Save Experience the magic of winter with Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons, a festive dessert that captures the essence of snowy pine forests and delicate snowflakes. This elegant French treat features a moist pistachio-almond sponge shaped like pine trees, topped with a luscious white chocolate mousse and finished with a dusting of coconut flakes that resemble freshly fallen snow. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this dessert offers a harmonious balance of nutty flavors and creamy sweetness, bringing a touch of winter wonderland to your table.
Save This dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual celebration of winter's beauty. The use of natural flavors like pistachio, almond, and vanilla paired with the snowy appearance of coconut and white chocolate makes it an enchanting centerpiece. Whether served at a festive dinner or a cozy family gathering, Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons never fails to impress with its charming presentation and delightful flavors.
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 maintain a light and airy sponge. Gently melt the white chocolate over a bain-marie to avoid burning or seizing. When heating the cream with egg yolks and sugar, keep the temperature low and stir constantly to achieve a silky custard without scrambling the eggs. Using a cookie cutter for uniform pine tree shapes ensures a beautiful final presentation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute ground hazelnuts for pistachios to vary the nutty flavor. For a gluten-free version, ensure that all ingredients, especially the white chocolate, are certified gluten-free. The inclusion of edible silver pearls or sugar snowflakes can be omitted or replaced depending on occasion and availability.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this winter dessert chilled alongside a glass of late-harvest Riesling or sparkling Champagne to complement its sweet and nutty notes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch that mimics pine trees, enhancing both aroma and appearance.
Save Table d'Hiver Sapin et Flocons is more than a dessert; it's an invitation to celebrate the beauty of the winter season through delicate flavors and enchanting presentation. With its balanced textures and festive appearance, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite at your holiday table and beyond.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the sponge cake like pine trees?
After baking and cooling, use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the sponge into pine tree shapes for a festive presentation.
- → What is the best way to dissolve gelatin for the mousse?
Soak gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes, squeeze out excess water, and dissolve them in the warm cream and egg yolk mixture without boiling.
- → Can I substitute pistachio flour with another nut flour?
Yes, ground hazelnuts can be used instead of pistachio flour to maintain a rich and nutty flavor.
- → How should I chill the dessert for optimal texture?
After assembling with mousse topping, chill the dessert for at least 45 minutes to allow the mousse to set properly and enhance flavors.
- → What decorations enhance the winter theme?
Sprinkle shredded coconut for a snowy effect, add white chocolate shavings, and optionally use edible silver pearls or fresh rosemary sprigs for pine tree accents.