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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 2 eggs, separated; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making these Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse for special occasions. The combination of the delicate heart-shaped cake and the rich chocolate mousse creates a delightful treat that feels both elegant and indulgent. Every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dessert for romantic dinners or Valentine’s Day. I take pride in crafting these little masterpieces, and I know they will impress anyone who gets to enjoy them. Let's dive into this exquisite recipe!

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:53:34.489Z

When I first decided to create Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse, I wanted to experiment with flavors and presentation. The heart shape adds a touch of romance, making it an instant hit for gatherings. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the fluffy mousse complemented the soft cake, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and richness.

One of my favorite tips for making these cakes is to chill the mousse thoroughly before filling the cakes. This ensures a smooth and stable texture, making assembly a breeze. Plus, a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top elevates the visual appeal and adds an extra touch of chocolate goodness!

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

Mastering the Heart-Shaped Cake

To achieve the perfect heart shape, it’s crucial to prepare your cake pans correctly. Greasing and flouring them prevents sticking, ensuring a beautiful release of the cake after baking. If you notice the cakes are domed at the top after baking, simply level them off with a serrated knife for a more stable and elegant layering.

Another important step is the mixing method. When adding the eggs, ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation. It helps create a batter that traps air, leading to a fluffier cake. Be cautious not to overmix when alternating flour and milk; otherwise, the cake might become dense instead of light and airy.

Creating Luxurious Chocolate Mousse

The key to a rich chocolate mousse lies in the quality of chocolate you choose. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content to impart deep flavor and smooth texture. When melting the chocolate, ensure the bowl does not touch the water to prevent overheating, which can cause the chocolate to seize. Allow it to cool slightly before combining with the cream and egg mixture to preserve its silky consistency.

Whipping the cream is another critical step. Whip it until soft peaks form, ensuring it can be easily folded into the chocolate mixture without deflating the air. Avoid overwhipping, as this can result in a grainy texture. A gentle hand is essential when folding in the whipped cream and egg whites to maintain volume and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four heart-shaped cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla. Divide batter evenly among the pans and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick, then mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla. Gently fold in the whipped cream. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the chocolate mixture.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one heart layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate mousse on top. Add the second heart layer and repeat. Continue layering until all heart shapes are stacked. Decorate with remaining mousse and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful treat!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your mini heart cakes, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit sauce for a bright contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can also enhance the richness of the chocolate mousse, creating a beautifully balanced dessert experience.

To further elevate the presentation, you might dust the top with cocoa powder or finely grated chocolate just before serving. A sprig of mint can add a pop of color and freshness that complements the indulgent flavors perfectly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These mini heart cakes can be made in advance, making them ideal for special occasions. After assembling the cake with layers of chocolate mousse, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert.

If you want to make components ahead of time, both the cake and mousse can be prepared separately. Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, while the mousse can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just remember to re-whip the mousse lightly if it has thickened too much before using it to assemble the cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

→ What chocolate should I use for the mousse?

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

→ Can I replace the eggs in the mousse?

You can use aquafaba as an egg substitute for a vegan mousse, but the texture may vary.

→ How long will the mousse last in the fridge?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.