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 sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Whipped cream; Fresh berries; Chocolate shavings

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse! The first time I tried this decadent dessert was for Valentine's Day, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, with the creamy chocolate mousse perfectly balancing the light and airy cake. I love how these mini cakes can be tailored for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner or a joyous celebration. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:28:16.871Z

When I first attempted making Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse, I was amazed at how easy it was to create such an indulgent dessert. The richness of the chocolate mousse paired beautifully with the soft sponge, and the heart shape added a delightful touch. I learned that incorporating a bit of espresso powder into the chocolate enhances the flavor remarkably, so don’t skip that step!

After several trials, I discovered that using room temperature eggs resulted in a fluffier cake. It’s also crucial to allow the mousse to chill, as this makes it easier to pipe on top of the cakes. Making these little indulgences has fast turned into an enjoyable routine, and they're now a staple on special occasions.

        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

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar in the cake provides the foundation for a rich yet tender texture. The cocoa powder not only contributes to the chocolate flavor but also adds moisture, essential for keeping the mini hearts from becoming too dry. For a twist, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, which gives a delicious nutty flavor and a slightly denser crumb that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Don't underestimate the role of the egg in this recipe; it acts as a binder, helping the cake rise while maintaining its moist structure. If you're looking for an egg substitute, try using a flaxseed meal. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and use this mixture in place of the egg to achieve similar results.

Perfecting the Mousse

When melting the dark chocolate for the mousse, avoid direct heat to prevent seizing. Using a double boiler is ideal because it allows the chocolate to melt slowly and evenly. Stir it continuously until glossy and fully melted; this should take about 5-7 minutes. If the chocolate becomes clumpy, remove it from the heat and stir in a little bit of the cream to bring it back together before folding it into the whipped cream.

Whipping the cream correctly is crucial to achieving that light and airy mouthfeel in the mousse. Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled for optimal results. Whisk the cream at medium speed until stiff peaks form, which usually takes around 4-5 minutes. If overwhipped, the mousse can become grainy; therefore, be cautious and stop just when it holds its shape.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse:

For the Cake:

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

For the Chocolate Mousse:

6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

Whipped cream
Fresh berries
Chocolate shavings

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Mini Heart Cakes:

Prepare the Cake Batter:

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures until smooth.

Bake the Cakes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into heart-shaped cake molds and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool.

Make the Chocolate Mousse:

Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler. In a separate bowl, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate, being careful to maintain the fluffy texture.

Assemble the Cakes:

Once the cakes have cooled, carefully remove them from the molds. Pipe or spread the chocolate mousse generously on top of each heart cake.

Garnish and Serve:

Top the mousse with whipped cream, fresh berries, and chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy your mini heart cakes!

Enjoy your delightful Mini Heart Cakes with Chocolate Mousse!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, consider drizzling a bit of caramel sauce on top before serving. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate and adds extra sweetness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These mini heart cakes can be baked a day in advance. After cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. They can sit at room temperature or be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the mousse and garnishes until you’re ready to serve to maintain the texture and freshness of the toppings.

The chocolate mousse also keeps well in the refrigerator. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you plan to make the mousse ahead of time, whisk it gently to reintroduce air just before serving to revive its lovely fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation, consider adding a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache over the plated cakes just before serving. This addition not only looks stunning but also enhances the chocolate flavor. Using a piping bag to create decorative swirls of whipped cream can also add a touch of elegance without much effort.

For a playful twist, try layering the cake and mousse in individual cups for a deconstructed version. You can alternate layers of crumbled cake and chocolate mousse, topped with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and flavor. This is also an excellent option for serving at parties, ensuring each guest gets their own individual dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate for the mousse?

Absolutely! You can use milk or white chocolate, but remember that they will alter the flavor and sweetness of the mousse.

→ How long can I store the cakes?

These cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and prepare the mousse the following day for quick assembly.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter mousse, you can use whipped coconut cream, but it will have a different flavor profile.