This Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake is the ultimate indulgence—a decadent dessert that combines a rich, fudgy brownie base with a silky, creamy mousse topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love chocolate, brownies, and mousse, this cake is a dream come true. The brownie base is dense and fudgy, while the mousse topping is creamy and light, creating the perfect contrast in texture. With minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, as it needs to chill in the fridge for a few hours to set.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 box brownie mix
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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2 eggs
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1/4 cup water
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup whipped cream
directions
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Prepare the brownie base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, adding the vegetable oil, eggs, and water.
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Bake the brownie: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan.
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Make the mousse topping: While the brownie cools, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Once hot, pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth and fully combined.
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Mix the mousse: Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Assemble the cake: Pour the mousse mixture over the cooled brownie base in the cake pan. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the mousse to set.
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Top with whipped cream: Just before serving, top the cake with whipped cream for an extra layer of creaminess.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add toppings: Top the cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for added flavor and decoration.
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Flavored mousse: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or a splash of liqueur (like Bailey’s or Kahlua) to the mousse for an extra layer of flavor.
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Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix for a gluten-free version of this decadent cake.
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Nutty version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for some added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The mousse will stay creamy and delicious. Since this cake is served cold, there’s no need to reheat it—simply slice and serve!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie mix?
Yes, you can use homemade brownies instead of the box mix. Just make sure the brownie base is baked and fully cooled before adding the mousse topping.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake needs to chill for at least 4 hours, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert. You can even make it a day in advance!
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a more intense, less sweet mousse topping.
How do I know when the brownie base is done?
The brownie is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I use a different size cake pan?
Yes, you can use a different size pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary. A larger pan will make the cake thinner, while a smaller one may require a bit longer to bake.
Can I freeze this cake?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices of the cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1-2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake is a decadent dessert that combines two of your favorite treats—brownies and mousse—into one irresistible cake. With its fudgy brownie base, creamy mousse topping, and a touch of whipped cream, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just satisfying your chocolate cravings, this cake is sure to impress and delight your taste buds!
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Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake
The Chocolate Brownie Mousse Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence, featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a silky, creamy mousse. This decadent cake offers the perfect contrast in texture, combining the dense brownie with light mousse for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make with minimal effort and can be made ahead of time. The addition of whipped cream adds an extra layer of creaminess, making it the perfect show-stopping dessert for chocolate lovers.
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipped cream
Instructions
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Prepare the brownie base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, adding vegetable oil, eggs, and water.
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Bake the brownie: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan.
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Make the mousse topping: While the brownie cools, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the chopped chocolate and stir until smooth and fully combined.
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Mix the mousse: Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Assemble the cake: Pour the mousse over the cooled brownie base in the cake pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the mousse to set.
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Top with whipped cream: Just before serving, top the cake with whipped cream for added creaminess.
Notes
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Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The mousse will stay creamy and delicious.
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You can make this cake a day in advance, as it needs to chill for at least 4 hours.
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If you want to add extra flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee or a splash of Bailey’s or Kahlua to the mousse.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
