Jaffa Mousse Cake

Jaffa Mousse Cake Recipe - A Delicious British Delight

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 90 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Jaffa Mousse Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and orange in a light and airy mousse. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert.

History

The Jaffa Mousse Cake is inspired by the classic Jaffa cake, which is a popular British treat consisting of a sponge cake topped with orange-flavored jelly and coated in chocolate. This recipe takes those flavors and elevates them into a luxurious and indulgent mousse cake.

Ingredients

Cake ingredients

zest of 2 oranges
100 g caster sugar
250 g self-raising flour
(or plain flour with a teaspoon of baking powder)
200 g melted butter
3 large beaten eggs

Syrup ingredients

Mousse ingredients

250 g dark chocolate
450 ml cream

Icing ingredients

150 g dark chocolate
150 ml thickened cream

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 160°C (or 150°C for a fan-forced oven).
Zest the oranges and combine with the castor sugar. If you don't have a food processor, you can rub the zest into the sugar using the back of a spoon until the sugar turns orange.
Add the flour to the mixture of pulverized zest and sugar.
Mix in the melted butter and beaten egg until thoroughly combined.
Pour the batter into a lined (or well-greased) 20 cm cake tin, preferably a spring-form tin.
Bake for 90 minutes.
While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup and mousse.
For the syrup, mix together the orange juice and sugar. Optionally, you can add 0.25 cup of Cointreau or another orange-flavored liqueur for extra flavor.
For the mousse, beat the cream until soft peaks form, then fold in the melted chocolate.
Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the tin and cut it in half horizontally while it's still hot.
Quickly wash and line the baking pan with plastic wrap.
Place the bottom half of the cake back into the plastic-lined pan and evenly pour on half of the syrup.
Spread the mousse over the bottom half of the cake, then place the top half of the cake on top.
Pour the remaining syrup evenly over the top of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for 2 hours.
Remove the cake from the tin and place it on a serving plate.
To make the icing, combine the cream with the melted chocolate.
Ice the cake with the chocolate cream icing.
Return the finished cake to the fridge until ready to serve.
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator.

Variations

For a lighter version, use low-fat cream and dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Add a layer of orange jelly between the cake and mousse for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to zest the oranges finely to get the most flavor in the cake.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

- When folding the mousse, be gentle to keep it light and fluffy.

- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Jaffa Mousse Cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Folding the mousse gently to keep it light and airy.

- Melting the chocolate slowly to avoid burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute the orange liqueur with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake and mousse ahead of time and assemble the cake just before serving for a stress-free dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the Jaffa Mousse Cake with chocolate shavings, fresh orange slices, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Jaffa Mousse Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance out the richness of the dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Fats: 25g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C from the oranges.

Alergens

Contains dairy and eggs. May contain traces of nuts.

Summary

This Jaffa Mousse Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

The Jaffa Mousse Cake is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate and orange in a light and airy mousse. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping dessert. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Jaffa Mousse Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the bustling city of Melbourne. My aunt was a fantastic cook, and she always had the most delicious desserts waiting for us when we came to visit.

One day, as I was helping her in the kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book and said she had a special treat in store for us. She flipped through the pages until she landed on the recipe for Jaffa Mousse Cake. I had never heard of such a thing before, but the combination of chocolate and orange sounded absolutely divine.

As my aunt began to walk me through the steps of making the cake, I was mesmerized by her skill and precision in the kitchen. She explained that the key to a successful mousse cake was patience and attention to detail. I watched as she melted the chocolate, whipped the cream, and folded in the orange zest with such grace and ease.

After a few hours of hard work, the cake was finally ready to be served. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come. The rich, velvety texture of the mousse combined with the bright, citrusy burst of the orange was a match made in heaven.

When I returned home from my visit with my aunt, I couldn't wait to recreate the Jaffa Mousse Cake in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe as closely as I could remember. It took a few tries to get it just right, but eventually, I was able to replicate the same delicious cake that my aunt had made for us.

Over the years, I continued to make the Jaffa Mousse Cake for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I was always happy to share it with anyone who asked, knowing that it was a special treat that brought joy to those who tasted it.

As the years passed, I collected more and more recipes from various sources and people. Some were passed down from my own mother and grandmother, while others were discovered in cookbooks and magazines. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, but the Jaffa Mousse Cake remained a favorite among my family and friends.

I often think back to that day in my aunt's kitchen, watching her expertly create the Jaffa Mousse Cake with such passion and love. It was a moment that sparked my own love for cooking and baking, and I will always be grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

Now, as I share this recipe with you, I hope that you will enjoy making and sharing the Jaffa Mousse Cake with your own loved ones. May it bring joy and sweetness to your life, just as it has brought to mine. And remember, the key to a successful mousse cake is patience, attention to detail, and a whole lot of love. Happy baking!