Save Celebrate the magic of winter with the Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons, a dessert that invites you to a snowy forest scene through its delicate layers. This festive French treat features a moist pistachio-almond sponge shaped like pine trees, topped with a cloud of airy white chocolate mousse. Finished with shredded coconut reminiscent of freshly fallen snow and garnished with white chocolate shavings and optional silver pearls or rosemary sprigs, it creates a truly enchanting experience for your holiday table.
Save With its elegant presentation and harmonious flavors, this dessert pairs beautifully with late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Champagne, completing your festive meal with a touch of luxury and warmth.
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
For best results, ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff but not dry. Gently folding the whites into the almond mixture preserves the light texture of the sponge. When melting the white chocolate, keep the temperature low to prevent scorching. Allow the mousse to set sufficiently in the fridge to achieve a clean piped or spooned snow effect.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If pistachio flour is unavailable or preferred, substitute with ground hazelnuts for a different nutty note. To keep the dessert gluten-free, verify that all ingredients, particularly the chocolate, are certified gluten-free. Decorations can be adapted to seasonal themes by switching rosemary for other edible greenery or colored sprinkles.
Serviervorschläge
Present these snow-covered pine tree cakes on a festive platter for an impressive centerpiece dessert. Complement the rich flavors with a glass of late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Champagne to elevate your winter celebration. Serve slightly chilled for optimal texture and taste.
Save This Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons dessert brings the quiet beauty of a winter forest to your plate. With its delicate textures and subtle flavors, it's sure to enchant your guests and create memorable moments around the table during the holiday season and beyond.
Kitchen Help
- → What gives the sponge its nutty flavor?
The sponge incorporates ground almonds and pistachio flour, providing a rich, nutty taste and tender texture.
- → How is the white chocolate mousse stabilized?
Gelatin is used to gently set the mousse, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency that holds shape during chilling.
- → Can the decoration be customized?
Yes, shredded coconut imitates snow, while edible silver pearls and rosemary sprigs add festive flair and visual appeal.
- → Is there an option for a gluten-free version?
By verifying all ingredients, especially the chocolate, are certified gluten-free, this dessert can be adapted accordingly.
- → What is the best way to shape the sponge for serving?
The sponge is cut into pine tree shapes using cookie cutters or a knife to enhance the winter theme aesthetics.
- → How long should the dessert chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 45 minutes allows the mousse to set properly and flavors to meld before serving.