Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Method

For Baking Chocolate Cake: Pre-heat oven to 170°C. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. Place the Crème Cake Mix – Cocoa (500g), water (113g), and fresh eggs (175g) in a mixing bowl. Using a planetary mixer with the paddle attachment, mix on slow speed for 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the vegetable oil (150g) and mix on slow speed for 1 minute to incorporate. Increase to medium speed and mix for 5 minutes until the batter is smooth and glossy. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake at 170°C for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. 

For Chocolate Mousse: Place the chopped dark chocolate (200g) in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream (200g) until it is just simmering (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Whisk gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature (it should not be warm to the touch). In a separate mixing bowl, combine the Whipping Cream Powder (200g) with the cold milk or water (200g). Whip on high speed for 3-4 minutes until it forms firm, stable peaks. Gently fold the cooled chocolate ganache into the whipped cream using a spatula. Mix until just combined and no streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the mousse. 

For Cake Layering: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, level the tops with a serrated knife if needed. Place one cake layer onto your serving plate or a cake board or inside an 8-inch cake ring for easier assembly. To assemble, layer each sponge with sugar syrup and mousse. Repeat for all three layers. 

Chill & Garnish: Cover and refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) to allow the mousse to set firmly. Once chilled, you can frost the outside of the cake with extra ganache, whipped cream, or simply garnish the top with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.