White Christmas Mousse Cake Recipe

Dreamy White Christmas Mousse Cake Recipe: A Festive Delight

Whipping up a dreamy white christmas mousse cake feels like capturing winter’s most delightful magic in a single slice.

Delicate snowflake-like layers promise a dessert that melts smoothly across your palate.

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings dance through each creamy spoonful.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance right into your kitchen.

Soft peaks of whipped cream and subtle peppermint hints create a festive sensation that sparkles with seasonal charm.

Rich mascarpone and white chocolate blend into a luxurious texture that whispers pure indulgence.

Let you transform an ordinary afternoon into a spectacular winter celebration with just a few simple ingredients.

Sweet Perks of White Christmas Mousse Cake

  • Celebrate Delightful Complexity: Crafting this White Christmas Mousse Cake requires multiple steps, offering a satisfying challenge for bakers who love creating impressive desserts with intricate techniques.
  • Festive Flavor Fusion: Blending creamy white chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and sweet cherries creates a sophisticated taste profile that elevates traditional holiday dessert expectations with unexpected texture and richness.
  • Stunning Presentation Power: Beautifully decorated with piped cream, golden cachous, and vibrant cherries, this cake transforms from a simple dessert into a show-stopping centerpiece that will wow guests and spark conversation at any gathering.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Designed to be prepared in advance and chilled overnight, this dessert reduces day-of stress, allowing hosts to relax and enjoy celebrations while knowing a decadent treat awaits, making party planning significantly easier.

White Christmas Mousse Cake Must-Haves

Base:
  • Shortbread: Crumbly base for the cake.
  • Coconut: Adds tropical flavor and texture.
  • Pistachios, Butter, Icing Sugar: Bind the base together.
Mousse Filling:
  • White Chocolate: Creates smooth, creamy base.
  • Gelatine, Water: Helps set the mousse.
  • Milk: Provides liquid for dissolving ingredients.
  • Cream: Adds lightness and richness.
  • Cherries: Brings sweet fruity touch.
  • Pistachios: Provides crunchy contrast.
Decoration:
  • Cream: Used for piping on top.
  • Cherries: Fresh garnish for visual appeal.
  • Pistachios: Extra crunch and color.
  • Gold Cachous: Adds festive sparkle.

White Christmas Mousse Cake Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Warm up your oven to 180°C. Grease a springform cake pan and line it with baking paper, ensuring the bottom and sides are fully covered.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Base

Grab your food processor and combine shortbread, coconut, and pistachios. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Add melted butter and icing sugar, then pulse again to mix. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the pan base. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatine

Sprinkle gelatine over water in a small bowl. Gently heat milk in a saucepan until it’s just about to simmer. Stir the gelatine into the warm milk until it completely dissolves.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

Pour the hot milk mixture over white chocolate in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Allow it to cool down completely.

Step 5: Whip and Fold the Cream

Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. Carefully fold the cream into the white chocolate mixture in three separate additions. Gently mix in the remaining pistachios and cherries.

Step 6: Set the Mousse

Pour the mousse over the cooled base, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it set perfectly.

Step 7: Create the Cream Topping

Whip the extra cream to firm peaks. Using a St. Honore or fluted piping tip, pipe cream over one-third of the cake’s top for an elegant finish.

Step 8: Add the Final Touches

Decorate the cake with extra cherries, sprinkle chopped pistachios, and add some sparkly gold cachous for a festive look.

Mousse Cake Tips for Magical White Christmas Flavor

  • Make the Base Super Crisp: Press the shortbread crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact, uniform base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Gelatine Dissolving Hack: Always sprinkle gelatine over cold water first, then gently heat to prevent lumps and ensure smooth incorporation into the white chocolate mixture.
  • Whipping Cream Perfection: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help cream reach stiff peaks faster and maintain its volume when folding into the mousse.
  • Mousse Texture Tip: Fold cream into chocolate mixture gradually and gently to maintain air bubbles, creating a light, fluffy texture that melts beautifully in your mouth.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow the cake to set overnight if possible, as this helps flavors meld and mousse firm up to the ideal consistency for clean, beautiful slices.

Save White Christmas Mousse Cake Without Drying

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place a layer of baking paper between slices if freezing individual portions.
  • Remove from freezer and let the cake defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the mousse.

