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From the very first bite, this chocolate amaretto-espresso mousse cake is a taste sensation! You will be delighted as you dip your spoon into the top layer of the decadent, chocolate espresso mousse.
Move on down to the next layer and experience the flavor of this rich, fluffy amaretto mousse. The base layer is a moist fudgy, gooey, chocolate brownie loaded with crunchy cocoa nibs. Oh, yes, please!
Our grandson Josh, married his best friend Sara this last weekend. Dahn and I made individual mousse tower desserts to serve at the rehearsal dinner. This chocolate amaretto-espresso mousse cake is a larger version of the mini-tower desserts served at the wedding rehearsal dinner for Joshua and Sara.
We baked the brownie base in a nine-inch springform pan. When the brownie cooled, we lined the pan ring with a parchment paper collar. The collar is extended above the rim of the pan ring to provide height and stability for the two additional mousse layers.
Although the instructions listed in the recipe card look daunting, this is not a complicated dessert. You can easily construct it by stages in advance and frozen.
This mousse cake is rich, decadent and a thin slice is very satisfying. You also have the option of creating the individual mini-towers that Dahn and I served at the rehearsal dinner.
Our grandson, Joshua, and his new bride, Sara, had a beautiful wedding on July 30, 2016. Dahn and I were honored to prepare the dessert for the catered rehearsal dinner.
This Chocolate Amaretto Espresso Mousse Cake May Also be made as Mini-Mousse Towers:
We chose to serve chocolate amaretto-espresso mini-mousse towers and together we made 55 of these babies. The chocolate amaretto-espresso mousse cake is a larger version of the mini-tower desserts served at the dinner.
Yes, that does sound overwhelming, doesn’t it! But… this was a fun mother-daughter project and it was prepared in stages which prolonged our ‘fun’ time. The bottom layer was from our recipe of einkorn brownies with cocoa nibs. The brownies were baked and prepared an entire month in advance.
After the brownies were baked and cooled we used a cookie cutter to cut the seven, eight-inch square brownie sheets into two-and-one-half inch circles.
After they were cut they were frozen, vacuum-sealed and placed back into the freezer until we were ready to make the two additional layers of mousse.
One week before the wedding Dahn and I spent an entire day preparing and assembling the additional two layers of mousse. We used our recipe for chocolate amaretto mousse as one layer and altered the recipe using milk chocolate and espresso instant coffee for the top layer. Since milk chocolate makes a thinner mousse we added a little gelatin to give it stability.
Finishing the Chocolate Amaretto-Espresso Mousse Cake Mini-Towers:
Each brownie round was wrapped with a three-inch clear acetate collar, and assembled with the brownie as the base bottom layer, then the amaretto mousse layer, and the espresso mousse as the top layer.
They were then finished off with the chocolate curls. The acetate cake collars can be purchased on Amazon or you can make your own from parchment paper as directed in our recipe.
It was nearly a three-hour drive from our house to the venue site. We needed to transport the mousse tower desserts frozen and in coolers two days before the rehearsal dinner.
We were fortunate to have enough freezer space at the venue for all the desserts. The clear acetate collar was left on the desserts which protected it during travel time. The collar was removed while they were still frozen just before serving. After removing the collar and a two-hour refrigerator-thaw they were served and consumed with delight.
The Wedding:
The wedding venue was held on Saturday at Ashe & Alder, which is located in a valley surrounded by the Cascades and with the White Horse Mountain as a backdrop. Owners, Sean and Cecillia are very organized and have a beautiful venue. The wedding was an evening event attended with more than 200 guests. Lights were strung up in the trees and around the dance floor which provided a lovely ambiance.
This was the first non-traditional wedding that I have ever attended. More than 200 guests attended the event and it was catered by Nosh, a Seattle-based food truck. They served an impressive, savory fried rabbit, a hefty, delicious meatloaf sandwich and the best fish and chips that I have ever tasted!
