Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that perfectly balance rich chocolate with bright, zesty citrus, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake. Imagine layers of moist, chocolatey cake infused with vibrant orange flavors, topped with a silky, citrusy mousse and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. This dessert isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a celebration on a plate, combining creamy textures with lively aromas that will make you smile with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake comes together with straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in bringing this dessert to life. From the cocoa powder lending deep chocolate notes to the fresh orange juice brightening the entire cake, every component adds flavor, texture, or color to make this dessert truly special.

• 280g all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake itself.
• 280g granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the rich chocolate and tangy orange.
• 35g cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue.
• 1.5 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise for a light, airy crumb.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and contrasts the sweetness.
• 200ml warm soy milk: A dairy-free liquid that keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 100ml orange juice: Fresh juice to inject natural citrus brightness.
• 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help with rise and adds slight tang.
• 120g vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness without weighing the cake down.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Balances and deepens the overall flavor profile.
• 2 tsp orange extract: Intensifies the orange flavor beyond the juice alone.
• 400g silken tofu: Creates a creamy, dairy-free mousse texture when blended.
• 400g dark chocolate, chopped: Melts into the mousse for decadence and smoothness.
• 150ml orange juice (for mousse): Adds citrus zest and freshness to the mousse layer.
• 1 tbsp maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the mousse.
• 100g dark chocolate (for ganache): The glossy finish that beautifully crowns the cake.
• 100g soy cream or milk: Creates the smooth, luscious ganache texture.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining an 8-inch cake tin with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure no lumps and an even rise. Meanwhile, warm the soy milk and stir in the apple cider vinegar, letting it curdle for about 10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tangy effect. Next, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, vanilla, and orange extracts into your soy milk mixture, blending all your wet ingredients perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Whisk everything until smooth and well combined, but take care not to overmix to keep your cake tender. Pour this luscious batter into your lined cake tin and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into two even layers.

Step 3: Whip Up the Silky Orange Chocolate Mousse

While your cake is cooling, it’s time to create the mousse layer. Blend the silken tofu with orange juice, orange extract, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is flawlessly smooth and creamy. Gently melt the dark chocolate, then fold it into this vibrant tofu blend. This mousse is luxuriously creamy while keeping the cakey feeling light and refreshing.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Spread the mousse generously over the bottom layer of your cooled cake, smoothing it out evenly. Pop this in the refrigerator to set and firm up the mousse. Once set, carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover and chill again to allow the layers to meld together while you prepare the final touch.

Step 5: Prepare the Glossy Chocolate Ganache

Heat the soy cream or soy milk until it’s just simmering, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Stir gently until the ganache is silky smooth with a glossy sheen. Pour this stunning ganache over the top of your cake, letting it cascade over the sides slightly for that irresistibly rich look. Refrigerate once more so the ganache sets beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake

Garnishes

This Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake deserves garnishes that match its elegance and freshness. Consider topping it with delicate orange zest curls or thin chocolate shavings for a textural contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder can add that finishing touch, making every slice picture-perfect and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a light, fruity sorbet or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its rich texture and balance its citrusy punch. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a robust black tea also pairs wonderfully by cutting through the cake’s sweetness and adding warmth to the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve your Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake on a beautiful cake stand with decorative plates and fresh orange segments arranged around the base. Alternatively, try individual servings in clear glasses to showcase the layers of cake and mousse, topped with ganache and a sprinkle of orange zest for a charming and elegant dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, and the mousse will maintain its creamy texture. When stored well, you can enjoy every delicious bite without any loss in flavor or texture.

Freezing

This cake also freezes beautifully! Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to maintain that perfect mousse consistency and moist cake layers.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled. If you prefer it slightly less cold, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can affect the texture of the mousse and ganache.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of soy milk?

Absolutely! While soy milk keeps this recipe dairy-free, regular cow’s milk or any other plant-based milk can be substituted if you’re not avoiding dairy. The texture and taste will remain just as delightful.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just ensure your blend is suitable for baking to maintain the cake’s light texture.

Can I make the mousse without tofu?

Silken tofu provides a creamy, vegan-friendly base for the mousse, but if you’re not avoiding dairy, whipped cream or mascarpone can work as alternatives. Keep in mind that this will change the texture slightly.

How long does it take to make the entire Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake?

From start to finish, including baking, cooling, and chilling time, plan on about 4 hours. Most of this time is hands-off while the cake and mousse chill to perfection.

Can the ganache be made with regular cream?

Definitely! Regular heavy cream or whipping cream can replace soy cream for a richer ganache. Just use the same quantity and follow the heating instructions.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Mousse Cake is one of those gorgeous desserts that feels both decadent and refreshing, perfect whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself. Its layers of rich cake, light mousse, and glossy ganache combine to create a dessert experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to share with friends and family!

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