Save Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons is a festive winter dessert that captures the serene beauty of snowy pines and delicate snowflakes. This French-inspired treat combines a moist pistachio-almond sponge cake with a luscious white chocolate mousse, topped with shredded coconut flakes to evoke a magical snowy landscape. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it balances rich flavors with an elegant presentation that delights both the eyes and palate.
Save Combining texture and flavor, the light pistachio-almond sponge forms the base for fluffy, smooth white chocolate mousse, creating a harmonious balance that feels both indulgent and refined. The decoration mimics a winter forest covered in fresh snow, making each serving a mini edible scene.
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
Take care folding the egg whites gently into the almond mixture to maintain volume for a light sponge. While melting the white chocolate, keep the heat low to avoid burning. Chilling the mousse-covered cakes thoroughly enhances the texture and the final snow-like effect.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground hazelnuts for pistachios if preferred for a different nutty flavor. For gluten-free needs, ensure all ingredients, especially the white chocolate, are certified gluten-free to maintain safety. This dessert is vegetarian but not vegan due to eggs and dairy.
Serviervorschläge
Serve chilled as an elegant dessert at winter gatherings. Pair it beautifully with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or a crisp Champagne to complement the sweetness and nutty notes of the cake and mousse.
Save With its beautiful presentation and harmonious flavors, Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons is sure to impress guests and become a cherished dessert tradition for festive winter celebrations.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do I shape the sponge like pine trees?
Use a pine tree or snowflake-shaped cookie cutter or carefully cut with a knife after baking and cooling the sponge.
- → What alternatives exist for pistachio flour?
Ground hazelnuts can be used as a substitute, offering a similar nutty flavor and texture.
- → How is the white chocolate mousse set?
Gelatin is soaked, melted into a warm cream and egg yolk mixture, and then folded gently into whipped cream with melted white chocolate.
- → Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Yes, by ensuring all ingredients, especially white chocolate, are certified gluten-free.
- → What is the purpose of shredded coconut in decoration?
Shredded coconut mimics fresh snow, enhancing the wintery visual effect on the mousse-covered sponge shapes.
- → How long should the dessert chill before serving?
Chill for at least 45 minutes to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.