Description
Silky smooth vanilla mousse dances on spoons with elegant French charm, promising pure dessert bliss. Sweet clouds of creamy perfection will melt delicately, leaving you craving another heavenly spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean (scraped)
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- 1 packet gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 oz white chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Hydrate gelatin by sprinkling it over cold water in a small bowl, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes.
- Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar in a medium saucepan until pale and creamy, creating a smooth custard base.
- Pour whole milk into the egg mixture and place over medium-low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
- Cook the custard until it reaches 180°F, thickening enough to coat the back of a spoon without curdling.
- Remove custard from heat and immediately stir in bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Scrape vanilla bean seeds and add them along with vanilla extract to the warm custard, infusing deep aromatic flavors.
- Optional: Melt white chocolate and incorporate into the custard for added richness and smooth texture.
- Transfer custard mixture to a clean bowl and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes, allowing it to cool and slightly thicken.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, creating a light and airy texture.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the chilled custard, maintaining volume and creating a silky mousse consistency.
- Divide mousse into serving glasses or a large serving bowl, ensuring even distribution.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until mousse sets firmly and develops a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Garnish with optional toppings like shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Select high-quality vanilla beans or pure extract for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
- Temper egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling by gradually adding hot milk while whisking constantly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for precise custard temperature control, ensuring smooth consistency.
- Substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian version that sets equally well and maintains similar texture.
- Whip cream just until soft peaks form to avoid over-beating, which can create a grainy mousse texture.
- Make dairy-free alternative by replacing whole milk with coconut milk and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance flavor complexity by adding liqueur like Grand Marnier or bourbon during custard preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg