Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
If you’ve been craving an outrageously decadent dessert that’s completely plant-based, allergen-friendly, and absolutely swoon-worthy, you have to try this Ridiculously Easy Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cake—No Tofu! It magically creates a luscious, creamy chocolate mousse atop a tender cake base without a single block of tofu or a handful of nuts in sight. Rich, chocolatey, and show-stopping enough for any celebration, this cake doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor. It’s a recipe that truly proves you can have your cake (and silky mousse) and eat it too—Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This vegan chocolate mousse cake keeps things deliciously simple, using everyday plant-based staples instead of complicated ingredients. Every addition is chosen to really build up flavor, richness, and that dreamy, creamy finish—from deep Dutch cocoa to velvety vegan cream, each ingredient brings something special to our Chocolate Mousse Cake masterpiece.
- Dairy free milk: Keeps the batter light while making it accessible for those avoiding dairy.
- All purpose flour or gluten free 1:1 baking flour: Offers structure so the cake turns out moist but never crumbly—choose gluten free for extra flexibility.
- Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives the chocolate cake its iconic deep flavor and beautiful dark color.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Ensures a perfectly risen, tender crumb every time.
- Sea salt: Balances all the sweetness and boosts the chocolatey notes.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel undertones and extra softness to the cake.
- Unsalted vegan butter: Provides richness—melted for ultra-easy mixing.
- Dairy free yogurt: Adds moisture and helps with that soft, plush texture (choose plain, unsweetened for best results).
- Vanilla extract: Elevates those cocoa flavors and rounds out the cake’s taste.
- HOT coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor—you won’t taste coffee, just deeper chocolate.
- Vegan dairy free chocolate: Melted into the mousse for luxurious, creamy layers—choose high quality for best results.
- Heavy vegan cream: The secret to a fluffy, classic mousse texture—Chocolate Mousse Cake necessary.
- Vegan chocolate ganache: An ultra-glossy finish that takes this cake to celebration-level status.
How to Make Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan (those high 4-inch walls really help here) and line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease the sides lightly with olive oil or cooking spray—Chocolate Mousse Cake tricks needed, just classic cake prep wisdom.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk the dairy free yogurt, melted vegan butter, both sugars, and vanilla. Start bringing the two mixtures together by adding the dry mix into your wet ingredients, then pour in the dairy free milk, stirring until almost combined. Finally, add the steaming hot coffee and whisk just until you have a smooth, pourable batter—get ready to bake a Chocolate Mousse cake that’s fudgy and moist.
Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake Layer
Pour your luscious chocolate batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 33–35 minutes. Keep an eye out for that clean toothpick test. Once baked, let the cake cool in its pan for 30 minutes. Then gently remove and level the top with a sharp knife, pop it back in the pan, and let it chill until fully cooled—about 1 to 2 hours. This step sets the stage for a sturdy-yet-soft foundation without any need for nuts or tofu.
Step 4: Prep the Chocolate Mousse Base
While the cake cools, place your stand mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer—this ensures your vegan cream whips up like a dream. Heat 1 cup of the vegan cream until hot (about 100F) and pour it over your vegan chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit to melt, then stir until you have a glossy ganache. Let this cool at room temp for a little while before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Mousse Cake Needed
Take your chilled bowl from the freezer and add in the remaining vegan cream. Whip until stiff peaks form; you want real mousse magic here! Next, pour in your cooled ganache and whip again until combined and luscious, scraping the bowl as needed. This mousse is so creamy, nobody will ever guess it’s Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Step 6: Assemble and Chill
Pour the finished mousse over your cake layer in the springform. Smooth the top with an offset spatula, cover loosely, and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is perfect). The mousse will set beautifully, so every slice is picture-perfect and indulgently creamy.
Step 7: Make and Add the Ganache
An hour before serving, make your final ganache layer: heat more vegan heavy cream, pour it over vegan chocolate, let it melt, then whisk until glossy and smooth. Cool it for 30 minutes, then pour or spoon the ganache over the set mousse. Chill once more for 20–30 minutes so the top sets to a beautiful shine.
Step 8: Unmold and Decorate Your Chocolate Mousse Cake
When it’s fully chilled, gently run a butter knife around the edges to release the cake. Open the pan, place the cake on your favorite platter, and add fresh berries or the decorations of your choice. Now, slice and enjoy every celebratory, chocolatey bite—No Tofu!, just pure joy!
