Irish Cream Mousse Cake

Need a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery but is surprisingly easy to make? This Irish Cream Mousse Chocolate Layer Cake starts with a dependable chocolate cake recipe and layers it with a creamy Bailey's cheesecake mousse filling that tastes like something reserved for special occasions.

It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, St. Patrick's Day, or anytime chocolate lovers gather around your table.

In our family, chocolate desserts always rise to the top. I know because I actually took a poll. Chocolate cake made the family's top-five favorites list right alongside our beloved carrot cake. Usually, I keep things simple with chocolate buttercream frosting, but every now and then, I like to surprise everyone with something a little extra.

This Irish Cream mousse filling does exactly that.

The best part? The mousse tastes fancy, but it comes together in just minutes.

Irish Cream Mousse Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

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Irish Cream Mousse Chocolate Layer Cake

The Irish Cream mousse used in this cake is yummy by itself or in these Irish Cream Trifles.  Individual trifles are delicious and would be a fun alternative to this cake for St. Patrick's Day.

The Reasons You'll Love This Mousse-Filled Cake

The chocolate cake recipe never fails.
This uses the classic Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake recipe, and it has become my family's go-to chocolate cake. It's easy, dependable, and always turns out moist.

The mousse filling is incredibly simple.
Five ingredients and a few minutes are all it takes. No one will guess how easy it is.

It's perfect for making ahead.
In fact, this cake is even better after chilling overnight because the mousse sets beautifully.

It freezes well.
Slice leftovers individually, wrap them well, and save dessert for another day.

Jump to Recipe

How to Make This Chocolate Mousse Cake

Bailey's Cheesecake Mousse

First, Make Irish Cream Cheesecake Mousse Filling

• 2-8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1 container Cool Whip, defrosted

To Make the Cheesecake Mousse Layer

Mix together the sugar and cocoa powder in a small bowl until well combined.

Beat the cream cheese, sugar mixture, and Irish Cream liqueur together with a mixer until light and fluffy.

Fold in the Cool Whip. Chill.

Next Make the Chocolate Layer Cake

Prepare the Hershey's Perfectly Chocolate Cake or your favorite chocolate cake using two 9-inch cake pans.  

When cool, slice each cake layer in half.

Slice each cake round in half to create four layers. Spread mousse between the first three layers, stacking as you go. Top with the final cake layer.

Chill the cake for at least two hours.  

Finally, Make the Frosting

Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan on the stove. Stir in the cocoa. 

Sift the powdered sugar to be sure there will be no lumps. 

Alternately add the powdered sugar and milk, beating to a spreading consistency. Add a small amount of additional milk, if needed. 

Stir in the vanilla. Then prepare the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and frost the sides and top of the cake.  

Chill until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance so the mousse fully sets.

Can this cake be frozen?
Yes. Slice and wrap individual portions tightly before freezing.

Can I make the mousse without Bailey's Irish Cream?
You can substitute Irish cream coffee creamer for a non-alcohol version.

What cake mix works with this filling?
Any rich chocolate cake mix works well if you're short on time.

More Special Dessert Suggestions

Turn the Irish Cream Mousse into individual trifles.

Use a raspberry filling in place of Irish Cream Mousse.

Amazing Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Fancy chocolate cake, chocolate cake with mousse filling

dessert

American

Yield: 10

Author: Donna Urso

Irish Cream Mousse Cake

An easy, impressive chocolate cake with a tasty mousse filling that is perfect for birthdays or any celebration.

Prep time: 45 MinCook time: 35 MinInactive time: 2 HourTotal time: 3 H & 20 M

Ingredients

For the Irish Cream Mousse

• 2-8 ounce blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1 container Cool Whip, defrosted

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup cocoa
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

For the Irish Cream Mousse

1. Mix together the sugar and cocoa powder in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Beat the cream cheese, sugar mixture, and Irish Cream liqueur together with a mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Fold in the Cool Whip. Chill.

For the Chocolate Cake

1. Heat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use cocoa instead of flour when preparing the pan. It works as well as flour and you won't have any white flour on the side of your baked cake. Set aside.
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of your mixer. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
3. Beat the batter on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Carefully, stir in boiling water. The batter will be very thin. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
5. Slice each layer of cake in half. Spread 1/3 of the mousse evenly on the bottom section of each layer. Reassemble the layers. Spread the remaining mousse between the two reassembled layers.
6. Frost the rest of the cake with the chocolate frosting.

For the Chocolate Frosting

1. Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pan on the stove.
2. Stir in the cocoa.
3. Sift the powdered sugar to ensure a spreading consistency. Add a small amount of additional milk, if needed.
4. Stir in the vanilla.

Notes

The Irish Cream Mousse makes a delicious dessert on its own.

Recommended Products

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

9 inch cake pans

Hand Mixer

Nutrition Facts

Calories

688

Fat (grams)

31 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

13 g

Carbs (grams)

103 g

Fiber (grams)

6 g

Net carbs

98 g

Sugar (grams)

87 g

Protein (grams)

8 g

Sodium (milligrams)

474 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

83 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

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Enjoy!