Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup heavy cream, whipped; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Oven Recipes

I love baking and creating delicious treats, and this Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the richness of chocolate with a light and airy mousse, all in an adorable heart shape. Whether it’s for a romantic occasion or just a special dessert for myself, this cake never fails to impress. The best part is how simple it is to put together while still looking elegant, making it perfect for any celebration or just a sweet indulgence.

Created by

Greer Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-06T11:09:34.719Z

When I first tried making these mini heart cakes, I was amazed at how the chocolate mousse elevated the flavors. The lightness of the mousse contrasts beautifully with the rich cake, creating a delightful experience with every bite. I remember hosting friends for dinner and pulling these out—they were an instant hit!

One of my favorite tips is to chill the mousse properly before filling the cakes. It not only sets well but allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the mousse; it truly makes a difference in taste and texture!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delightfully cute mini heart shape perfect for celebrations
Irresistible combination of rich chocolate and fluffy mousse
Simple yet impressive dessert everyone will adore

Understanding Cake and Mousse Dynamics

When creating this Mini Heart Cake, understanding the relationship between cake and mousse is crucial. The cake should be moist yet sturdy enough to hold the layers of airy mousse. The balance between the denser cake and fluffy mousse creates a harmonious flavor and texture experience, ensuring every bite is delightful. If you find your cake too dense, consider incorporating an extra egg or slightly increasing the baking powder to enhance its rise.

The mousse's light texture is achieved by carefully folding in whipped cream, which adds volume without deflating the mixture. If you accidentally overmix the mousse, it can become dense and lose its airy quality. To avoid this, use a gentle folding method, turning the bowl as you incorporate the whipped cream into the chocolate base.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. For instance, unsweetened cocoa powder not only imparts a rich chocolate flavor but also contributes to the cake's moistness. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for half the butter; it maintains moisture while reducing fat content.

The choice of dark chocolate in mousse is equally important. Opting for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa will give you a deep, rich flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, high-quality dark chocolate can provide a similar result when paired with coconut cream instead of heavy cream, giving a delightful tropical twist to your mousse.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, finishing with vanilla extract.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter into heart-shaped cake pans (or regular pans, if preferred). Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

In a saucepan, combine chopped dark chocolate, sugar, and water over low heat until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before folding in the whipped cream and vanilla extract. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are cool, slice each in half to create layers. Pipe or spread a layer of chocolate mousse in between the cake layers and on top. Chill the assembled cakes again for a short time to set the mousse.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider garnishing the mousse-dressed cakes with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Mini Heart Cake can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy occasions. Prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, allow them to come to room temperature before assembling with mousse.

The chocolate mousse can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before using to reinflate it slightly. Assembled cakes can be kept in the fridge, but consume them within three days for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your presentation, serve slices of the Mini Heart Cake on a plate drizzled with chocolate sauce or berry coulis. Adding fresh berries on the side not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the sweetness of the chocolate with a tart flavor contrast.

For a fun twist, feel free to experiment with flavored mousses, such as adding a splash of orange liqueur or using white chocolate with raspberry puree for a fruity touch. Adapting the mousse adds variety to the basic recipe, making delightful surprises for repeat bakers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the chocolate mousse ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chocolate mousse a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble the cake.

→ How do I ensure my cake layers are even?

Using heart-shaped pans helps, but you can also use a leveler to trim any domes off the tops of your cakes before assembly.

→ What type of chocolate is best for the mousse?

Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the best flavor and richness.

→ Can I replace the eggs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs as substitutes, but this may slightly alter the texture.