Anniversary cake with chocolate cream, raspberry mousse, and chocolate ribbon

Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Birthday Cake – A Celebration in Every Slice

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 12

Have you ever wondered how to turn an ordinary day into a true celebration? The answer is simple: with a delicious cake! This raspberry and chocolate mousse cake recipe is not only a culinary masterpiece but also a symbol of love and care for your loved ones. Inspired by sweet traditions, this cake combines delicate textures and intense flavors, making it perfect for any birthday or special occasion.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 2 packets of baking powder
- Juice of one lemon

For the raspberry mousse:
- 400 g fresh or frozen raspberries
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of 20% sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 10 g gelatin

For the chocolate cream:
- 180 g caramel chocolate
- 100 g chocolate with 40% cocoa
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 10 g gelatin
- 100 g roasted, chopped hazelnuts or walnuts

For the cake frosting:
- 200 g chocolate with 40% cocoa
- 200 g Nutella
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 250 g mascarpone

For the chocolate band:
- 150 g chocolate with 40% cocoa
- 70 g butter
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Parchment paper

For decoration:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate sticks
- Raffaello candies

Preparation

Step 1: Making the sponge

1. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer on high speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm, glossy meringue.

2. Incorporate the yolks: Add the egg yolks and the baking powder mixed with lemon juice, and gently fold.

3. Add dry ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder over the egg mixture and fold in with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the meringue.

4. Bake the sponge: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (preferably 27 cm in diameter). Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes. Do not open the oven in the first 25-30 minutes! You can check if the sponge is done by gently pressing it with your finger; if it springs back, it's ready.

5. Cool the sponge: After baking, remove the sponge and let it cool on a rack. Ideally, leave it until the next day.

Step 2: Making the raspberry mousse

1. Puree the raspberries: Use a blender to puree the raspberries. You can choose to strain it through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, but if you like them, you can skip this step.

2. Hydrate the gelatin: Soak the gelatin in 2 tablespoons of cold water.

3. Prepare the raspberry cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until frothy. Add the sour cream and honey. In a small saucepan, mix the raspberry puree with the sugar and gently heat without boiling. Add the hydrated gelatin and stir until it melts. Let it cool.

4. Fold in the whipped cream: Once the raspberry puree has cooled, mix it with 2-3 tablespoons of whipped cream to loosen it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

5. Chill the mousse: Place the mousse in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.

Step 3: Making the chocolate cream

1. Melt the chocolate: In a bowl over a double boiler, combine the caramel chocolate, 40% cocoa chocolate, cocoa powder, and 200 ml of heavy cream. Stir until everything melts.

2. Add the gelatin: Remove the bowl from heat and add the hydrated gelatin (which has been soaked in cold water and then melted). Mix well and let it cool.

3. Incorporate the nuts: Add the chopped roasted hazelnuts or walnuts, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

Step 4: Making the cake frosting

1. Melt the chocolate: In another bowl over a double boiler, combine the chocolate, Nutella, and heavy cream. Stir until melted.

2. Add the mascarpone: Let the mixture cool, then add the whipped mascarpone. Mix well and refrigerate.

Step 5: Chocolate band

1. Prepare the band: Cut a strip of parchment paper with a length equal to the diameter of the cake and a width 1 cm more than the height of the cake.

2. Melt the chocolate: Melt the chocolate with the butter over a double boiler. Once melted, add the oil. Let it cool, but not completely.

3. Apply to the paper: Using a syringe or a plastic bag (with a corner cut off), draw a pattern on the parchment paper. Let it set until firm enough to move without dripping.

Step 6: Assembling the cake

1. Cut the sponge: Cut the sponge into three equal parts.

2. Layering: Place the first sponge layer on a serving platter and surround it with the ring of a removable cake pan. Add the chocolate cream, followed by the second sponge layer. Then, add the raspberry mousse and place the third sponge layer on top.

3. Chill: Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

4. Finishing: Remove the cake from the refrigerator, take off the removable ring, and cover it with the chocolate cream. Apply the chocolate band around the sides and decorate with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and candies.

Practical tip

To avoid cracking the sponge, it is essential not to open the oven in the first 25-30 minutes. The finger test is a simple yet effective trick – if the sponge springs back to its original shape, it is baked!

Possible variations

- You can replace raspberries with other berries, such as blackberries or strawberries, for a different flavor.
- Instead of hazelnuts, you can use pecans or pistachios for an exotic taste.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate will add a sweeter taste, but the texture will be different.

2. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond or rice flour.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

This raspberry and chocolate mousse birthday cake is not just a simple recipe; it is an experience that brings joy and smiles. With every slice, you will savor the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Share it with your loved ones and turn every celebration into a memorable moment! Enjoy!