Description
Chocolate Mousse Crunch Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring two rich chocolate cake layers filled with luscious chocolate mousse, topped with silky ganache and crunchy Heath toffee bits. Perfect for special occasions, this indulgent cake combines smooth, creamy, and crunchy textures with intense chocolate flavor that will wow any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 package Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake mix
Chocolate Mousse
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ganache and Toppings
- 1 recipe Chocolate Ganache (prepare separately)
- Crushed Heath bars or chocolate-covered Heath bits, as needed
- Optional: extra sweetened whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the Devil’s Food Cake mix according to the package instructions. Bake in two 8-inch round pans. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool completely. Cakes can be frozen if preparing in advance.
- Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 1 minute. Heat 2 tablespoons of water until boiling (using a microwave), then whisk this boiling water into the softened gelatin until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Chocolate Mousse: In a medium bowl, combine sugar, cocoa powder, whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until medium-stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the cooled gelatin mixture and then refrigerate the mousse for 30 minutes to set slightly.
- Prepare the Ganache: Make chocolate ganache separately according to your preferred recipe or package instructions.
- Level the Cake Layers: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off the domed tops of each cake layer to make them flat and level.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate mousse over it. Sprinkle crushed Heath bits evenly on top of the mousse.
- Top Layer and Ganache: Place the second cake layer over the mousse and Heath bits. Spoon ganache over the top, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides. Sprinkle additional Heath bits on top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Optionally, add a cloud of sweetened whipped cream on top just before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
- This recipe yields more mousse than needed; adjust quantity to your preference and enjoy any leftover as a snack.
- Freezing the cake layers after baking can help with easier assembly later.
- To achieve even cake layers, chilling the mousse before assembly is crucial.
- Use good quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
