'The Bear' Chocolate Cake

The famous chocolate cake from the television show The Bear features an airy chocolate mousse layered between a fudgy chocolate cake and topped with a rich chocolate frosting.

Made famous by The Bear, this layered chocolate cake has become an object of admiration, with fans rushing to replicate the recipe or seek out a slice for themselves. On The Bear, the chocolate cake is the creation of aspiring pastry chef Marcus (portrayed by Lionel Boyce), but in real life, it’s the creation of the show’s pastry consultant, chef Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader. The co-owner of Chicago’s Loaf Lounge, Mispagel-Lustbader shared the recipe (and the story of how it was developed) for the first time with Food & Wine.

Though made famous by the show, the chocolate cake is a star in its own right and won over our recipe testers and editors with its airy chocolate mousse filling, cocoa-forward frosting, and moist layers of rich and fudgy chocolate cake. 

Our testers note that when whipping egg whites, it’s important to use a very clean bowl and whisk attachment free of any residue to ensure stiff peaks will form. This recipe has several components, but all three elements can be made in advance and assembled the day of your celebration or gathering.

Ingredients

Chocolate Mousse

8 ounces 64% cacao dark chocolate (such as Valrhona Taïnori 64%), finely chopped (about 1 1/3 cups plus 4 teaspoons) 

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

10 large egg yolks, at room temperature 

1/4 cup granulated sugar, divided

4 large egg whites, at room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream

Cake Layers