What to Pair with White Christmas Mousse Cake

  • Festive Flavor Companions: Elevate Your White Christmas Mousse Cake
  • Sparkling Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco to complement the cake's creamy white chocolate and delicate pistachio notes. The bubbles will cut through the richness and enhance the dessert's festive character.
  • Citrus Sorbet Side: Serve a zesty lemon or mandarin sorbet alongside the cake to provide a refreshing contrast. The bright, tangy flavors will balance the cake's sweetness and add a palate-cleansing element to each bite.
  • Nutty Coffee Finish: Enjoy a smooth, medium-roast coffee with almond or hazelnut undertones. The warm beverage will highlight the cake's pistachio elements and create a sophisticated end to your dessert experience.
  • Spiced Chai Complement: Brew a creamy chai tea with hints of cardamom and cinnamon. Its warm, aromatic profile will harmonize beautifully with the cake's white chocolate and nutty base, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Christmas Mousse Cake Combos

  • Gluten-Free Festive Mousse: Replace shortbread with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring a crisp base that maintains the cake's delicate texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive guests.
  • Vegan White Wonderland: Swap white chocolate with dairy-free white chocolate, use coconut cream instead of regular cream, and replace gelatin with agar-agar powder for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on richness.
  • Low-Sugar Holiday Treat: Substitute icing sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's creamy consistency and festive charm.
  • Nutty Alternative Celebration: Swap pistachios with almonds or macadamia nuts, offering a different flavor profile while keeping the cake's elegant presentation and nutty crunch.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the mousse from becoming grainy or lumpy?

Ensure the white chocolate is fully melted and the milk mixture is smooth. Stir gently when folding cream to maintain a light, airy texture, and always cool the chocolate mixture completely before incorporating whipped cream.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Replace shortbread with graham crackers, use almonds instead of pistachios, and swap fresh cherries with dried or maraschino cherries. Just maintain similar proportions to keep the cake’s structural integrity.

  • What's the best way to get clean, neat slices when serving?

Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This helps create smooth, precise slices without dragging or tearing the delicate mousse layers.

  • How do I know if the mousse is set properly?

The mousse should be firm and hold its shape when you gently jiggle the pan. It typically takes 4-6 hours of chilling, and the surface will look smooth and set without any liquid pooling.

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White Christmas Mousse Cake Recipe

White Christmas Mousse Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Festive white christmas mousse cake blends silky smoothness with holiday cheer, creating a dreamy dessert that melts hearts. Crisp layers and delicate flavors invite celebratory moments, promising pure winter magic on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups thickened cream, plus 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) extra for decorating
  • 135 grams (4.8 ounces) shortbread biscuits

Nuts and Coconut:

  • 1/2 cup pistachios, plus extra to decorate
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Additional Ingredients:

  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 75 grams (2.6 ounces) glace cherries, chopped, plus extra whole cherries for serving
  • 2 teaspoons gelatine powder
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon pure icing sugar, sifted
  • Silver and gold cachous, for decorating

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare the cake pan by greasing and lining with parchment, ensuring complete coverage of base and sides.
  2. Transform shortbread, coconut, and pistachios into delicate crumbs using a food processor, incorporating melted butter and icing sugar to create a cohesive base mixture.
  3. Gently press the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even foundation, and bake until golden and set.
  4. Softly sprinkle gelatine over water, allowing it to bloom and absorb liquid while simultaneously warming milk to just below boiling point.
  5. Merge the dissolved gelatine with warm milk, then cascade the liquid over white chocolate, allowing the heat to gradually melt the chocolate into a silky smooth mixture.
  6. Whip cream to voluminous, stiff peaks, carefully folding it into the white chocolate base in gentle increments to maintain maximum airiness.
  7. Delicately incorporate chopped pistachios and cherries throughout the mousse, distributing ingredients evenly.
  8. Transfer the mousse to the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with precise, gentle strokes.
  9. Refrigerate the dessert, allowing it to set and develop its luxurious texture for several hours or overnight.
  10. Whip additional cream to firm, elegant peaks and artfully pipe decorative swirls across the cake’s surface.
  11. Embellish with scattered cherries, crushed pistachios, and glimmering gold cachous for a festive, elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Customize the base by swapping shortbread with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Ensure gelatine dissolves completely without boiling to maintain a smooth, silky mousse texture.
  • Chill all ingredients beforehand to help the mousse set faster and create a more stable structure.
  • Replace fresh cherries with dried or frozen options if seasonal availability is limited.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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