Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Powdered sugar for dusting; Fresh mint leaves; Berries (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse for special occasions! The combination of soft chocolate cake and rich mousse is simply irresistible. As I whip up the mousse, the aroma fills my kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each bite delivers a wave of creamy delight, making these cakes perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to assemble, allowing me to impress my guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-01-06T16:25:34.978Z

When I first attempted to make these Mini Heart Cakes, I was surprised by how straightforward the process was. The combination of dark chocolate and whipped cream creates a beautifully light mousse that perfectly complements the chocolate cake. I like to let the mousse set in the fridge for at least an hour, which helps develop its flavor and texture, making it even more enjoyable.

Over time, I've experimented with various toppings, from fresh berries to a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each addition brings a new twist to the cake, but I always return to the classic presentation with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few mint leaves. It’s these small touches that elevate the dessert and add a personal flair!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

To achieve the perfect rich flavor in your Mini Heart Cakes, the quality of your chocolate is essential. I recommend using a high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the mousse, which will melt smoothly and create a glossy finish. Chocolate with around 60-70% cocoa content balances sweetness and richness effectively. If you prefer a sweeter mousse, you could opt for milk chocolate, although this will change the depth of flavor.

When selecting cocoa powder for the cake, choose a Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper color and milder taste. This process neutralizes acidity, resulting in a chocolate flavor that's less bitter. As a tip, ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the light and airy texture in the cake; this can usually take about 30 minutes out of the fridge.

Perfecting the Mousse Texture

The key to a successful chocolate mousse lies in the whipping of the cream. Whip until soft peaks form, which is the point just before the cream becomes overly stiff. This helps to incorporate air and create a light, airy mousse while allowing the melted chocolate to blend in smoothly. I recommend using a chilled bowl and beaters for better volume; place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping.

Incorporating the melted chocolate into the whipped cream should be done gently. Aim for a folding motion rather than vigorous mixing to maintain the mousse’s airy structure. If you find the mousse is too thick after chilling, a teaspoon of milk can be gently whisked in to loosen it, ensuring it remains silky smooth.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse:

For the Chocolate Cake

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

For the Chocolate Mousse

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Decoration

Powdered sugar for dusting
Fresh mint leaves
Berries (optional)

Make sure you have everything set before starting the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Mini Heart Cake:

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two heart-shaped cake pans. In a bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

While the cakes are cooling, melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form, then stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Be gentle to maintain the light texture of the mousse. Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to set.

Assemble the Cakes

Once the cakes are fully cooled, remove them from the pans. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of chocolate mousse on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining mousse. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes before serving.

Decorate the Cake

Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves and berries, if desired. Slice and enjoy this delectable treat with family and friends!

Enjoy your homemade Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse!

Pro Tips

For an extra flair, try adding some orange zest to the mousse for a bright citrus note. It pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and adds a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

These Mini Heart Cakes can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy celebrations. After assembling the cakes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add fresh decorations, like mint leaves and powdered sugar, just before serving to prevent wilting and sogginess.

If you want to freeze the cakes, it’s best to freeze them unassembled. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting with the mousse.

Creative Serving Suggestions

When serving these Mini Heart Cakes, consider presenting them on a decorative plate with a drizzle of sauce for added flair. A simple raspberry or chocolate sauce can enhance the chocolate flavor and add a gourmet touch. Additionally, you can serve the cakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the chocolate mousse.

To make the experience even more delightful, pair these cakes with a hot beverage such as coffee or a sweet dessert wine. The bitterness of coffee complements the richness of the chocolate, while a dessert wine adds a touch of sweetness that can elevate the overall flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the chocolate mousse in advance?

Absolutely! The chocolate mousse can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ How long can I store the cakes?

You can store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just ensure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.

→ Can I use a different shape for the cake?

Yes! Feel free to use round cake pans or any other shape you like. Just adjust the baking time as needed.