Save Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons is a charming festive dessert inspired by winter's snowy pine forests and delicate snowflakes. This elegant French creation combines a pistachio-almond sponge cake with a luscious white chocolate mousse, finished with coconut flakes that mimic fresh snow. Perfect for your holiday table, it delivers both visual wonder and delicious flavor in every bite.
Pin it Creating the pine tree shapes and layering the mousse evokes the feeling of a winter landscape, making this dessert not only delicious but also a fun centerpiece for your holiday gathering. Its French origin brings a touch of sophisticated elegance to traditional festive sweets.
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 your time folding the egg whites gently into the almond mixture to keep the sponge light and airy. When melting the white chocolate, use gentle heat over a bain-marie to avoid burning. Chill the mousse well to allow it to set and create that beautiful snow-covered look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground hazelnuts for pistachios if desired to give a different nutty character. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, especially the chocolate, are certified gluten-free. This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons chilled alongside a glass of late-harvest Riesling or Champagne for a festive pairing. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a pine tree effect and edible silver pearls or sugar snowflakes to add sparkle.
Pin it This winter dessert embodies the spirit of the season, combining subtle nutty notes with creamy sweetness and a snowy finish that will enchant your guests. It’s a delightful way to bring the magic of a snowy forest to your holiday celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives the sponge its distinct flavor?
The sponge incorporates ground almonds and pistachio flour, providing a nutty and aromatic base that complements the mousse well.
- → How is the white chocolate mousse stabilized?
Gelatin is soaked and dissolved in the warm cream and egg yolk mixture, helping the mousse set firmly after chilling.
- → Can the coconut flakes be replaced?
Yes, while shredded coconut mimics fresh snow visually, white chocolate shavings or edible silver pearls offer alternative decorative options.
- → What is the recommended chilling time before serving?
The dessert should be chilled for at least 45 minutes to ensure the mousse firms up and the flavors meld beautifully.
- → Is there a gluten-free adaptation?
Ensure all ingredients, especially chocolate and powdered gelatin, are certified gluten-free to accommodate gluten sensitivities.