How to Serve Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Garnishes
This cake was born for dressing up. I love to scatter a handful of vibrant raspberries or strawberries on top—those tart flavors really pop against the chocolate. Try a sprinkle of shaved vegan chocolate, fresh mint leaves, or even a little powdered sugar sifted over the top for an elegant finish. No Tofu! cake looks absolutely dazzling with just a few thoughtful garnishes.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Chocolate mousse cake with a hot cup of espresso, rich coffee, or even a splash of vegan vanilla ice cream takes dessert to the next level. If you want a fruitier touch, serve with a simple berry compote. The tanginess will balance the rich chocolate and create a colorful dessert spread that impresses everyone at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add some flair? Cut the cake into slender slices and drizzle extra ganache in zigzags across each serving. Stack alternating layers of mousse and fresh berries in glass jars for party-friendly parfaits. For gatherings, you can even portion the cake into mini rounds for cute, individual No Tofu! mousse cakes. The possibilities are as playful as you want them to be.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly or store in an airtight container, keeping them refrigerated for up to five days. The mousse holds its structure nicely, so every bite stays luscious, and the cake doesn’t dry out. No Tofu! means no odd aftertastes—just pure chocolatey delight, even days later!
Freezing
This vegan mousse cake freezes beautifully. Transfer your slices to an airtight container or individually wrap with plastic, then foil for extra protection. You can stash your Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe away in the freezer for up to two months. Ready-made decadence whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating
No reheating is required! Simply thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature. The mousse and ganache will both return to their smooth, creamy glory—no need for a microwave or any fuss. Just cut, serve, and enjoy your Chocolate Mousse Cake creation.
FAQs
Can I use coconut cream instead of vegan heavy cream?
Absolutely! Full-fat coconut cream will provide a thick, creamy texture to the mousse and ganache. Just be aware that it may add a slight coconut flavor, which can be delicious or adjusted to taste by adding an extra splash of vanilla to your Chocolate Mousse Cake.
Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?
A springform pan is helpful for easy release, and a stand mixer or electric hand mixer makes whipping the cream for the mousse simple. Other than that, you’re good to go—Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe are designed to be approachable with basic kitchen tools.
Can I make this Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe gluten free?
Yes! Swap in a gluten free 1:1 baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, so you get a delightfully fluffy and rich result, totally gluten free, Chocolate Mousse Cake required.
Will kids like this cake?
Absolutely—kids (and chocolate lovers of all ages) adore this Chocolate Mousse Cake. Its soft, creamy mousse and sweet cake base make it a hit at birthdays and parties, with no unusual flavors or textures to turn off picky eaters.
Can I assemble the cake a day in advance?
Definitely! This Chocolate Mousse Cake actually benefits from some extra chill time, allowing the flavors to meld and the mousse to become even silkier. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to ganache and garnish before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy enough for a weeknight and dazzling enough for any celebration, you simply have to try this Chocolate Mousse Cake. It’s rich, festive, secretly simple, and sure to steal the spotlight at your table. Give it a try—your fork will thank you!
PrintChocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Indulge in this decadent Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cake that’s surprisingly easy to make, with layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy mousse topped with a silky ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 1 9″ cake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2/3 cup (150 mL) dairy-free milk, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup (48 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted vegan butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (110 g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) hot coffee
Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup (240 g) vegan dairy-free chocolate
- 3 cups (720 mL) heavy vegan cream, divided and cold
- 1 batch vegan chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350F. Prepare a 9″ springform pan with 4″ walls by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the edges. Set aside.
- Make the cake batter: Whisk dry ingredients. Whisk wet ingredients. Combine both mixtures with hot coffee.
- Bake the cake layer: Pour batter into pan and bake for 33-35 minutes. Cool, level, and return to pan.
- Make the chocolate mousse: Melt chocolate and cream. Whip the remaining cream to stiff peaks, then fold in the chocolate mixture.
- Assemble the cake: Pour mousse on cake layer and chill for 3 hours or overnight.
- Make the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, whisk until smooth. Cool for 30 minutes.
- Pour the ganache over the mousse: Once cooled, pour ganache over the mousse layer.
- Serve: Decorate with berries and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature as specified.
- Chill the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream for the mousse.
- Store leftovers in the freezer for prolonged freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Vegan, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Dessert, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Easy Recipe