Olive Garden Copycat Black Tie Mousse Cake Recipe

Indulge in the decadent, eye-catching elegance of a black tie mousse cake, an irresistible Olive Garden copycat recipe. It’s got not one, not two, but FOUR layers of pure, unadulterated deliciousness.

We’re talking a rich chocolate cake base, a creamy chocolate cheesecake layer, a white chocolate mousse layer, and a silky-smooth chocolate ganache topping. This show-stopping cake is perfect for holidays, special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dessert in your own home.

I was hooked the first time I tried black tie mousse cake at Olive Garden! It is the kind of dessert you dream about for weeks after indulging – so delicious and gorgeous. So, I’m thrilled to share my version of this Olive Garden classic with you.

What sets this cake apart is the combination of textures with rich chocolate flavor in each layer. The dark chocolate cake provides a base, while the smooth, creamy chocolate and white chocolate mousses offer a delightful contrast in both taste and appearance. 

Most of the dessert recipes I share are quick and easy, but this one is a little more complicated and, I will admit, takes some time to make. But as long as you break it down into layers and follow the detailed instructions, you’ll be fine. 

Each layer is easy to make, and the result is fantastic when you combine them all together. This cake is so impressive and delicious that your guests will ask for seconds and beg you to share the recipe!

In this post, I’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own black tie mousse cake, layer by layer. So channel your inner pastry chef and wow your friends and family with this exquisite Olive Garden copycat recipe.

🥘Ingredient Notes

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

This recipe calls for several different types of chocolate: unsweetened baking cocoa for the cake layer, dark chocolate chips for the chocolate cheesecake layer, white baking chocolate for the mousse layer, and semisweet chocolate chips for the ganache and garnish. 

Another key ingredient in this cake is heavy whipping cream. It’s used in all three of the topping layers – the chocolate cheesecake, the white chocolate mousse, and the ganache. 

You will need cream cheese for the two cheesecake layers. Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese.

You will also need the following baking staples: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and powdered sugar.

🥣How to Make Black Tie Mousse Cake

This recipe has many steps, but don’t get overwhelmed by the number of steps! When you break it down into layers, it is very manageable.

The key to success with this recipe is patience. Each layer needs time to chill and set before you can move on to the next one, so plan ahead and don’t try to rush the process. 

Cake Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake from the pan later on.
2. Combine the unsweetened baking cocoa and boiling water in a small bowl and set aside to cool. 
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder, and then stir in the cooled chocolate mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set the cake aside to cool completely.

Chocolate Cheesecake Layer

1. Melt the dark chocolate chips and set them aside to cool for 15 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then beat in the melted and cooled dark chocolate. 
3. Whip the heavy cream in another bowl until soft peaks form, then fold it into the chocolate cream cheese mixture. 
4. Spread the mixture over the cooled cake layer and refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes if you’re short on time).

White Chocolate Cheesecake Layer

1. Melt the white chocolate in a bowl and set it aside to cool for 15 minutes.
2. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and melted white chocolate until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold into the white chocolate mixture.
4. Spread the mousse over the chocolate cheesecake layer and refrigerate for another hour (or freeze for 30 minutes).

Chocolate Ganache Layer

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream in 30-second intervals until hot. Add the semisweet chocolate chips and let them sit for 5 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy, then set aside 1 cup of the ganache and refrigerate it for later.
2. Remove the chilled cake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. 
3. Press mini chocolate chips into the sides of the cake, then drizzle melted white baking chips over the top of the ganache.
4. Refrigerate the cake while you prepare the frosting. Using an electric mixer, whip the chilled ganache until it reaches a frosting consistency. Pipe it around the edges of the cake and top with a chocolate chips.

🍴Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve got this gorgeous Copycat Olive Garden Black Tie Mousse Cake all assembled and ready to go, it’s time to talk about serving it. Slice the cake into wedges and serve it up on pretty plates. It’s a classic presentation that really lets the layers and garnishes shine.

💭How to Store

This cake needs to be refrigerated. To do so, simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or put it in a cake saver and store it in the fridge. Let it rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.

If you want to store the cake for longer than a few days, your best bet is to freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to eat it.

The ganache and frosting may lose a bit of their shine and texture after being frozen and thawed.

📝Reader Questions

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