Elsies Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipes

Steps:

• Grated chocolate, cookie crumbs or chopped nuts for coating the sides of cake, if desired
• Cake:
• Lightly coat the insides of 3 9 by 1 1/2-inch cake pans with melted butter. Line each pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat the parchment paper with more melted butter. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place remaining butter and 8 ounces semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap. Allow to heat for 10 to 12 minutes. remove from the heat, stir until smooth, and hold at room temperature.
• Place the egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle. Beat on high until slightly thickened and lemon-colored, about 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on high for an additional 2 minutes.
• While the egg yolks are beating, whisk 4 egg whites in a large stainless steel bowl until stiff, but not dry, about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold the melted chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolk mixture. Add a quarter of the beaten egg whites and stir to incorporate, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
• Divide the batter between the prepared pans, spreading evenly, and bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. (During baking, the surface of the cakes will form a crust; this crust will normally collapse when the cakes are removed from the oven.) Invert the cakes onto cake circles, remove the parchment paper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Filling:
• To prepare the dark chocolate cream, heat 1-inch of water in the bottom half of a double boiler over medium heat. Place the semisweet chocolate in the top half of the double boiler. Tightly cover the top with film wrap and allow to heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a stainless steel bowl and set aside until needed. Place heavy cream and sugar in the well-chilled bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a well-chilled balloon whip. Whisk on high until stiff peaks form, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a hand whisk to combine 1/4 of the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until smooth and completely incorporated. Add the combined whipped cream and chocolate to the remaining whipped cream and use a rubber spatula to fold together.
• Ganache:
• Heat the heavy cream and the butter in a 3-quart saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil. Place the semisweet chocolate in a 3-quart stainless steel bowl. Pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Chill 1 cup of ganache for at least 1 hour. Remaining ganache should be at room temperature
• To assemble cake:
• Arrange one of the cake layers in a 9-inch springform pan, evenly spread half the filling over the cake and top with the second layer. Add remaining filling and top with the remaining cake layer. Chill 2 hours. Transfer chilled cup of ganache to pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Remove cake from springform pan and coat sides and top with room temperature ganache. Using chilled ganache, decoratively pipe stars on top of cake. If desired, coat sides of cake with grated chocolate, cookie crumbs of chopped nuts.

Steps:

• For the brownie: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk, butter, vanilla and egg until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Unclasp the pan, remove the outer ring and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the ring with a 2 1/2-inch-wide parchment strip, making sure that it sits tightly and smoothly along the sides. Re-clasp the ring to the bottom of the pan with the cake in it.
• For the mousse: Roughly chop 4 tablespoons of the butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder until smooth; set aside. Chop the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.
• Add 1/4 cup of the heavy cream to a small microwave-safe bowl and stir in the gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the gelatin is dissolved, about 1 minute. Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and add the sugar, vanilla and remaining 3 3/4 cups heavy cream. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide the whipped cream mixture between 2 large bowls. Fold one bowl of the cocoa powder-butter mixture into each batch of whipped cream mixture and stir until no streaks remain (one bowl will contain dark chocolate mousse and the other will contain light chocolate mousse).
• Spread the dark chocolate mousse on top of the brownie in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Spread the light chocolate mousse on top of the dark chocolate mousse and use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Refrigerate until the mousse is set, 3 hours and up to overnight.
• For the ganache: Bring the heavy cream and butter to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the semisweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
• Unclasp the springform pan and remove the parchment paper from the sides of the cake. Use a hot, dry offset spatula to smooth out the sides. Set a rack in a rimmed baking sheet and put the cake on top of the rack. Pour the ganache over the cake and let it drip down over the sides so the entire cake is covered. Swipe once across the top with a clean, large offset spatula to create a smooth top. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
• Hold a stencil or other tool with holes (such as a doily or a cooling rack) over the cake (do not lay it on the ganache; it will stick) and dust with more cocoa powder to create a decorative pattern. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Prepare the cake a day ahead of when you want to serve it. The cake is very dense, and takes a long time to cool, so don't start too late in the day. :).
• Place a cookie sheet on the oven rack in case the springform pan leaks. Preheat oven to 350°F Grease a 10" x 3" springform pan.
• In a 3 quart saucepan, over low heat, heat chocolate, butter or margarine, sugar, half & half cream, vanilla, and salt until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.
• In large bowl, stir eggs slightly with a fork. Do not use a mixer, as this will over beat the eggs and the cake will scorch on the edges and fall in the middle.
• Slowly stir chocolate mixture into eggs until well blended: pour into springform pan.
• Bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is level and not concave.
• Cool cake completely, in pan, on wire rack. When cake is cool, run a sharp knife around the side of the pan, and remove the side of the pan. Wrap cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled - minimum 6 hours, but overnight is best.
• After cake is chilled, place cake, still on pan bottom, on a cake plate. Put strips of waxed paper between the pan bottom and the cake plate, to catch the drips of glaze. (Helpful Hint: Use a clean piece of that grippy carpet underlay between pan bottom and plate to keep the cake from sliding around as you try to slice it.).
• If the top edge of the cake is higher than the center of the cake, or very uneven, you can trim it with a sharp knife if you want a prettier cake.
• Prepare Chocolate Glaze as follows.
• In 2 quart saucepan, over low heat, heat chocolate chips and butter or margarine until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove pan from heat. Beat in milk and corn syrup.
• Spread warm glaze over top and sides of cake. Discard waxed paper.
• Prepare whipped topping, beating until stiff peaks form. Pipe whipped topping around edge of cake. Refrigerate if not serving right away. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerater for a few days, or can be sliced and frozen, though the whipped topping is not as nice after freezing.