Josh and Sara had seven bridesmaids, seven groomsmen, the cutest curly red-haired toddler named Kinsley, as flower girl and our five-year-old grandson, Sheamus as ring bearer. Even their two furry pooches, Riquour and Turbo, were walked down the aisle by Joshua’s dear cousin, Maddie and good friend Russel to witness this event.
It was so special that Joshua chose to escort each set of parents and grandparents down the aisle to their seats. Sara looked beautiful in her dress and was escorted down the aisle by her mother and father; one parent on each side of her and they both handed Sara off to Joshua.
Sara’s brother, Evan played his saxophone during the procession, then he officiated the vows and pronounced them husband and wife!
Next…..it was Party-Time! 🙂
More Chilled or Frozen Desserts
- Chocolate Caramel Swirl Cheesecake
- Roasted Figs in Goat Cheese Custard
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart
- Peaches and Cream Tart
- 31 Cool Summer Dessert Ideas
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Chocolate Amaretto-Espresso Mousse Cake
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Equipment
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base Layer:
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1½ sticks butter, 12 tablespoons
- 1½ cup coconut sugar, 300g
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee espresso powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 4 eggs, whisked well
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa nibs, 60 grams
For the Amaretto Mousse Layer:
- 10 oz. bitter sweet or semi-sweet chocolate
- 5 extra-large egg yolks
- ¼ cup Amaretto liqueur
- 3 extra-large egg whites, room temperature
- ½ cup sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1-1/4 cups well chilled heavy cream
To Make the Espresso Mousse:
- 10 oz. milk chocolate
- 5 extra-large egg yolks
- 1 packet unflavored Knox gelatine
- 2 tablespoons espresso powdered coffee
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 extra-large egg whites, room temperature
- ½ cup sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1-1/4 cups well chilled heavy cream
Garnishment
- Chocolate curls, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F Fit a piece of parchment paper to the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan that has 3-inch sides. Spray the with cooking oil.
To Make the Brownie Base Layer:
- In a large saucepan set over low heat, add the chocolate and butter, stirring constantly until they are melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the sugar, instant espresso powder and salt, stir until well combined. Let cool slightly, then gradually stir in the beaten eggs and the vanilla extract. Add the flour and stir until blended. Fold the cocoa nibs into the batter and pour into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the brownies in the center of the oven for 30-32 minutes, it should still be a little jiggly in the center but will firm up as it cools. Transfer to a cooling rack. Once cool, loosen the edges with a sharp knife.
To Make the Paper Cake Collar:
- Measure around the pan and cut a piece of parchment paper the length, plus a couple inches to overlap. Fold the parchment paper to a double thickness that is 5-inches wide.
- Clean the pan ring and wipe it dry, spray the inside of the ring with cooking oil and place it on the serving plate, fitting it around the brownie layer with the paper collar between the pan side and the brownie, flush with the serving plate. Snap the ring latch closed. The brownie layer will serve as the bottom of the cake and you will not need the metal pan bottom. Set aside while preparing the amaretto mousse.
For the Amaretto Mousse Layer:
- Chop the chocolate into pieces and add to the top of a double boiler which is set over barely simmering water and allow to melt undisturbed.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl beat the egg yolks until they are thick and pale, beat in the amaretto. Add the melted chocolate by spoonfuls, beating until the mixture is combined well.
- *Optional: For a very smooth textured mousse, pass the chocolate mixture through a fine mesh sieve, scraping the outside of the sieve, then proceed with the egg whites and whipped cream.
- In another bowl beat the egg whites until they just hold soft peaks, beat in ¼ cup of the sugar a little at a time and continue to beat the meringue until it holds stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla. Stir one-third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture and fold in the remaining meringue.
- In a chilled bowl beat 1-1/4 cups of the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks, beat in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, gently incorporating it completely.
- Pour the mousse into the prepared springform pan, directly on top of the brownie layer, smoothing the top. Drape a sheet of plastic wrap lightly over the cake and refrigerate until until firm. About 2 hours.
