This Chocolate Cherry Mousse Log is an elegant, bakery-style dessert that combines a light chocolate sponge, a tangy cherry filling, and a smooth vanilla mascarpone mousse, all finished with a glossy chocolate mirror glaze. It’s a refined yet approachable dessert that looks impressive on any table and tastes just as luxurious as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures: airy sponge, fruity cherry filling, creamy mousse, and a rich chocolate glaze. It’s ideal for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you want to prepare a show-stopping dessert in advance. Despite its elegant appearance, the steps are clear and manageable, making it achievable even for home bakers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate sponge:
4 large eggs
100 g granulated sugar
80 g all-purpose flour
20 g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch salt

Cherry filling:
300 g pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
50 g granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water

Vanilla mousse:
400 ml heavy cream, cold
250 g mascarpone cheese
80 g powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 g powdered gelatin
40 ml cold water

Chocolate mirror glaze:
150 g dark chocolate
100 ml heavy cream
100 g granulated sugar
50 ml water
10 g powdered gelatin
50 ml cold water

Decoration:
Chocolate shavings
Whole cherries with stems
Chocolate truffles or chocolate kisses

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with baking paper.
Beat the eggs and sugar together until pale, thick, and tripled in volume.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together, then gently fold into the egg mixture.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared tray and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
While warm, roll the sponge with the baking paper and allow it to cool completely.

To prepare the cherry filling, cook the cherries with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Mix the cornstarch with the water, add it to the cherries, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool fully.

Bloom the gelatin for the mousse by soaking it in 40 ml cold water for 5 minutes.
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Gently melt the bloomed gelatin and mix it into the mousse.

Unroll the cooled sponge. Spread the cherry filling evenly, followed by half of the mousse.
Roll the sponge tightly into a log and chill for 1 hour.
Cover the log with the remaining mousse, smoothing the surface, and chill for 2 hours.

For the glaze, bloom the gelatin in 50 ml cold water.
Heat the cream, sugar, and water until just boiling, then remove from heat.
Add the chocolate and bloomed gelatin, stirring until smooth.
Allow the glaze to cool to 32–35°C, then pour it evenly over the chilled log.
Decorate with chocolate shavings, truffles, and cherries. Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 to 10 slices

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Chilling time: approximately 6 hours
Total time: about 7 hours

Variations

You can replace cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a different fruit profile.
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mousse for a chocolate mascarpone version.
Use milk chocolate in the glaze for a sweeter finish.
Flavor the cherry filling with a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, festive note.

Storage/Reheating

Store the mousse log in the refrigerator, well covered, for up to 3 days.
This dessert is best served chilled and should not be reheated.
Slices can be frozen for up to 2 weeks; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, this mousse log is ideal for making a day ahead and storing in the refrigerator until serving.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Thaw slightly and drain excess liquid before cooking.

What if I don’t have mascarpone?

You can substitute with full-fat cream cheese, softened, for a slightly tangier flavor.

How do I prevent cracks in the sponge?

Rolling the sponge while it’s still warm helps keep it flexible and prevents cracking.

Is gelatin necessary for the mousse?

Yes, gelatin helps stabilize the mousse so the log holds its shape when sliced.

Can I skip the mirror glaze?

Yes, you can leave the mousse exposed and decorate with cocoa powder or chocolate curls instead.

How do I get a smooth glaze finish?

Make sure the glaze is at the correct temperature and pour it in one steady motion over a well-chilled log.

Can I make this recipe halal-friendly?

Yes, ensure the gelatin used is halal-certified.

How do I slice the log neatly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices.

Can I turn this into individual portions?

Yes, you can assemble the layers in small molds or cups for individual mousse desserts.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Mousse Log is a refined dessert that combines classic flavors with a modern presentation. With its smooth mousse, vibrant cherry center, and glossy chocolate finish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays and special occasions alike. Take your time with each step, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, delicious result.

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