Layered Chocolate Mousse Cake with Chocolate Sheets

Indulge in a beautifully layered chocolate mousse cake, featuring velvety mousse and thin chocolate layers. This no-bake dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers, with a light and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Chocolate Sheets

• 10 oz (280 g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• Parchment paper or acetate sheets

Chocolate Mousse

• 10 oz (280 g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 3 large egg whites
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Garnish

• Cocoa powder, for dusting
• Chocolate curls or shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sheets

1. Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
2. Spread the Chocolate: Cut parchment paper or acetate sheets into 7-8 rectangles (about the size you want each layer). Spread a thin, even layer of melted chocolate onto each sheet. You can use an offset spatula to make the chocolate as thin as possible.
3. Chill the Sheets: Place the chocolate-covered sheets on a baking tray and refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set and firm, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousse

1. Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.
3. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until smooth. Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Refrigerate the mousse for about 15-20 minutes to let it set slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Mousse and Chocolate Sheets: Place a thin chocolate sheet on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of chocolate mousse over the sheet, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Repeat Layers: Place another chocolate sheet on top of the mousse, pressing down gently to create an even layer. Spread more mousse on top. Continue layering until you use all the chocolate sheets and mousse, finishing with a layer of mousse on top.
3. Smooth the Top: Use an offset spatula to smooth the top layer of mousse for a clean finish.

Step 4: Garnish

1. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Use a fine sieve to dust cocoa powder evenly over the top layer of mousse.
2. Add Chocolate Curls: Decorate with chocolate curls or shavings as desired.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2-3 hours, or until fully set. This will allow the mousse to firm up and the layers to hold together nicely when sliced.
2. Serve: To serve, use a sharp knife to cut clean slices. Enjoy this decadent, creamy dessert with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Baking Tips

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
• Chill the Mousse Before Assembling: Letting the mousse set slightly before assembly helps it hold its shape between the chocolate layers.
• Thin Chocolate Sheets: Try to make the chocolate sheets as thin as possible for a delicate crunch between the mousse layers.
• Serve Cold: This cake is best enjoyed chilled to keep the mousse firm and the chocolate sheets crisp.