Dreamy Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe for Fall Bliss

Decadent pumpkin chocolate mousse cake combines two irresistible flavors that dance together in delightful harmony.

Autumn’s warmth meets rich chocolate in this showstopping dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Silky smooth textures blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious experience for your taste buds.

Layers of intense chocolate and creamy pumpkin whisper sweet promises of comfort and celebration.

Each forkful brings a symphony of seasonal spices and deep cocoa notes that enchant the senses.

Unexpected yet perfectly balanced, this dessert will become your new signature treat for special gatherings.

You’ll want to savor every dreamy, velvety bite of this incredible cake.

Why Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake Tastes Like Fall in Layers

• Craft Seasonal Comfort: This pumpkin chocolate mousse cake brings together the warmth of fall spices and rich chocolate in a delightful dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn day.
• Master Impressive Layering: Despite looking complex, the recipe breaks down into simple steps that create a stunning multi-layered cake guaranteed to wow family and friends without requiring professional baking skills.
• Quick Weekend Dessert: With just over 3 hours total time (including chilling), this cake is perfect for weekend baking projects, offering a delicious reward for minimal hands-on effort and using common kitchen ingredients.
• Elevate Holiday Gatherings: The elegant combination of pumpkin and chocolate makes this cake a show-stopping dessert for thanksgiving, friendsgiving, or any seasonal celebration where you want to surprise guests with something special.

The Ingredients Behind the Magic

• All-Purpose Flour, Cocoa Powder: Key dry ingredients that provide structure and rich chocolate flavor for the cake base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Oil, Egg: Moisture-rich ingredients that create a soft and tender cake texture.
• Hot Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor and helps create a moist crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.

• Gelatin Powder, Cold Water: Stabilizes and sets the mousse for a smooth, firm texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides authentic pumpkin flavor and creamy base for the mousse.
• Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create classic pumpkin pie flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Creates light and airy texture when whipped.

• Heavy Cream, Chocolate: Classic combination for creating a rich, glossy topping.

Layering This Mousse Cake the Easy Way

Step 1: Bake Chocolate Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything until it looks super smooth. Now, pour in some hot coffee and mix until the batter looks silky and thin. Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done by poking a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean. Let the cake hang out and cool completely right in the pan.

Step 2: Craft Pumpkin Mousse Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Vanilla extract

Warm these ingredients gently, making sure the sugar melts but doesn’t boil. Stir in the gelatin until it disappears. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms beautiful, stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Layer with Love

Once the chocolate cake has cooled completely, spread the pumpkin mousse in an even, luscious layer on top. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Ganache Goodness

Pour heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat until it’s just about to simmer. Take it off the heat and pour over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until it becomes a silky, glossy mixture. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the pumpkin mousse layer.

Step 5: Chill and Celebrate

Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to let the ganache set. When you’re ready, slice into this decadent creation and enjoy every single bite!

Tips for a Fluffy Mousse Finish

• Optimize Cake Moisture: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a tender, evenly mixed chocolate cake base that stays moist and rich.
• Prevent Gelatin Clumping: Bloom gelatin carefully by sprinkling it evenly over cold water, allowing it to absorb liquid completely before heating to create a smooth pumpkin mousse texture.
• Master Whipped Cream Technique: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream whip faster and reach perfect stiff peaks without overbeating.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Replace hot coffee with strong espresso to intensify the chocolate cake's flavor profile and add a subtle complexity to the dessert.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Let chocolate ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve a glossy, perfect drip that sets beautifully without becoming too thick or runny.

How to Chill and Store Pumpkin Mousse Cake

• Preserve your delectable pumpkin chocolate mousse cake with care.
• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Use an airtight container or wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and protect it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for extended periods, as the mousse and ganache are temperature-sensitive and can lose their creamy texture.
• When ready to serve, remove the cake from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before enjoying to allow it to slightly soften and bring out its rich flavors.
• For best quality, consume within 3-4 days of preparation, ensuring each slice remains as mouthwatering as the first.

