Save to Pinterest Celebrate the magic of winter with the Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons, a festive French dessert that beautifully captures the essence of snowy pines and delicate snowflakes. This elegant treat combines a moist pistachio-almond sponge with silky white chocolate mousse, all finished with a dusting of coconut flakes that evoke the serene tranquility of a winter forest blanketed in fresh snow.
Save to Pinterest This dessert not only delights the palate but also brings a charming winter theme to your table. Perfect for festive celebrations, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or champagne to enhance the flavors and elevate the experience.
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 when folding the egg whites into the almond mixture to keep the batter light and airy, ensuring a fluffy sponge. When melting white chocolate, use a gentle bain-marie to prevent scorching and maintain smoothness. Chilling the assembled dessert thoroughly will help the mousse set perfectly and enhance the snow-covered look.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground hazelnuts for pistachios to add a different but equally delicious nutty dimension. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, especially the white chocolate, are certified gluten-free. Adjust decorations to your preference by using sugar snowflakes in place of silver pearls or omitting rosemary for simplicity.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your Table dHiver Sapin chilled on a festive platter. Pair with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Champagne to balance the richness and bring a celebratory touch to your winter gathering.
Save to Pinterest With its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, the Table dHiver Sapin et Flocons offers a truly enchanting winter dessert experience. Whether for festive occasions or a cozy gathering, its delicate look and delightful taste will impress guests and warm hearts alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → How is the pistachio-almond sponge prepared?
Ground almonds and pistachio flour are whisked with eggs and sugar until fluffy, then folded with whipped egg whites and melted butter before baking.
- → What creates the mousse’s light texture?
The mousse combines melted white chocolate with gelatin-soaked cream and whipped cream, gently folded to retain airiness.
- → How can the shapes be formed?
After baking and cooling, the sponge is cut into pine tree shapes using a cookie cutter or knife for a festive presentation.
- → What decorative elements enhance the dessert?
Shredded coconut, white chocolate shavings, edible silver pearls, and rosemary sprigs are used to simulate snow and pine details.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains eggs, dairy, and tree nuts; cross-contamination with gluten may occur, so check ingredient labels carefully.