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Cake with mousse filling on a plate with a bite taken out.

White Chocolate Mousse Cake

Amanda
This white chocolate mousse cake filling is a dream! The bottom layer is super moist fluffy vanilla cake topped with the easiest light and airy white chocolate mousse!
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices

Equipment

  • 9X13 metal baking pan metal is best!
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups or kitchen scale
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
 

Cake

  • 1 box (14.5 oz, 400 grams) white cake mix or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup (230 grams) buttermilk see notes
  • ½ cup (100 grams) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract gives bakery style flavor

White Chocolate Mousse

  • 8 oz (227 grams) white chocolate (a bar) High quality white chocolate contains cocoa butter, not vegetable oils, and has a natural ivory or creamy yellow color rather than a bright white appearance.
  • ½ cup (113 grams) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese room temperature, full fat, brick style
  • 1 ½ cups (330 grams) heavy cream cold
  • ½ cup (62 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9X13 metal baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Place the buttermilk, eggs, extracts, and oil in a large bowl. Mix until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Add the cake mix, beat until combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Set aside to cool.

White Chocolate Mousse

  • Chop the white chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the ½ cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate.
  • Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Stir gently until smooth and fully combined. If it is not fully smooth and melted, microwave for 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between until smooth. Set the ganache aside to cool.
  • Using a stand mixer or hand mixer In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the cooled ganache and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat the mixture until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream and powdered sugar. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form (when the cream holds its shape and doesn’t collapse).
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese and ganache mixture. Use a spatula to fold carefully, ensuring you do not deflate the whipped cream. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  • Make sure the cake is cool. Pour the mousse on top of the cake, spreading it out evenly. Cover and refrigerate until cold and set, about 3 hours. Take the cake out of the refrigerator for about 45 minutes before eating so the crumb has time to soften. Serve with fresh berries or raspberry sauce!
  • See storage instructions in notes below.

Notes

*Buttermilk: This is your secret weapon for a super moist cake. It adds moisture and just a touch of tang to balance out the sweetness. I highly recommend using store bought buttermilk, but if you can't find it, you can place 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar in a measuring cup and then fill milk (whole or 2 %) to the 1 cup line.
Use high quality white chocolate: It might cost a little more, but trust me, it’s worth it. Good white chocolate melts better, tastes smoother, and makes all the difference in both the ganache and mousse.
Storage
Refrigerator
This cake is best stored in the refrigerator to keep the mousse fresh and stable. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the texture of the mousse and cake is at its best on the first or second day. Take it out 30 minutes to take the chill out, the crumb is better when it is not so cold.
Freezer
If you need to store the cake longer, it freezes beautifully. Place the cake on a tray and freeze uncovered for about an hour to set the mousse. Once firm, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
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