White Christmas Mousse Cake

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Bring the magic of a white Christmas to your table with this decadent White Chocolate Christmas Mousse Cake. Combining a buttery shortbread base with a luscious white chocolate mousse, pistachios, and cherries, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for the festive season, it’s a make-ahead treat that will impress your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • For the Base:
    • 135g shortbread biscuits
    • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
    • 1/2 cup pistachios, plus extra for decoration
    • 1 tbsp pure icing sugar, sifted
    • 75g unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Mousse:
    • 2 tsp gelatine powder
    • 2 tbsp water
    • 1/2 cup milk
    • 250g white chocolate, finely chopped
    • 1 1/2 cups thickened cream, plus 300ml extra for topping
    • 75g glace cherries, chopped, plus extra whole for serving
  • For Decoration:
    • Silver and gold cachous
    • Extra pistachios and glace cherries

Directions

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 20cm springform pan.
    • Combine shortbread, coconut, and 1/4 cup pistachios in a food processor. Pulse to form fine crumbs. Add melted butter and icing sugar, pulsing to combine.
    • Press the mixture into the pan’s base and bake for 15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
  2. Make the Mousse:
    • Sprinkle gelatine over water in a small bowl and set aside to hydrate.
    • Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatine.
    • Pour the hot milk mixture over the white chocolate in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool completely.
    • Whip cream to firm peaks. Fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the cream in three batches. Gently fold in the remaining chopped pistachios and cherries.
  3. Assemble the Cake:
    • Pour the mousse over the cooled base. Smooth the surface with a spoon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  4. Decorate and Serve:
    • Whip the extra 300ml cream to firm peaks and transfer to a piping bag with a St. Honore or fluted tip.
    • Remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Pipe cream over one-third of the cake’s top.
    • Decorate with whole cherries, extra pistachios, and silver and gold cachous. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Servings: 12
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 22g
  • Protein: 4g

This festive mousse cake is a show-stopping dessert that is sure to become a Christmas tradition!

A Festive Showstopper

What sets the White Chocolate Christmas Mousse Cake apart is its ability to marry decadence with festivity. Its features include:

  • Buttery Shortbread Base: The foundation of this dessert is a golden, crumbly base made with shortbread biscuits, coconut, and pistachios, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.
  • Luscious White Chocolate Mousse: The mousse is airy yet rich, thanks to the perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and whipped cream, creating a texture that feels luxurious without being overly heavy.
  • Festive Additions: Chopped pistachios and glace cherries not only add color but also bring a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, enhancing the overall appeal of the cake.
  • Elegant Decoration: The piped cream, sparkling silver and gold cachous, and whole cherries transform this dessert into a festive masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.

The Perfect Dessert for Christmas Gatherings

This mousse cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Here’s why it’s a must-try for Christmas:

  1. Visually Stunning: Its layers and festive decorations make it a dessert that demands attention, adding a touch of elegance to your Christmas table.
  2. Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy mousse and buttery base, this cake appeals to both adults and kids, ensuring it will be a hit with everyone.
  3. Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this cake a day in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
  4. Customizable: Add your personal touch by swapping out cherries for other dried fruits or incorporating different nuts for a unique twist.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mousse Cake

While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve flawless results:

  1. Ensure the Gelatine is Properly Dissolved: Hydrate the gelatine thoroughly and stir it into the milk while it’s warm to ensure it dissolves completely. This step is crucial for a smooth and stable mousse.
  2. Cool the Chocolate Mixture: Allow the white chocolate mixture to cool before folding it into the whipped cream to prevent the mousse from deflating.
  3. Whip Cream to Firm Peaks: Properly whipped cream provides the mousse with its light and airy texture. Over-whipping can lead to a grainy consistency, so stop as soon as firm peaks form.
  4. Press the Base Firmly: Compress the shortbread mixture evenly into the pan to create a stable foundation for the mousse.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight: Allowing the mousse to set overnight ensures the cake holds its shape when sliced and served.

Why White Chocolate is Perfect for the Holidays

White chocolate, with its creamy and sweet flavor profile, is an ideal ingredient for holiday desserts. It complements festive flavors like cherries and pistachios beautifully, adding a sense of indulgence to any recipe. In this mousse cake, the white chocolate creates a smooth and velvety texture that feels luxurious while balancing the tangy cherries and nutty pistachios.

Decorating the Mousse Cake

The decoration is where this cake truly shines. Here’s how to make it look festive and professional:

  1. Piped Cream: Use a St. Honore or fluted piping tip for an elegant finish. Piping cream on only one-third of the cake’s surface creates a modern and minimalist look.
  2. Glace Cherries and Pistachios: Strategically place whole cherries and chopped pistachios on the piped cream for bursts of color and texture.
  3. Silver and Gold Cachous: These edible decorations add a sparkling, festive touch that makes the cake look magical.
  4. Optional Dusting: For added flair, dust the cake lightly with edible gold or silver powder to enhance its holiday appeal.

Serving Suggestions

The White Chocolate Christmas Mousse Cake pairs well with various holiday accompaniments:

  • Beverages: Serve it with a glass of sparkling wine, a hot cup of coffee, or a festive drink like eggnog or mulled wine.
  • Side Desserts: Pair it with a platter of Christmas cookies or truffles for a complete dessert spread.
  • Fresh Fruits: Add a bowl of fresh berries or sliced citrus fruits to balance the richness of the cake.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This mousse cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its luxurious texture, festive flavors, and stunning presentation make it a dessert you’ll want to make every holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a show-stopping dessert to bring to a party, this cake will leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion

The White Chocolate Christmas Mousse Cake encapsulates the joy and magic of the holiday season. Its creamy white chocolate mousse, buttery shortbread base, and vibrant toppings create a dessert that is both visually spectacular and utterly delicious. Easy to make ahead and perfect for any festive gathering, this cake is destined to become a holiday tradition. Celebrate the season with this elegant and indulgent treat—it’s the perfect way to sweeten your Christmas celebrations!

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