Table dHiver Sapin Flocons (Printable Version)

A festive winter delight with pistachio-almond sponge, white chocolate mousse, and coconut flakes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sponge Cake

01 - 2.1 oz ground almonds
02 - 1.4 oz pistachio flour
03 - 3.5 oz icing sugar
04 - 3 large eggs
05 - 2 large egg whites
06 - 1.1 oz granulated sugar
07 - 1.4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ White Chocolate Mousse

08 - 7 oz white chocolate, chopped
09 - 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
10 - 2 large egg yolks
11 - 0.9 oz granulated sugar
12 - 3 sheets gelatin or 0.21 oz powdered gelatin
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Decoration

14 - 1.8 oz shredded coconut, unsweetened
15 - 1.8 oz white chocolate shavings
16 - Edible silver pearls or sugar snowflakes (optional)
17 - Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk ground almonds, pistachio flour, icing sugar, and whole eggs until pale and fluffy.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
04 - Fold egg whites gently into the almond mixture; then stir in melted butter.
05 - Spread batter evenly on prepared tray about 0.4 inches thick; bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
06 - Soak gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes. Melt white chocolate gently over a double boiler.
07 - Heat 0.3 cup cream with vanilla until steaming. Whisk in egg yolks and sugar over low heat until thickened without boiling. Remove from heat and dissolve gelatin into mixture.
08 - Stir custard mixture into melted white chocolate; let cool to room temperature.
09 - Whip remaining cream to soft peaks and fold gently into cooled chocolate mixture.
10 - Cut sponge cake into pine tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife and arrange on serving plates.
11 - Pipe or spoon white chocolate mousse over each sponge piece to mimic snow. Chill for at least 45 minutes.
12 - Before serving, sprinkle shredded coconut, add white chocolate shavings, and optionally garnish with silver pearls or rosemary sprigs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of pistachio and almond flours creates a moist, flavorful sponge with a subtle nuttiness.
  • White chocolate mousse adds a creamy, luxurious element without overpowering the delicate cake.
  • Shredded coconut flakes provide a snowy, festive finish reminiscent of a winter wonderland.
  • Elegant pine tree shapes and delicate decorations make this dessert a visual centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
02 -
  • Make sure to chill the dessert for at least 45 minutes to allow the mousse to set perfectly.
  • Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter for clean pine tree shapes to give a professional look.
  • Soak gelatin thoroughly and fully dissolve it to avoid any lumps in the mousse.
  • Whip cream to soft peaks only for a delicate mousse texture.
Return