Steps:

• Line and grease the base of a 9 inch (23cm) spring form cake tin with the extra butter.
• Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water.
• Put the butter, sugar, egg yolks, Bailey's Irish Cream and melted chocolate in a food processor and 'whiz' for about 3 or 4 minutes until well mixed; transfer chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl.
• Whip the cream into soft peaks then fold it into the chocolate mixture; pour into the prepared cake tin and place in the freezer overnight.
• When ready to serve, remove the cake from the freezer; sprinkle cocoa powder and grated chocolate over the top of the cake to decorate and serve with extra whipped cream.

Steps:

• For the mousse: Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove and allow to cool a little.
• Add the cream to a large bowl and start to whip using a hand mixer. Slowly add the sugar and continue to whip until you have stiff peaks, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Place the egg yolks in a pitcher, add the vanilla and whisk together by hand.
• Temper the egg yolks by adding a little of the melted chocolate to them and whisking together. Pour the yolks into the bowl of melted chocolate and stir in gently.
• Fold three-fourths of the whipped cream into the chocolate, reserving the rest.
• Divide between 4 serving glasses.
• Gently fold the raspberry preserves into the reserved whipped cream until you achieve a swirled appearance. Spoon some of the swirled whipped cream on top of the mousse in each glass.
• Place the glasses into the fridge and chill for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and decorate with Marbled Chocolate Curls before serving.
• Add the semi-sweet and white chocolate to separate small microwave-safe bowls or pitchers. Add 2 teaspoons of the coconut oil to each. Pop in the microwave together for 1 minute. Stir each until smooth, microwaving for another 10 to 15 seconds, if needed, to fully melt the chocolate.
• Lay a sheet pan on the counter upside down. Start by pouring the white chocolate in a zig-zag pattern over the underside of the cookie sheet; do not get too close to the edges. Repeat with the semi-sweet chocolate, making sure to fill the holes where there is no white chocolate. Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the chocolates in a very thin layer, then stick the sheet pan in the freezer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key!
• After a few minutes, check the chocolate by pressing it with your finger; it should leave only the slightest mark, but not an actual depression.
• Using a somewhat sharp-edged spatula, scrap the chocolate from the bottom of the pan. If the chocolate is the correct temperature, it should begin to curl. If the chocolate is breaking, it is too cold so let it sit for a few seconds to warm, then try again. If it gets too soft, stick it back in the freezer for a minute.
• Pretty soon you will have some pretty marbled chocolate curls. Use as a garnish immediately on chilled desserts or immediately transfer to a cold plate and place back in the freezer to harden. Store in an airtight container in the freezer until you need them. The curls are perfect for topping your favorite pies, cakes or elevating a simple fruit platter.

Steps:

