White chocolate mousse

White Chocolate Mousse – a refined and easy-to-make dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

White chocolate mousse is a delicate and elegant dessert, perfect for any occasion. This dessert has gained popularity due to its fine texture and sweet taste, which pairs wonderfully with a variety of ingredients. I will show you how to prepare a delicious white chocolate mousse with a simple and clear recipe, full of useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

The history of mousse dates back to the 18th century when it was served as a refined dish in luxury restaurants. Over time, this recipe has evolved and been reinterpreted, now having countless variations, from those with dark chocolate or fruits to those with white chocolate, which is today the star of our recipe.

Essential ingredients for white chocolate mousse

- 120 g high-quality white chocolate – Choose chocolate with a high cocoa content for a more intense flavor.
- 4 egg yolks – Use fresh eggs for the best result. The yolks add a special creaminess.
- 250 ml liquid cream – Make sure it is cream with a high fat content (at least 30%) to achieve an airy texture.
- 3 tablespoons of sugar – You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you want the mousse.
- 3 g gelatin sheets – Gelatin is essential to keep the mousse stable.
- Vanilla extract – The vanilla aroma will enhance the flavor of the white chocolate.
- Ladyfingers – Used for decoration, they bring a pleasant contrast of textures.
- Fresh berries of your choice (e.g., strawberries, blackberries, raspberries) – Fresh fruits add a touch of acidity and an attractive color to the dessert.

Step by step: preparing white chocolate mousse

1. Melting the chocolate
Start by breaking the white chocolate into small pieces and placing it in a glass bowl. Put the bowl over a double boiler, meaning above a pot of gently boiling water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted. Then, set the bowl aside and let it cool slightly. This is a crucial step, as hot chocolate should not be added to the yolk mixture, or it will coagulate.

2. Preparing the gelatin
Meanwhile, soak the gelatin in cold water, letting it hydrate for about 5-10 minutes. After it has swollen, drain the excess water and place the gelatin in another bowl with two tablespoons of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.

3. Beating the yolks
In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is called the "crème anglaise base" and will add a rich texture to the mousse.

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the melted white chocolate to the yolk mixture, stirring gently. Incorporate the dissolved gelatin and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well homogenized.

5. Whipping the cream
In another bowl, whip the liquid cream using a mixer until you achieve stiff peaks. It is essential not to overwhip it, as it may turn into butter.

6. Folding the cream into the chocolate mixture
Gently fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture using a spatula, making sure to use up-and-down motions to avoid deflating the cream. This will make the mousse airy and light.

7. Chilling the mousse
Pour the mixture into individual cups or bowls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse becomes firm.

8. Decorating and serving
When the mousse is ready, decorate it with ladyfingers and fresh berries. These not only add an attractive appearance but also a contrast of flavors and textures. You can also add a mint leaf for an extra touch of color.

Practical tips for a perfect mousse

- Use high-quality chocolate for an intense flavor. White chocolate has a high sugar content, so adjust the sugar amount in the recipe if you prefer a less sweet mousse.
- Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping; this will help it gain volume better.
- You can experiment with different flavors, such as espresso or liqueurs, to add a personal touch to your mousse.
- The mousse can be prepared a few days in advance, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense version of the mousse.

2. How can I make the mousse less caloric?
Try using low-fat cream or replace part of the cream with Greek yogurt.

3. Is gelatin necessary?
Gelatin is important to keep the mousse stable. If you prefer a vegan version, you can use agar-agar.

Pairings and serving suggestions

This white chocolate mousse pairs wonderfully with a sweet wine or a fruit cocktail. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or crunchy cookies. Another interesting option is to add a berry puree at the bottom of the cup for a delicious contrast.

Nutrition and calories

A serving of white chocolate mousse (approximately 150 g) contains about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a calorie-rich dessert but also provides valuable nutrients from eggs and cream. Additionally, white chocolate contains a significant amount of healthy fats that can contribute to well-being.

Now it's time to put on your apron and start cooking! White chocolate mousse is a dessert that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. With the right steps and ingredients, you will achieve a perfect result every time. Enjoy every spoonful of this refined dessert and don't forget to share it with your loved ones. Bon appétit!