The aroma of roasted chestnuts and chocolate filling your kitchen can instantly lift your mood.

Combining a soft chestnut cake with silky chocolate mousse creates a dessert that's both comforting and decadent. It's perfect for celebrations or a special treat to impress guests, and surprisingly manageable for home bakers.

Gather the Ingredients

Having all ingredients ready ensures smooth preparation. This recipe balances nutty sweetness with creamy chocolate.

Ingredients for the chestnut cake:

1. 1 cup chestnut puree (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)

2. ¾ cup sugar

3. ¾ cup all-purpose flour

4. ½ teaspoon baking powder

5. 3 large eggs, separated

6. ¼ cup butter, melted

Ingredients for the chocolate mousse:

1. ½ cup heavy cream

2. 100g dark chocolate, chopped

3. 1 tablespoon sugar

4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Example: Using high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) ensures a mousse with deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with chestnuts.

Prepare the Chestnut Cake

The chestnut cake is soft and slightly nutty, forming a sturdy base for the mousse.

Steps to make the cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.

3. Stir in the melted butter and chestnut puree until well combined.

4. Sift in the flour and baking powder, folding gently to avoid deflating the batter.

5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them carefully into the batter.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.

Tip: Folding in egg whites gently preserves the light texture, giving the cake a tender, airy crumb.

Make the Chocolate Mousse

The mousse adds creaminess and a rich chocolate note that balances the nutty cake perfectly.

Steps to make the mousse:

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

3. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then fold it into the whipped cream gently until smooth and fully combined.

4. Refrigerate the mousse for 15–20 minutes to firm slightly before assembling.

Example: For a lighter mousse, fold in a little extra whipped cream at the end. This creates a fluffier texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense cake.

Assemble the Dessert

Layering the chestnut cake and mousse makes a visually appealing and indulgent dessert.

Steps to assemble:

1. Slice the cooled chestnut cake horizontally to create two layers.

2. Spread a generous layer of chocolate mousse over the bottom layer.

3. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press to set.

4. Cover the top with remaining mousse and smooth with a spatula.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

Tip: Decorate with shaved chocolate, chestnut pieces, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Serve and Enjoy

This chestnut cake with chocolate mousse is best served slightly chilled, allowing the mousse to hold its shape while the cake remains tender.

Serving tips:

1. Slice with a warm, thin-bladed spatula for clean edges.

2. Pair with a cup of coffee or nutty tea to complement the flavors.

3. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the mousse intact.

The combination of nutty chestnut cake and silky chocolate mousse is a treat for both the eyes and palate. With simple steps and careful assembly, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a patisserie. It's a celebration of textures and flavors—soft, rich, and indulgent—all in one slice.