Treats That Match Pumpkin and Chocolate

• Pair with Spiced Mulled Wine: Complement the cake's warm spices with a robust, mulled wine featuring cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, enhancing the pumpkin and chocolate flavors.
• Match with Bourbon Vanilla Espresso: The rich, smooth bourbon vanilla espresso cuts through the cake's sweetness while mirroring its coffee and chocolate undertones.
• Serve alongside Caramel Pecan Ice Cream: Creamy, nutty caramel pecan ice cream provides a cool contrast to the dense cake, adding textural complexity and deepening the dessert's autumnal profile.
• Combine with Aged Port: A smooth, slightly sweet aged port wine balances the cake's richness, offering a sophisticated drinking experience that echoes the dessert's depth.

Ideas to Tweak This Autumn Dessert

• Autumn Spice Bliss: Replace traditional spices with a warm blend of star anise, cardamom, and allspice for a more complex flavor profile that celebrates seasonal warmth.
• No-Bake Wellness Edition: Swap the chocolate cake base with a nutritious almond and date crust, using Greek yogurt in the mousse for added protein and lighter texture.
• Maple Pecan Dream: Incorporate maple syrup into the pumpkin mousse and sprinkle toasted pecans between layers for a rich, nutty autumn experience.
• Vegan Harvest Celebration: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, swap eggs with flax seeds, and choose dark vegan chocolate for the ganache to create a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on decadence.

Top Questions About This Mousse Cake

• What makes this pumpkin chocolate mousse cake special?

This cake combines the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the warm, spicy notes of pumpkin. The combination of a moist chocolate cake base, silky pumpkin mousse, and decadent chocolate ganache creates a unique and irresistible dessert that perfectly captures autumn flavors.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when prepared in advance. You can make the entire cake up to 2 days before serving and keep it refrigerated. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.

• Is this recipe difficult for a home baker?

Not at all! While it looks impressive, the recipe is quite straightforward. Each step is simple to follow, and the techniques are beginner-friendly. Just take your time and follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll create a stunning dessert.

• What's the secret to getting a smooth pumpkin mousse?

The key is to bloom the gelatin properly and fold the whipped cream gently into the pumpkin mixture. Make sure your pumpkin mixture is at room temperature and use a light hand when folding to maintain the cream’s airiness.

Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky pumpkin chocolate mousse cake delivers autumn’s most luxurious dessert experience. Layers of rich chocolate and smooth pumpkin create an irresistible harmony that beckons you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee

Pumpkin Mousse Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree
• ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mousse and Chocolate Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 4 ounces (115 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft the chocolate foundation by combining dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform blend of flour, cocoa, sugar, leavening agents, and seasoning.
2. Introduce liquid components including buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
3. Incorporate hot coffee, stirring gently to create a thin, lustrous batter that will yield a rich, moist cake base.
4. Transfer the liquid mixture into a prepared circular baking vessel, ensuring even distribution.
5. Roast in a preheated oven until a testing implement emerges pristine when inserted into the cake’s center.
6. Allow the chocolate base to cool completely within its original pan, facilitating easy removal and stability.
7. Prepare the pumpkin mousse by hydrating gelatin with cold water, permitting it to bloom and develop its thickening properties.
8. Gently warm pumpkin puree with aromatic spices and brown sugar, creating a fragrant infusion that will elevate the mousse’s flavor profile.
9. Dissolve the gelatin into the warm pumpkin mixture, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous texture.
10. Whip heavy cream to stiff, billowing peaks that will provide lightness and structure to the mousse.
11. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the spiced pumpkin base, maintaining the airiness of the mixture.
12. Spread the pumpkin mousse evenly across the cooled chocolate foundation, creating a harmonious layered effect.
13. Chill the assembled dessert to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.
14. Craft the chocolate ganache by warming cream until it reaches a gentle simmer.
15. Pour the heated cream over finely chopped chocolate, allowing it to rest briefly before creating a glossy, smooth sauce.
16. Cascade the ganache over the chilled pumpkin mousse layer, ensuring complete and elegant coverage.
17. Return the cake to the refrigerator, permitting the ganache to solidify and the dessert to reach optimal serving temperature.
18. Slice and present this decadent fusion of chocolate and pumpkin flavors.

Notes

• Swap coffee with hot water or decaf if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor or want to reduce caffeine.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of the cake base, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Consider using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains a similar creamy texture in the mousse.
• Choose high-quality cocoa powder and pure pumpkin puree to elevate the overall taste and richness of the dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 327
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg