Pin Celebrate the magic of winter with Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons, a French dessert that captures the essence of snowy pine forests and delicate snowflakes. This elegant treat features a tender pistachio-almond sponge crowned with light, airy white chocolate mousse and dusted with coconut flakes that mimic freshly fallen snow. Perfect for festive gatherings, it brings a touch of frost-kissed beauty to your dessert table.
Pin This dessert melds classic French pastry techniques with a whimsical winter theme, making it both an impressive centerpiece and a delightful treat. Its layers of flavor and texture reward your patience and care, especially after chilling brings the mousse to perfect set.
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
Ensure that the egg whites are beaten separately to stiff peaks before folding gently into the almond mixture. Melt the white chocolate gently over a bain-marie to prevent overheating and curdling. When heating the cream and egg yolks, avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture. Chilling the mousse-covered cakes thoroughly helps set the layers and enhances the snow-like effect once decorated.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground hazelnuts for pistachio flour if you prefer a different nutty note. For gluten-free options, verify that all ingredients, particularly the white chocolate, are certified gluten-free. This dessert adapts well to personal touches while maintaining its signature winter charm.
Serviervorschläge
Serve chilled as an impressive finale to holiday meals. Complement the delicate sweetness with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or a crisp Champagne for a festive pairing. Garnish with edible silver pearls or fresh rosemary sprigs to enhance the woodland winter theme.
Pin With just a bit of patience and these detailed steps, your Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons will delight guests and bring the serene beauty of winter right to your dessert plate, making any celebration a little more magical.
Recipe Q&A
- → What ingredients create the sponge texture?
The sponge uses ground almonds, pistachio flour, eggs, and sugar whisked gently to create a light and fluffy base.
- → How is the white chocolate mousse prepared?
The mousse blends melted white chocolate, whipped cream, and gelatin gently folded with an egg yolk and sugar mixture heated with vanilla.
- → What decorative elements enhance the dessert's appearance?
Shredded coconut flakes mimic snow, complemented by white chocolate shavings and optionally silver pearls or rosemary sprigs for a wintery look.
- → Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Yes, by ensuring all ingredients, especially chocolate, are certified gluten-free, the dessert fits a gluten-free diet.
- → How should the pine shapes be cut?
Use a cookie cutter shaped like pine trees or carefully cut with a knife to create festive and uniform pieces.
- → What is the best way to serve and store this dessert?
Chill the assembled dessert for at least 45 minutes before serving, keeping it refrigerated to maintain texture and freshness.