Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse for special occasions. Each bite combines rich chocolate flavor with a light, airy mousse that just melts in your mouth. The heart shape adds a delightful touch, making them perfect for celebrations like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day. I've found that using high-quality chocolate and incorporating fluffy whipped cream into the mousse creates an irresistible texture. Every time I serve them, they steal the spotlight and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Created by

Honoria Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:41:34.593Z

When I first tried making these heart-shaped mini cakes, I was blown away by how elegant they looked and tasted. I used a simple chocolate sponge as a base, which pairs perfectly with the luscious mousse. To ensure the mousse was creamy yet light, I whipped the cream just to soft peaks before folding it in. This technique prevents the mousse from becoming too dense, which is crucial for achieving that dreamy quality.

Another tip I discovered is to let the cakes chill in the fridge for a bit before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but also helps set the mousse, making it easier to slice and present beautifully. Each mini cake presents well, creating an impressive dessert that feels luxurious without requiring extensive baking skills!

        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

      

Perfecting the Chocolate Cake

The base of this Mini Heart Cake is a rich chocolate cake that’s both moist and flavorful. Using high-quality cocoa powder is essential for achieving a deep chocolate flavor. Sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain, which can affect the cake's texture. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth and pourable but not overly thick.

Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cakes after 15 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If you notice the edges of the cake are pulling away from the pan, that's a good visual cue that they're ready. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pan before inverting them; this prevents breakage and ensures a perfect heart shape.

Creating the Light Chocolate Mousse

The chocolate mousse is the star of these Mini Heart Cakes, providing a creamy contrast to the dense cake. It's important to ensure your heavy cream is well-chilled; this helps it whip up into soft peaks easily. If the cream isn't cold enough, it may not aerate properly, resulting in a mousse that is less airy. When folding in the melted chocolate, use a gentle hand to avoid deflating the whipped cream; this maintains the lightness of the mousse.

For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of freshly brewed espresso to the melted chocolate. This enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a more complex taste experience. Keep the mousse chilled before serving; this not only helps it stay firm but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. If you have leftover mousse, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

Assembly and Presentation Tips

When assembling your Mini Heart Cakes, tools like an offset spatula can help create a beautiful finish on top. If you choose to slice the cake horizontally, ensure you use a sharp serrated knife and do it slowly to keep the layers even. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of edible glitter can elevate the presentation for special occasions. Serving these cakes on a contrasting plate can make the heart shape stand out beautifully.

To enhance the experience further, consider pairing these cakes with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The acidity of berries like raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness of the chocolate, providing a balanced taste. If you're preparing for a larger event, scaling the recipe is easy—just increase each ingredient proportionally to yield more heart cakes without altering the original flavor dynamics.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

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

For the Chocolate Mousse:

200g dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini heart-shaped cake pan. In a bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla together. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream gently until fully combined. Refrigerate the mousse for about 15 minutes to let it slightly firm up.

Assemble the Mini Heart Cakes

Once the cakes have cooled, cut them horizontally into two layers if desired. Place one layer on a plate and spoon a generous amount of mousse on top, then place the second layer on top. Spread more mousse over the top of the cake and use a spatula to create peaks. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the mousse. This will complement the chocolate beautifully and elevate the dessert to a new level.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the cake’s texture while accommodating dietary preferences. Additionally, for a healthier version, you can swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, keeping in mind the sweetness level may differ.

For those who prefer a different flavor, you can experiment with flavored chocolate such as milk chocolate or even white chocolate for the mousse. Just be aware that white chocolate mousse will require adjustments in sweetness due to its already sugary nature, potentially reducing the powdered sugar used.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Both the chocolate cake and mousse can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for busy occasions. The chocolate cake can be baked and stored wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days, or in the freezer for a month. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before assembling the cakes.

The mousse can also be prepared a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to develop further. When ready to assemble, ensure to give the mousse a quick stir to restore its fluffy texture before spreading it on the cakes.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive dessert display, serve the Mini Heart Cakes on a tiered cake stand, adorned with fresh flowers or themed decorations. This will draw attention to your delightful creation and add to the celebration's ambiance. Including a side of chocolate sauce or a fruit coulis can enhance the overall presentation and flavor experience.

If you're considering a themed dinner or gathering, pair the cakes with a complementary drink such as a rich red wine or a sparkling rosé. The fruity notes in the wine will enhance the chocolate flavor while making the dessert feel more decadent. These thoughtful touches will ensure your Mini Heart Cakes are both a delicious and memorable centerpiece.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of chocolate for the mousse?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but adjust the sweetness accordingly since milk chocolate is sweeter.

→ How can I store the mini heart cakes?

Store the cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to avoid freezing due to the mousse texture.

→ Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and keep them wrapped tightly at room temperature until ready to assemble.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You may use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, but the texture may vary.