3 Layer Fudge Cake With White Chocolate Mousse Filling Recipe

Indulge in this decadent 3-layer fudge cake, perfect for Christmas! This show-stopping dessert features a rich chocolate fudge cake layered with creamy white chocolate peppermint mousse and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache. Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe delivers a festive flavor combination that will become your family's new holiday tradition. While it requires some time and patience, the result is a breathtaking cake that's worth every minute. Get ready for compliments galore!

Prep Time 275 mins
Cook Time 145 mins
Calories 963 kcal
Protein 26g
Rating 3.3 (3 Reviews)
3 Layer Fudge Cake With White Chocolate Mousse Filling

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for 3 Layer Fudge Cake With White Chocolate Mousse Filling

  • All Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1⅔ cups boiling water
  • Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped
  • Whipping Cream
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • Peppermint Candies
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

How to Make 3 Layer Fudge Cake With White Chocolate Mousse Filling

  1. **Make the Fudge Cake:**
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. Grease and flour three 9-inch diameter cake pans (1-inch high sides).
  4. Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and ¾ teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1⅔ cups boiling water until smooth. Let cool to room temperature, whisking occasionally.
  6. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 2 cups granulated sugar, then 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  7. Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time.
  8. At low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients (in 3 additions) and the cooled cocoa mixture (in 2 additions) to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  9. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
  12. **Make the Peppermint Mousse:**
  13. In a heavy saucepan, combine 12 ounces white chocolate, chopped, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup sour cream.
  14. Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted and smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to lukewarm, whisking occasionally (about 20 minutes).
  15. Stir in ½ cup crushed peppermint candies.
  16. In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into the cooled white chocolate mixture in 4 additions.
  17. Chill mousse until it begins to set (about 2 hours).
  18. **Assemble the Cake:**
  19. Place one cake layer on a cardboard round or cake plate.
  20. Spread half of the mousse over the cake layer.
  21. Top with the second cake layer, the remaining mousse, and the final cake layer.
  22. Chill for at least 3 hours, or until the mousse is completely set.
  23. **Make the Chocolate Ganache:**
  24. Heat 1 cup heavy cream in a heavy saucepan until it simmers.
  25. Remove from heat and add 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped.
  26. Whisk until smooth and melted.
  27. Let the ganache cool until it thickens (about 45 minutes).
  28. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, spreading evenly with a metal spatula.
  29. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

14 g

Sugar

192g

Fat

227g

Carbs

27g