To Make the Espresso Mousse:
- Chop the chocolate into pieces and add to the top of a double boiler which is set over barely simmering water and allow to melt undisturbed.
- While the chocolate is melting, sprinkle the gelatin into 1/4 cup of cold water and set aside for 1 minute to bloom.
- In a small saucepan bring the 1/2 cup of water to a boil, remove the pan from the heat and add the espresso powder, stirring to dissolve. Add the softened gelatin, stir to combine with the espresso and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl beat the egg yolks until they are thick and pale, beat in the cooled espresso mixture. Add the melted chocolate by spoonfuls, beating until the mixture is combined well.
- Optional: For a very smooth textured mousse, pass the chocolate mixture through a fine mesh sieve, scraping the outside of the sieve, then proceed with the egg whites and whip cream.I
- n another bowl beat the egg whites until they just hold soft peaks, beat in ¼ cup of the sugar a little at a time and continue to beat the meringue until it holds stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla. Stir one-third of the meringue into the chocolate mixture and fold in the remaining meringue.
- In a chilled bowl beat 1-1/4 cups of the heavy cream until it holds soft peaks, beat in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, gently incorporating it completely.
- Remove the pan with the brownie and the amaretto mousse layer from the refrigerator, discarding the plastic wrap drape.
- Pour the espresso mousse into the prepared pan on top of the firm amaretto mousse layer. There should still be about an inch of the collar extended. Smooth the top, drape a sheet of plastic wrap lightly over the cake, not touching the mousse, and refrigerate until set, then transfer to the freezer to firm up, at least 2 hours. The collar will remove more cleanly if the cake is very cold.
- Transfer the mousse cake from the freezer and release the metal ring. Carefully, peel the parchment paper collar from the side of the mousse. If the mousse seems to be sticking to the collar return it to the freezer for a little longer. You will not need to reposition the metal pan ring.
- Once the collar has been removed, garnish with chocolate curls and place the layered mousse cake into the refrigerator until serving time. Alternatively, the cake may be frozen for up to one week, remove from the freezer and refrigerate for 2 hours or more, to thaw completely. Garnish with chocolate curls and serve.T
- To slice the cake with clean cuts, dip the knife into hot water and wipe clean after each slice.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
I tried this recipe 2X. First time did not use recommended ingredients second time used recommended ingredients… raw eggs and all and it was WONDERFUL!!!! Would love to add picture.
Thanks
We would love to see your photo! Can you send it to [email protected]? I will be able to add it to the post. Thanks
Is it safe to eat raw eggs? Can they be heated ad still make a successful mousse?
There is always a risk involved when eating raw eggs. You can use pasteurized eggs to reduce any risk but if you are pregnant, have health issues, or have a weakened immune system you should avoid it altogether. Unfortunately, this recipe relies on raw eggs to achieve the ultra-rich texture of the mousse. Cooking the egg yolk will not give you the same result. Our chocolate filling makes a rich, creamy chocolate mousse that does not use raw eggs if you want to try that recipe.
Hi Pat,
Can you use semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the Espresso mousse?
Hi, Brook…thank you for this question. Yes, you could use semi-sweet chocolate instead of the milk chocolate but the appearance will not be the same with the distinctive lighter layer that milk chocolate provides. Also, you will not need to use the packet of gelatine and water because the semi-sweet chocolate has enough cocoa solids to set without it. Milk chocolate has 10% to 15% cocoa solids compared to 35% of semi-sweet chocolate.
Hi Pat
I tried this recipe for our Christmas dinner desert and although I have made mouse before – my amaretto layer would not harden.
It had great taste and flavor but the rest of it fell apart. I went over the Amaretto recipe a couple of times but I still can not see what went wrong.
Is that layer supposed to be softer than the expresso layer – let me if you have any thoughts on this.
As I want to do it again – and get it right.
The Amaretto layer needs a minimum of 60% cocoa butter in the chocolate for it to set correctly. Thanks for your question, I updated the notes in the recipe card and provided some links for the chocolate.
