Save Embrace the magic of winter with the Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons, a dessert that captures the serene beauty of snowy pine forests and delicate snowflakes. This festive treat combines a subtly nutty pistachio and almond sponge with a light, airy white chocolate mousse, all crowned with snowy coconut flakes. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, perfect for sharing during holiday celebrations or cozy winter moments.
Save This dessert not only delights the palate but also brings a touch of artistry to your table. The careful layering of textures—from the tender sponge to the silken mousse topped by coconut snow—makes each portion feel like a miniature winter forest to enjoy. Chilling the finished dessert ensures the mousse sets perfectly, making it ideal to prepare ahead of your celebration.
Ingredients
- Sponge Cake
- 60 g ground almonds
- 40 g pistachio flour
- 100 g icing sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 30 g granulated sugar
- 40 g unsalted butter, melted
- White Chocolate Mousse
- 200 g white chocolate, chopped
- 250 ml heavy cream (chilled)
- 2 egg yolks
- 25 g granulated sugar
- 3 sheets gelatin (or 6 g powdered gelatin)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Decoration
- 50 g shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 50 g white chocolate shavings
- Edible silver pearls or sugar snowflakes (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for pine trees, optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- 2. For the sponge, whisk ground almonds, pistachio flour, icing sugar, and whole eggs until pale and fluffy.
- 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff.
- 4. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture. Stir in melted butter.
- 5. Spread the batter on the prepared tray (about 1 cm thick) and bake for 12–14 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- 6. For the mousse, soak gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Melt white chocolate gently over a bain-marie.
- 7. Heat 75 ml cream with vanilla until steaming, then whisk in egg yolks and sugar over low heat until thickened (do not boil). Remove from heat and dissolve the squeezed gelatin in the mixture.
- 8. Combine with melted white chocolate, then let cool to room temperature.
- 9. Whip remaining cream to soft peaks. Fold gently into the cooled chocolate mixture.
- 10. Cut sponge cake into pine tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife. Place on serving plates or a platter.
- 11. Pipe or spoon white chocolate mousse over each cake piece, creating a snow-covered effect. Chill for at least 45 minutes.
- 12. Before serving, sprinkle generously with shredded coconut for snow, add shavings, and decorate with silver pearls or rosemary as desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Carefully folding the egg whites into the almond mixture preserves the batter's lightness, essential for a tender sponge. When melting the white chocolate, use a gentle bain-marie to avoid any graininess. Allow the mousse mixture to cool completely before folding in the whipped cream, ensuring a smooth and airy texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Ground hazelnuts can be used instead of pistachios for a different nutty nuance. For those requiring gluten-free options, confirm that all ingredients, particularly the white chocolate, are certified gluten-free.
Serviervorschläge
This dessert pairs beautifully with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or Champagne, enhancing the festive mood. Fresh rosemary sprigs add a fragrant pine aroma, complementing the visual theme of snowy pine trees.
Save With its elegant design and balanced flavors, the Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons is sure to enchant your guests and bring the spirit of winter to your dessert table. Simple enough for the home baker yet impressive enough for festive occasions, this recipe invites you to celebrate the season with creativity and taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the sponge cake?
Use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the cooled sponge cake into pine tree shapes for a festive presentation.
- → Can I substitute pistachio flour?
Yes, ground hazelnuts work well as an alternative to pistachio flour, maintaining a nutty flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to incorporate gelatin into the mousse?
Soak gelatin sheets in cold water, then dissolve them in the warm egg yolk and cream mixture before combining with melted white chocolate.
- → How long should the dessert be chilled?
Chill the assembled dessert for at least 45 minutes to allow the mousse to set and flavors to develop.
- → What decorations enhance the winter theme?
Sprinkle shredded coconut for a snow-like effect, add white chocolate shavings, edible silver pearls, or fresh rosemary sprigs to evoke pine trees.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat products but includes eggs and dairy, fitting a vegetarian diet.