that were on the pricier side. Would the mousse stay an OK texture if I froze and then thawed it next week?

    Reply
    1. Trina @ Sally's Baking says:
      July 27, 2021

      Hi Anna! You can freeze mousse, but the texture is always a little different after thawing. It’s not quite as light and airy.

      Reply
  27. Divya Pravinkumar says:
    July 25, 2021

    Can I make this cake with the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator? Because I need to decorate on top and deliver it in the morning.. will it stay well for a day in the fridge?kindly help.. am making mousse filling for a cake for the 1st time and it’s for a customer.

    Reply
  28. Liz Kero says:
    July 23, 2021

    I made and assembled the cake this evening, but won’t be serving it until tomorrow afternoon. Should I put the ganache on tonight or tomorrow?

    Reply
    1. Stephanie @ Sally's Baking says:
      July 26, 2021

      Hi Liz, Either way works! If you have time to add it tomorrow you can. If you add the ganache the day before you can chill it uncovered for a few hours and then when the ganache it set you can cover the cake. If it hardens in the refrigerator overnight you will want to let it soften back up a bit before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

      Reply
  29. Erin says:
    July 23, 2021

    Hi Sally, can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?

    Reply
    1. Hilari @ Sally's Baking Addiction says:
      July 26, 2021

      Hi Erin, you can try using melted coconut oil instead of canola but it will leave a slightly different taste.

      Reply
  30. Ginger Lemmons says:
    July 21, 2021

    I bake alot but have friends at church who are gluten free. Has anyone tried this with gluten free flour..I found King Arthur GF that measures equally to flour and have made many quick breads without issue but not an entire cake. Was wondering if there is anything different or tips someone might have for GF flour cakes thanks Love all your recipes Sally everything always turns out just wonderful

    Reply
    1. Lexi @ Sally's Baking says:
      July 21, 2021

      Hi Ginger, we haven’t tested this cake with gluten free flour, but let us know if you do!

      Reply
      1. Melissa Ann McClory says:
        September 30, 2021

        This cake shows not hold together with gf flour