Chocolate Mousse Torte

Chocolate Mousse Torte Recipe - Ingredients and Directions

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Mousse Torte. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying.

History

The Chocolate Mousse Torte is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to French cuisine, where mousse is a popular dessert made with whipped cream and chocolate. The addition of a moist and rich chocolate cake layer takes this dessert to the next level of deliciousness.

Ingredients

0.67 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1.5 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup all-purpose flour
0.67 cup HERSHEY'S cocoa or HERSHEY'S Dutch Processed cocoa
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
1.33 cup milk
chocolate MOUSSE FILLING (recipe follows)
1 tsp unflavored gelatin
1 tbsp cold water
2 tbsp boiling water
1 cup (0.5 pt (237 ml)) cold whipping cream
0.33 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp HERSHEY'S cocoa or HERSHEY'S Dutch Processed cocoa
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Line a 15-0.5x10-0.5x1 inch jelly-roll pan with foil, then grease and flour the foil.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy.
Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat well.
Stir together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and beat until well blended.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
Invert the cake onto a wire rack and carefully peel off the foil.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the chocolate mousse filling.
Trim the edges from the cake and cut the cake crosswise into 4 equal pieces, each about 9x3-0.5 inches.
Place one layer on a serving plate and spread about 0.5 cup of filling on top.
Repeat this step with 2 more layers, then pipe or spread the remaining filling on the fourth layer.
Refrigerate the torte until ready to serve.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover torte.
===== Chocolate Mousse Filling =====
Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small cup and let it stand for several minutes to soften.
Add boiling water and stir until the gelatin is dissolved and the mixture is clear.
Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, beat the whipping cream, powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla until thickened. Pour in the gelatin mixture and continue beating until stiff.
Use the filling immediately.
This recipe makes about 2 cups of filling.

Variations

Experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of espresso powder to the chocolate mousse filling or incorporating chopped nuts into the cake layers for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and flour the jelly-roll pan to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling the torte to ensure that the layers stay intact.

- Use a piping bag to evenly spread the chocolate mousse filling between the cake layers for a professional-looking presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chocolate Mousse Torte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

Master the art of whipping cream to achieve the perfect texture for the chocolate mousse filling. Be sure to beat the cream until stiff peaks form for a light and airy filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor in the cake layers. You can also substitute almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chocolate mousse filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the torte. The cake layers can also be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the Chocolate Mousse Torte with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this indulgent dessert with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to any meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Mousse Torte in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Allow the torte to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chocolate Mousse Torte contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Chocolate Mousse Torte contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Indulge in the rich flavors of this dessert, which contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Enjoy a small amount of protein with each serving of this Chocolate Mousse Torte, which contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

While this dessert is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals, it is a delicious treat to enjoy in moderation.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, milk, and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies when preparing and serving this dessert.

Summary

Indulge in moderation with this rich and decadent Chocolate Mousse Torte, which offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in each serving.

Summary

Treat yourself to the luxurious flavors of this Chocolate Mousse Torte, a decadent dessert that is sure to impress. Enjoy the rich chocolate cake layers and creamy mousse filling for a truly indulgent experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Chocolate Mousse Torte. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Betty's house for the summer. Aunt Betty was known for her exquisite baking skills, and I had always been in awe of her culinary creations.

One hot afternoon, while Aunt Betty was busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, I snuck a peek at her recipe book. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a beautifully handwritten recipe for Chocolate Mousse Torte. The description of the dessert made my mouth water, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

I waited until Aunt Betty was occupied with other tasks before carefully copying down the recipe on a scrap piece of paper. I knew I had to be discreet, as Aunt Betty was quite protective of her recipes. With the treasured recipe in hand, I made a promise to myself that I would master the art of making Chocolate Mousse Torte.

Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe, making adjustments here and there to suit my own taste. I experimented with different types of chocolate, varying the amount of sugar, and even adding a splash of rum for an extra kick. Each time I made the Chocolate Mousse Torte, it brought back fond memories of that summer at Aunt Betty's house.

As I grew older, I continued to hone my baking skills, learning new recipes from friends, family, and even strangers. I was always on the lookout for new techniques and flavor combinations to incorporate into my repertoire. But no matter how many recipes I collected, the Chocolate Mousse Torte remained a favorite among my family and friends.

It became a tradition to make the Chocolate Mousse Torte for special occasions - birthdays, holidays, and celebrations of all kinds. The rich, velvety texture of the mousse paired perfectly with the decadent chocolate cake, making it a showstopping dessert that never failed to impress.

As the years passed, I passed down the recipe for Chocolate Mousse Torte to my own children and grandchildren. I taught them the importance of patience and precision when it came to baking, and the joy that comes from sharing a homemade dessert with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of baking chocolate and vanilla, I can't help but smile as I think back on all the memories that this simple recipe has brought me. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and souls, and to create lasting bonds with those we hold dear.

And so, as I take the Chocolate Mousse Torte out of the oven and let it cool on the counter, I am filled with gratitude for all the experiences and people who have inspired me along the way. The recipe for Chocolate Mousse Torte may have come from Aunt Betty's kitchen, but it has become a cherished part of my own culinary journey - a sweet reminder of the love and joy that food can bring into our lives.