Ferrero Rocher Inspired Chocolate Mousse Cake
A decadent dessert with layers of chocolate sponge, hazelnut mousse, crunchy praline, and glossy ganache — finished with golden truffles for a show-stopping effect.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Sponge (Base & Top Layers)
120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
40 g (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
150 g (¾ cup) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
120 ml (½ cup) buttermilk
60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
120 ml (½ cup) hot coffee
1 tsp vanilla
For the Hazelnut Mousse
250 g (1 cup) mascarpone or cream cheese
250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
80 g (⅓ cup) Nutella or hazelnut spread
2 tbsp sugar (optional, to taste)
6 g (2 tsp) gelatin + 2 tbsp cold water
For the Crunchy Praline Layer
100 g (1 cup) crushed wafers or feuilletine
80 g (½ cup) roasted hazelnuts, chopped
100 g (⅔ cup) melted milk chocolate
For the Chocolate Ganache Drip
200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate
200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream
For Decoration
Ferrero Rocher chocolates (or homemade hazelnut truffles)
Edible gold dust or gold foil (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Sponge:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch pans.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry, then add hot coffee for a smooth batter.
Bake 20–25 minutes, cool completely.
- Prepare the Praline Layer
Mix crushed wafers, chopped hazelnuts, and melted chocolate.
Spread onto a baking sheet, let it set, then break into chunks.
- Hazelnut Mousse
Bloom gelatin in cold water, then melt gently.
Whip cream until soft peaks.
Beat mascarpone with Nutella until smooth.
Fold in whipped cream and melted gelatin. Chill briefly.
- Assemble the Cake
Place first sponge layer at the base.
Add a layer of mousse, sprinkle praline crunch.
Repeat with mousse and top sponge layer.
Chill at least 4–6 hours (preferably overnight).
- Ganache & Decoration
Heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth.
Pour ganache over chilled cake, let it drip down the sides.
Top with Ferrero Rocher (brushed with gold dust for luxury).
Serving Tip
Serve chilled in elegant slices — it pairs perfectly with an espresso or cappuccino.