Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake

This Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake is rich, decadent and perfect for any celebration! With a brownie-like cake layer and cream-cheese-based chocolate mousse, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. 

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to share this all-time favorite recipe! I make the Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake for my husband’s birthday (and some of my kid’s birthdays now!) every year. It’s his absolute favorite dessert and nobody can ever tell it’s gluten-free.

This cake probably isn’t the most traditional chocolate mousse cake, but it sure is delicious. The bottom layer is chewy and rich, like a cross between a brownie and flourless chocolate cake.

The mousse in the middle is actually a cream-cheese based layer that is whipped to perfection with heavy cream and melted chocolate. The whole cake is covered in whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Dessert heaven? I think so!

You also might like this flourless chocolate torte or these gluten-free chocolate cupcakes. Check out this full collection of gluten-free cake recipes.

This cake isn’t hard to make, but it does take a little planning so be sure to leave enough time for the layers to properly cool/set.

Note: Make this cake at least 8 hours before you plan on serving it so it has time to set. It can also easily be made a day in advance.

How to Make the Cake Layer

To make this cake, start by baking the brownie/cake layer.

1. First you’ll melt the butter/chocolate together and stir until smooth.
2. Then add the sugar and whisk to combine, followed by the eggs.
3. Add the flour/salt and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour into a greased springform pan.

Be sure the cake is fully cool before topping it with the mousse.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

This mousse is secretly really simple to make! My family absolutely loves the cream cheese flavor too.

1. Start by melting the chocolate. You can do this in the microwave on 50% power or on low heat on the stove.
2. Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar and melted chocolate to a stand mixer and mix until smooth.
3. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour in the heavy cream.
4. Scrape down the bottom/sides of the bowl, then whip on medium/high speed until light and fluffy.
5. Spread over the cooled cake layer.
6. Refrigerate until set, about 6 hours.

Tip: Be sure to use “heavy cream” because it contains a milk fat percentage of 35% (or higher). Many brands of heavy whipping cream only have 30-35% milk fat, whereas heavy cream has 35% or higher. This mousse needs the extra milk fat to be sure it turns out thick and creamy. I prefer Darigold heavy cream (40% milk fat). Not all brands or cartons label the milk fat percentage, so to be safe, look for a brand that has 35% (or higher) written on the carton. 

If you like this recipe you’ll love this gluten-free peanut butter pie. It has a gluten-free oreo pie crust and a very similar peanut butter mousse! For another special gluten-free treat try these gluten-free red velvet cupcakes.

Once the cake is set it’s time to top it with a layer of whipped cream. I like to add simple chocolate shavings that I make with a bar of chocolate and a vegetable peeler for decoration.

I look forward to making this cake for birthdays every year. It’s always a show-stopper and a crowd-pleaser!

More Amazing Gluten-Free Desserts:

Gluten-Free Cheesecake – My Mom’s delicious recipe for vanilla bean cheesecake with a walnut crust.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake – Hands down the best gluten-free carrot cake around! Topped with a blanket of fluffy cream cheese frosting.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake –  An easy sheet cake you’ll that’s fluffy and moist with a secret ingredient in the frosting.

Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake – Delicious on it’s own or as a base for your favorite dessert.

I hope you love this gluten-free chocolate mousse cake as much as we do! Please leave me a comment/rating below to let me know how it turns out for you.