Decadent No-Bake Triple Chocolate Layer Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. This no-bake cake combines three layers of chocolate goodness: a rich chocolate crust, a smooth chocolate mousse filling, and a velvety chocolate ganache topping. It’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion or when you want to impress without turning on the oven!
Here’s the recipe:
Decadent No-Bake Triple Chocolate Layer Cake
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Chocolate Mousse Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
- Cocoa powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Crust
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Crush the cookies: In a food processor or zip-top bag, crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. You should have about 2 cups of crumbs.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down evenly. Place the crust in the fridge to chill while you make the mousse filling.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mousse Filling
- Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this. Set aside.
- Cream the cream cheese: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine the mixture: Slowly add the melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until well combined. Then, fold in the whipped cream until the mousse is light and fluffy.
- Layer the mousse: Pour the mousse mixture on top of the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Return the cake to the fridge to set for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is firm.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Make the ganache: Remove from heat and pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add butter (optional): Stir in the unsalted butter to the ganache for extra shine and richness.
- Cool the ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens to a pourable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the ganache: Once the mousse layer has set, pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the mousse layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the top.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1-2 more hours to allow the ganache to firm up and set completely.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the cake: Before serving, you can garnish with chocolate shavings, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cake from the springform pan, slice, and serve chilled.
Tips:
- For a smoother mousse: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and smooth before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Cookie crust variations: You can substitute chocolate cookies with graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crust.
- Adding flavor: Add a pinch of salt or coffee granules to the ganache for an extra depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This Decadent No-Bake Triple Chocolate Layer Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring three layers of creamy, rich chocolate goodness. The best part? No baking required!
Would you like to try adding a twist, like adding a raspberry layer or adding some other flavoring?