Description
Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake is a decadent yet light dessert featuring a creamy cheesecake base topped with airy chocolate mousse. This elegant treat combines rich chocolate flavors with smooth textures, making it perfect for special occasions or a delightful everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Mousse
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 tsp gelatin (optional, for stability)
- 1 tbsp cold water (if using gelatin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Crush graham crackers finely and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes. Let cool completely before adding fillings.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour over cooled crust and bake until edges are set but center slightly jiggles, about 35-40 minutes. Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Chocolate Mousse: Melt semi-sweet and dark chocolate gently over a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. If using gelatin, bloom it in cold water for 5 minutes, warm gently to dissolve, then fold into the melted chocolate carefully. Fold whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture until light and airy.
- Assemble the Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake: Spoon or pipe the chilled cheesecake layer evenly with chocolate mousse. Smooth top with spatula. Chill cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow mousse to set firmly.
- Final Touches: Remove springform pan carefully before serving. Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder for added elegance and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use high-quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa for best flavor.
- Fold whipped cream gently into chocolate to keep mousse light.
- Avoid overbaking cheesecake to maintain creamy texture.
- Proper chilling time ensures firm layers and clean slices.
- Use gluten-free graham crackers or nut crust for gluten-free version.
- Use agar-agar as a gelatin substitute for vegetarian diets.
- Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark chocolate but adjust sugar accordingly.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: chocolate mousse cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, chocolate mousse, layered dessert, gluten-free dessert, elegant dessert