White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
I’m so excited to share this White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe with you because it’s one of those desserts that totally feels fancy but is surprisingly doable at home. Imagine the light, fluffy mousse paired with a tender cocoa cake base—it’s just a dreamy combination that makes every bite heavenly. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this cake will absolutely hit the spot.
One thing I love about this White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is how adaptable it is. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough to make on a weekday if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, it perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and a little bit of chocolatey richness without being overwhelming. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through all the steps to make it a total success in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a luscious cake base and a rich, velvety mousse that’s just so satisfying. I always recommend using high-quality white chocolate and fresh cream—the better the ingredients, the better your cake will taste!
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the perfect cake texture without it being too dense.
- Baking powder: This gives the cake a lovely rise, so make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Sugar: I prefer granulated sugar, but you can experiment with caster sugar for an even finer crumb.
- Cocoa powder: This adds just a hint of chocolate to the cake base—it’s subtle but important for balance.
- Butter: Melted butter gives the cake richness and moisture; don’t substitute with oil to keep the flavor right.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but any milk works—just keep it at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Vanilla essence: A little vanilla really rounds out the flavors in both the cake and mousse.
- Egg: This binds everything and adds structure to your cake, so don’t skip it!
- Gelatine powder: Essential for setting the mousse perfectly without becoming rubbery.
- Fresh cream: Whip it carefully — it’s the base of your mousse’s airy texture.
- White chocolate: Choose good-quality bars or chips for the smoothest, creamiest mousse.
- Raspberries & Strawberries: Fresh berries add a lovely tang and color contrast when serving.
- Icing sugar: For a delicate dusting that makes everything look just a bit more special.
- Fresh mint: Optional but adds a refreshing aroma and pops of green for presentation.
Variations
I find this White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe so versatile — I often switch things up depending on the season or who I’m sharing it with. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by playing around with flavors or dietary needs.
- Berry Swirl: I like folding in a raspberry coulis gently into the mousse before setting for a beautiful marbled effect and a tart hint.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free white chocolate to make it vegan-friendly — it won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
- Chocolate Cake Base: For a richer cake foundation, try adding espresso powder to the cocoa powder. It intensifies the flavor without tasting “coffee-like.”
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted hazelnuts or almonds sprinkled between the cake and mousse layers add a great texture twist.
How to Make White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base with Care
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8-inch springform pan. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Meanwhile, whisk the sugar and melted butter until smooth, then add the egg and vanilla essence. Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk, mixing gently but thoroughly until just combined. Pour this batter into your pan and bake for 20–25 minutes—check with a toothpick; it should come out clean but moist. It’s crucial not to overbake, so set a timer and start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Step 2: Making the Silky White Chocolate Mousse
While the cake is cooling completely, let’s get the mousse ready. Sprinkle gelatine powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Heat it gently just until melted—don’t let it boil! Meanwhile, break the white chocolate into chunks and melt it in a double boiler or microwave it in short bursts, stirring often to avoid burning. Whip the fresh cream to medium peaks; it should hold shape but still be soft. Gradually whisk the melted gelatine into the warm white chocolate, then fold the chocolate mixture gently into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it. This slow, delicate folding is key to that light, fluffy texture you want.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Once your cake base has cooled fully, place it back in the springform pan. Pour the white chocolate mousse evenly over the cake, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the whole thing with cling wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is best if you can wait! The mousse needs that time to set properly so you get clean slices and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
How to Serve White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Garnishes
I love to keep garnishes simple but eye-catching. A dusting of icing sugar over the top adds a little snowy touch. Then, I scatter fresh raspberries and strawberries around the edges—it brightens the cake’s sweetness and adds a pop of color that’s just perfect for photos and plating. For a final flourish, some fresh mint leaves add a refreshing aroma and look so elegant.
Side Dishes
Pairing this with a cup of strong coffee or a light dessert wine really elevates the experience. If you want a full dessert spread, simple shortbread cookies or even a tart berry compote on the side complements the white chocolate mousse cake beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve served this for gatherings, I like to plate individual slices on pretty dessert plates, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint. For something extra special, try layering some fresh berries between the cake and mousse layers for a surprise you can’t see until you cut in. Another fun idea: drizzle a raspberry sauce over the top right before serving for a festive finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying the cake, I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap, then store them in the fridge. This keeps the mousse moist and the cake from drying out for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-covered; mousse can absorb fridge odors otherwise.
Freezing
If you need to freeze your White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe, here’s what I’ve found works best: freeze the cake base and mousse separately if possible, or freeze the whole cake in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge to keep the mousse’s texture smooth. Beware that freezing the mousse might cause slight texture changes, but it’s still tasty!
Reheating
This is a chilled mousse cake, so reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended. Just bring it to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to unlock the flavors and soften the mousse a bit. It tastes best cold or slightly cool rather than warm.
FAQs
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Can I use white chocolate chips instead of bars for the mousse?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips tend to melt quickly and evenly, making them a great choice for the mousse. Just break up any large clusters before melting to ensure a smooth texture.
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What can I substitute for gelatin in this White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe?
If you want a vegetarian option, agar-agar powder works as a substitute. Use it according to package instructions, but remember it sets firmer than gelatin so adjust quantities carefully to keep the mousse creamy.
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How long does the mousse need to set in the fridge?
For best results, chill the mousse at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling ensures it’s fully set and easy to slice without losing shape.
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Can I prepare the cake base and mousse a day ahead?
Yes! I usually bake the cake base the day before and keep it wrapped at room temperature. Then make and assemble the mousse the next day for maximum freshness and ease.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is definitely one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress without feeling overwhelmed. It’s just the right mix of creamy, airy, and chocolatey with a fresh fruity twist that I find keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re like me and cherish those moments slicing into a beautiful homemade cake that tastes even better than it looks, this recipe will become a favorite for your special occasions and casual treats alike. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
PrintWhite Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe
A decadent White Chocolate Mousse Cake combining a moist cocoa-flavored sponge base with a luscious and airy white chocolate mousse topping, garnished with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and a dusting of icing sugar for an elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 1 cup flour (150g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ⅔ cup sugar (150g)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (25g)
- 100g butter, melted
- ⅓ cup milk (80ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 1 egg
White Chocolate Mousse
- 1 tsp gelatine powder
- ½ cup sugar (110g)
- 2 cups fresh cream (500ml)
- 190g white chocolate
To Serve
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Icing sugar
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, whisk the sugar and egg together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla essence into the egg mixture. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until just combined to create a smooth batter.
- Bake the Sponge: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch round cake pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Gelatine: Sprinkle the gelatin powder over 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Then gently warm it until dissolved, being careful not to boil.
- Make White Chocolate Mousse: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the white chocolate gently. In a separate bowl, whip the fresh cream with the sugar until soft peaks form. Gradually mix the dissolved gelatine into the melted white chocolate, then fold this mixture gently into the whipped cream to create a smooth mousse.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the cooled sponge cake onto a serving plate or springform pan base. Pour the white chocolate mousse evenly over the cake, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours or until the mousse is firmly set.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish the cake with fresh raspberries, strawberries, a light dusting of icing sugar, and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast and appealing presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the sponge cake is fully cooled before applying the mousse to prevent melting.
- Gelatine must be properly dissolved and not overheated or it may lose its setting ability.
- Use fresh, high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture in the mousse.
- The cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For a firmer mousse, allow additional chilling time.
Keywords: white chocolate mousse, mousse cake, cocoa sponge cake, elegant dessert, fresh berry garnish
