For true chocolate lovers, every day could be chocolate day. But today, the world officially gives in to temptation and celebrates International Chocolate Day – an indulgent nod to one of the most loved flavours on the planet (and also the birthday of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of The Hershey Company). If you want to take your celebrations up a notch this year, why not try making a glossy, decadent chocolate mousse cake? It’s rich, smooth, and made for special occasions, but with a little patience, you can easily create it in your own kitchen.

Makes 4 small cakes

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 150ml double cream
• 2 tbsp caster sugar
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 50g butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings and curls for decoration

For the glaze:

• 100g dark chocolate
• 100ml double cream

Method

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and thick.
3. Add the vanilla, then fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the chocolate mix.
5. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold in gently.
6. Spoon into small cake moulds or ramekins, smoothing the tops. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
7. For the glaze, heat the cream until just steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then cool slightly.
8. Remove the cakes from the moulds, place on a rack, and pour over the glaze.
9. Decorate with chocolate curls or shavings before serving.