• Make the cake: Prepare the cake mix as the label directs for a 9-by-13-inch cake. Bake; cool slightly in the pan, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
• Clean out the cake pan and line it with plastic wrap. Cut the cake in half lengthwise, then in thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles. Using a serrated knife, slice each rectangle in half to make two layers. Arrange half of the pieces snugly in the cake pan. Crumble the remaining pieces and press tightly into 6 small balls; arrange 1 cake ball in the center of each cake rectangle in the pan.
• Make the mousse: Heat the chocolate, butter, coffee and 1/4 cup water in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water), stirring, until melted. Remove the bowl from the pan; stir until cool. Reserve the simmering water. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
• Whisk the egg yolks, 1 1/2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a separate large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water and whisk until pale yellow, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chocolate-coffee mixture and the vanilla and whisk until combined, about 2 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and set in the bowl of ice water; whisk until slightly cool but not thick, about 4 minutes.
• Beat the egg whites and salt in a bowl with a mixer until foamy. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until almost stiff; gently fold into the chocolate-yolk mixture to make a dark chocolate mousse. Spread 5 cups over the cake and cake balls. Freeze until firm on top, about 30 minutes.
• Beat the heavy cream and the remaining 4 tablespoons sugar until soft peaks form; fold into the remaining mousse. Remove the cake from the freezer; spread with the light chocolate mousse, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Make the chocolate shell: Stir the chocolate, heavy cream and 4 tablespoons corn syrup in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water) until melted. A spoonful at a time, spread half of the shell mixture over the frozen mousse. Return to the freezer.
• Make the chocolate sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon corn syrup and the butter to the remaining chocolate shell mixture. Microwave 30 seconds, then stir until glossy.
• To serve the cake, beat the heavy cream with a mixer until foamy. Add the sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Remove the cake from the freezer; invert onto a baking sheet and unmold, then invert again onto a platter, chocolate shell-side up.
• Cut the cake in half lengthwise using a warm knife, then cut into thirds crosswise to make 6 rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to make 2 triangles. Top each triangle with whipped cream, ice cream and the prepared chocolate sauce.

Steps:

• Make the chocolate mousse: Put the chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and salt.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the sugar dissolves and the milk comes to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• With the motor of the food processor running, pour the hot milk through the feed tube.
• Process for 10 to 20 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted.
• Using a spatula, scrape down the side of the work bowl.
• Add the oil and vanilla extract; process for 5 to 10 seconds, until the mixture is creamy.
• Scrape the chocolate mixture into a large bowl and cool for about 5 minutes, until tepid.
• In a chilled 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, whip the cream until soft mounds barely start to form and the cream is still pourable.
• Do not overwhip the cream.
• Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the tepid chocolate mixture to lighten it.
• Fold in the remaining whipped cream.
• Do not overfold the mousse or the texture will be grainy.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, until firm.
• Make the cake: Grease three 10-inch round cake pans.
• Cut three 10-inch circles of waxed paer and place in the bottom of each pan.
• Grease the pan well and then flour, tapping out the excess.
• Set aside.
• Place the oven racks two shelves apart.
• Preheat the over to 350 degrees F.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Set aside.
• Place the coarsely chopped chocolate and the water on top of a double boiler and turn heat to medium-high, whisking occasionally until smooth.
• Remove from the top of the double boiler and cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, in a 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the sugars.
• Add the vanilla.
• Add the eggs one by one, mixing on medium speed until blended.
• Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• With the mixer at its lowest speed, add half of the dry ingredients and the half of the buttermilk.
• When blended, add the remaining buttermilk and the chocolate mixture.
• Mix until blended then add the remaining dry ingredients.
• Mix on medium speed just until blended and the flour lumps disappear.
• Divide evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset metal spatula.
• Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Remove the pans from the oven and place on wire cooling racks.
• Cool for 15 minutes and invert.
• Peel off the waxed paper and cool completely.
• Begin to assemble the cake: Place a dab of chocolate mousse and then a layer of the cooled cake on a 10-inch cardboard cake circle or the circular insert of a tart pan.
• Using a large rubber spatula, place about one-quarter of the chilled chocolate mousse on top of the first cake layer.
• Using a metal cake spatula, spread the mousse evenly not quite to the sides of the cake.
• There should be slightly less than one-half inch of mousse on top of the cake.
• Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the mousse layer.
• Place the third cake layer on top, then spread the remaining chocolate mousse over the top and sides of the cake, coating smoothly and evenly.
• Place the cake in the freezer for a minimum of four hours.
• Make the ganache glaze: Place the coarsely chopped chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a medium pan, scald the heavy cream and pour over the chocolate.
• Using a metal whisk, gently stir until smooth and melted.
• Continue stirring until the ganache is room temperature or just slightly warmer.
• Glaze and garnish the cake: Place the Oreos in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and place on a wire rack that has been set over aluminum foil or a sheet pan.
• Slowly pour the ganache over the top of the cake, smoothing with a large metal cake spatula.
• When the top has been coated, slowly pour the ganache around the sides of the cake so it drips down and coats the sides.
• Use the spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the sides of the cake.
• When completely coated with the ganache, scoop the Oreo crumbs with your hand and press them onto the sides of the cake, coating its entirety.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Beat egg whites with 1/4 cup of sugar and set aside.
• In a saucepan, melt chocolate chips, and margarine.
• Remove from heat and let cool a few minutes.
• Beat egg yolks, with 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla.
• Add melted chocolate and mix.
• Fold in egg whites.
• Pour half in to a greased springform or tube pan. Put rest in refrigerator.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. It will rise nicely and then fall.
• When it is cool, pour rest of refrigerated mixture on top and put in freezer for several hours.