White Christmas Mousse Cake is a stunning dessert that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. With its fluffy, light layers of vanilla mousse, delicate white chocolate, and a hint of winter spices, this cake is the perfect centerpiece for any festive celebration. The rich, velvety mousse is paired with a moist, soft cake base, and a glossy, smooth ganache topping, making it a deliciously indulgent treat. It’s an elegant dessert that will surely wow your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
Perfect for:
- Christmas celebrations
- Holiday parties
- New Year’s Eve gatherings
- Winter birthdays
- Festive occasions
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why White Christmas Mousse Cake will become your favorite holiday dessert:
- Festive and Elegant: This cake looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday event.
- Light and Fluffy: The mousse layers are airy and creamy, creating a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- White Chocolate Indulgence: The subtle sweetness of white chocolate adds richness and depth to the mousse.
- Delicate Spice Notes: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and holiday flair.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: This cake can be prepared ahead of time, saving you time on the big day.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, dinner party, or holiday feast, this cake is always a hit.
- Impressive Presentation: The smooth mousse layers, topped with a glossy ganache, create an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
- Adaptable Flavors: You can customize the cake with different flavors, such as adding a layer of raspberry or cranberry for a pop of color.
- Smooth, Decadent Ganache: The ganache topping gives the cake an extra layer of indulgence with its rich, glossy finish.
- Satisfies Every Sweet Tooth: It’s sweet, but not overwhelming, and offers a balance of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4.5 hours
- Servings: 10-12 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
The White Chocolate Mousse:
- 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
For the Ganache:
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Shredded coconut
- White chocolate curls
- Fresh cranberries
Ingredient Highlights
- White Chocolate: Adds a smooth, sweet richness to the mousse and ganache, making the cake incredibly indulgent.
- Heavy Cream: The key to making the mousse light and airy while still maintaining its creamy texture.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Adds a touch of holiday warmth to the cake base, enhancing the seasonal feel.
- Shredded Coconut: Provides a snow-like texture to garnish, adding both visual appeal and a hint of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Cake Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse:
- Melt White Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds to prevent burning. Let it cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the mousse. Set aside.
Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering.
- Make Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Cut the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it into two even layers.
- Layer the Mousse: Place one layer of cake at the bottom of a springform pan. Spread a generous layer of white chocolate mousse over the cake base. Place the second layer of cake on top and spread another layer of mousse.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours to allow the mousse to set.
Finish with Ganache:
- Add Ganache: Once the mousse has set, pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Chill Again: Let the ganache set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Slice: Garnish the cake with shredded coconut, white chocolate curls, and fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Slice and serve chilled.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for White Christmas Mousse Cake:
- As a Holiday Centerpiece: Serve this stunning cake as the centerpiece of your Christmas dessert table.
- With Hot Cocoa: Pair a slice with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- At a Festive Dinner Party: The elegant design of this cake makes it perfect for a formal holiday gathering.
- As a Christmas Eve Treat: Serve this mousse cake to your family on Christmas Eve as part of your holiday tradition.
- For New Year’s Eve: Impress your guests with this luxurious dessert as you ring in the New Year.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- For Afternoon Tea: Serve smaller portions of the cake with tea for an elegant afternoon treat.
- As a Gift: This cake makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends or family.
- With Sparkling Wine: Serve alongside sparkling wine or champagne for a festive touch.
- For Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday or anniversary, this cake makes any occasion feel more special.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Cream: For the best mousse texture, use fresh heavy cream (not whipped topping).
- Chill the Cake Between Layers: To ensure clean layers and perfect mousse texture, refrigerate the cake between each mousse layer.
- Make it Ahead: This cake can be made a day or two in advance, making it ideal for holiday entertaining.
- Smooth Ganache Finish: For a smooth ganache topping, make sure the ganache cools slightly before pouring it over the cake to avoid it running too much.
Recipe Variations
- Add Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mousse or cake batter for extra holiday flavor.
- Fruit Layer: Add a layer of raspberry or cranberry jam between the cake layers for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate Ganache: For a richer contrast, use dark chocolate ganache instead of white chocolate ganache.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy products with coconut cream and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Special Equipment
- Springform Pan: A springform pan is essential for easy removal and for keeping the mousse layers intact.
- Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to whip the cream to soft peaks, ensuring a light and airy mousse.
- Heatproof Bowl: For melting the white chocolate safely.
- Offset Spatula: For spreading the mousse layers evenly and neatly.
- Cake Decorating Tools: If you want to get fancy, a piping bag can be used to decorate with ganache or whipped cream.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this cake up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the fridge to keep the mousse firm. - Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a more intense flavor, though it will change the overall taste of the cake. - How do I prevent the mousse from deflating?
Fold the whipped cream and melted chocolate gently to avoid deflating the mousse. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. - Can I add a fruit layer?
Absolutely! A thin layer of raspberry or cranberry jam works well between the cake layers. - How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - How can I make the ganache more glossy?
Ensure the ganache is smooth by stirring well and allowing it to cool slightly before pouring over the cake. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - What’s the best way to cut the cake cleanly?
Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut for smooth slices. - How long does this mousse cake last?
The cake will last for about 3 days in the fridge, making it great for leftovers.
Conclusion
White Christmas Mousse Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert, combining elegance and indulgence in every bite. With its creamy mousse layers, rich white chocolate ganache, and festive touch, this cake is sure to be a favorite at your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making it for a Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve party, or simply to enjoy with loved ones, this dessert will bring holiday joy to every occasion. Celebrate the season with this show-stopping cake and make your festivities even more special!