Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 large eggs, separated; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love crafting desserts that not only taste divine but also look beautiful, and this Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse hits the mark perfectly. The combination of rich chocolate and airy mousse creates a luxurious treat that can be enjoyed on any special occasion—or simply to indulge oneself. The heart shape adds a romantic touch, making it perfect for celebrating love. Join me as I share the secrets to making this delightful mini cake that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-11T23:46:19.315Z

When I first made this Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse, I was surprised by how easy it was to achieve such stunning results. The layering of the mousse gives it an elegant look while keeping the cake light and fluffy. I found that letting the mousse set for just the right amount of time ensures it holds its shape beautifully when plated.

The heart-shaped mold not only makes it visually appealing, but it also adds an element of fun to baking. As a tip, I recommend using high-quality chocolate for the mousse; it truly elevates the flavor and makes the dessert unforgettable.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor paired with airy mousse
Adorable heart shape perfect for any celebration
Simple to make yet impressively elegant

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

The key to a moist and flavorful cake lies in the proper balance of ingredients. Here, the combination of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder provides the cake with a tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the mix, but it also helps with browning, resulting in a beautifully rich color. Additionally, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cake, ensuring that the flavors blend harmoniously.

The chocolate mousse elevates this dessert with its airy texture, making each bite feel indulgent yet light. Semi-sweet chocolate is essential for achieving that balanced, rich flavor without overwhelming sweetness. When whipping egg whites, be careful not to overbeat them; they should hold stiff peaks but still be pliable for folding. This step is crucial as it introduces air into the mousse, resulting in that delightfully light texture that contrasts beautifully with the denser cake.

Assembling for Maximum Impact

When assembling your Mini Heart Cake, make sure the cake layers have completely cooled. If they are warm, the mousse will melt, compromising that delicate structure. Use a serrated knife to carefully cut the cake in half horizontally; this allows for a smooth, even layer of mousse. For a cleaner cut, I recommend using a sawing motion rather than pressing down too heavily, which can cause the cake to crumble.

Piping decorative swirls with the remaining mousse not only enhances the presentation but also allows you to showcase the exquisite chocolate flavor. To create distinct swirls, use a piping bag with a star tip; this will give those elegant finishes that signify a well-crafted dessert. Don’t rush this step; taking your time to pipe neatly can transform a homemade cake into something truly elegant. Chilling the cake after assembling helps to set the mousse, making for easier slicing when it's time to serve.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients for your Mini Heart Cake with Chocolate Mousse, and let’s get started on this delicious creation!

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

With your ingredients ready, let’s create this beautiful dessert!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bring your heart-shaped creation to life!

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan. In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool.

Make the Mousse

Melt chocolate and butter together over low heat. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy. Fold in melted chocolate. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then fold in whipped cream. Chill for at least 15 minutes.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of mousse between the layers and on top of the cake. Use any remaining mousse to pipe decorative swirls on top. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Mini Heart Cake!

Pro Tips

Using quality chocolate can make a significant difference in flavor. Additionally, letting your mousse set longer results in a firmer texture that holds up nicely when served.

Make-Ahead Tips

Making this Mini Heart Cake in advance can save you time and stress on special occasions. You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to maintain moisture. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping to avoid condensation, which can make the cake soggy.

The chocolate mousse can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several hours. However, be mindful that you should always fold in the whipped cream just before serving for optimal texture. If you prepare both components in advance, assemble the cake the same day you plan to serve it for the freshest flavor and best presentation.

Serving Suggestions

To add an extra touch to your Mini Heart Cake, serve it with fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. The tartness of berries complements the rich chocolate beautifully, creating a balanced dessert experience. You could also garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar for a more sophisticated look.

For an interactive element, consider serving individual slices with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This contrast between hot and cold enhances the overall enjoyment of the dessert. Each bite becomes a unique flavor experience, making your Mini Heart Cake not just a treat, but a celebration of flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different shape for the cake?

Yes, you can use any cake pan shape you like, just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ How long can I store the leftover cake?

You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it to keep it fresh.

→ Can I make the mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mousse a day ahead and assemble the cake when ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.