Can I do instead of amaretto mouse a dark chocolate mouse ? Does the gelatin quantity change ?
Yes Morgan you can use dark chocolate in the amaretto layer. That layer has semi-sweet chocolate and does not need any gelatin to hold it. The layer with milk chocolate will need some gelatin but not the darker chocolate layer. Thanks for your question
Hi, I wanna make this cake but i live in a very humid and hot olace will the cake hold if It is going to be display outside?
Hi, Carolina…You are going to love this cake! It is sensitive to heat though. You can safely keep it out of the fridge (in the shade) for up to 1.5 hours. The longer you can keep it refrigerated the better. Enjoy and thanks for your questions.
Hi, pat, my name is Jade, and I just had a quick question about this recipe, I don’t know if you do this but can you make a video of you baking this cake, of course, in a time schedule that’s most convenient for you?
Sincerely,
Jade
Hi, Jade…thanks for your comment on the Chocolate Amaretto-Espresso Mousse. We have added this recipe to our ‘to do’ list and hope to
have time during the busy holiday season to do the video. I will give you a heads-up as we progress. 🙂
Please answer me!my bd is next week and I want to make a chocolate cake but want the mousse as a filling. If I use some more gelatine, Will themousse holding a layer of sponge cake on top of it?
Hi, Linda….I have recently made more of the towers shown in the post and I used our Intense Chocolate Cake recipe for the bottom layer and both flavors for the top layers. It was wonderful. A sponge cake is firm and should hold up very well with a filling of this mousse just the way the mousse is in the recipe. Only the top layer of the mousse cake has the gelatin in it and that is because that layer is made with milk chocolate makes a soft mousse; the gelatin adds stability. If you add more gelatin than the recipe calls for it may be too much like a jello consistency. The chocolate-amaretto mousse layer uses bitter sweet chocolate and makes a very firm mousse without adding any gelatin. Happy birthday to you, Linda! Please let me know if you have more questions and I would love to hear how your cake turns out 🙂
Hi Pat,
I made your cake for my birthday but I must not have made it correctly. There seems to be a lot of mousse and even though I used a 9 inch springform pan, it was still pretty high. Also the mousse was a bit soft. Would have liked it to be a bit firmer like in your photo. I used the same amount of gelatine (1 packet) as what was in the recipe but I started to worry when after several hours, it was still soft. But overnight, it firmed up a bit but still not enough. When I cut into it, it is soft and you can see it bulge out the side a bit from the weight of it all.
Delicious though.
Happy Birthday, Foom! I am so sorry that this recipe did not work out for you. Yes, you are right, this does make a lot of mousse for a 9-inch springform pan. I do recommend you make the paper collar in order to get all the mousse to fit in the pan and give the tall, elegant effect. You could of course simply put less mousse in the pan but you wont have the same height as the photo. I have made this recipe several times in the past and the only fail I ever had was when the gelatin was omitted in the espresso layer. The milk chocolate has less cocoa solids so it needs the gelatin in this recipe to give more structure to the mousse layer. There are a few things that can go wrong when working with gelatin. First the gelatin needs to hydrate or bloom completely, if it was dumped in a pile on top of the cold water and the center of the clump does not absorb the water then that would effect the final outcome. The blooming or hydrating step needs to be done with cold water. If hot water is used in this first step then the outside granules will swell quickly and prevent the inside granules from absorbing water. In the second step, once the gelatin is mixed with the hot liquid, it is important to ensure that it completely dissolves. If the water is too cold in this step then the gelatin will not dissolve completely.
I wish I could pin-point exactly what didn’t work for you but my best guess is that it was one of these two steps with the gelatin. Thank you for your comment, I will add these notes to the bottom of the recipe card in order to help other readers.
oh man.. this looks SPECTACULAR!!! This is my kind of dessert– espresso and chocolate are born to be together!
Oh, Sarah, you can only imagine how delicious this is. It’s a fun dessert project for a big party! 🙂