Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse with Gingerbread Crunch
Highlighted under: Sweet Recipe Collection
Indulge in the rich and velvety Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse topped with a delightful Gingerbread Crunch for a perfect holiday dessert.
This Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse with Gingerbread Crunch is the ultimate festive dessert. The luscious mousse, infused with warm cinnamon, pairs perfectly with the crisp and spicy gingerbread topping, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with warming cinnamon
- Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth
- Crunchy gingerbread topping adds a festive twist
A Perfect Holiday Treat
The holiday season calls for indulgent desserts that bring warmth and joy, and this Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse with Gingerbread Crunch fits the bill perfectly. The combination of rich chocolate and aromatic cinnamon creates a luxurious experience that delights the senses. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a special treat to enjoy at home, this mousse will impress everyone around the table.
The addition of the gingerbread crunch not only adds a delightful texture but also enhances the holiday spirit. Its crunchiness contrasts beautifully with the silky mousse, making each bite an adventure. This dessert is sure to become a staple in your holiday repertoire, bringing smiles and satisfaction to all who partake.
Why Cinnamon and Chocolate Unite
Cinnamon and chocolate are a classic pairing that has stood the test of time. Both ingredients bring their unique characteristics to the dish: chocolate offers a deep, rich flavor while cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice. This combination is not only delicious but also evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making it the perfect choice for holiday celebrations.
Incorporating cinnamon into a chocolate mousse elevates the dessert, giving it a seasonal flair. The spice complements the chocolate's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. Guests will be surprised by the subtle complexity of this dessert, as it transcends the traditional chocolate mousse experience.
Tips for Perfect Mousse
Achieving the perfect chocolate mousse requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to whipping the egg whites and cream. Make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are clean and free from any grease, as this can prevent the egg whites from reaching stiff peaks. It's also essential to fold the ingredients gently to maintain the airy texture that makes mousse so delightful.
When melting the chocolate, ensure it cools slightly before combining it with the whipped ingredients. This prevents the heat from cooking the egg whites and cream. Patience is key here; allowing the mousse to chill thoroughly will result in a beautifully set dessert that holds its shape when served. Don’t rush the chilling process; the wait will be worth it.
Ingredients
Mousse
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Gingerbread Crunch
- 100g gingerbread cookies, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and prepare for the mousse and crunch.
Instructions
Prepare the Mousse
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate with cocoa powder and cinnamon over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly.
Whip the Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Combine Ingredients
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the cream, then fold in the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.
Chill the Mousse
Divide the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Prepare the Gingerbread Crunch
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, mix crushed gingerbread cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until crunchy.
Serve
Top the chilled mousse with gingerbread crunch before serving. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover mousse, you’ll be pleased to know that it stores well in the refrigerator. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Enjoying it the next day can be a delightful treat, as the flavors have had time to meld further.
The gingerbread crunch, however, is best enjoyed fresh. If you have any leftovers, store them in a separate container at room temperature to preserve their crunchiness. Avoid mixing them into the mousse until you’re ready to serve, as moisture can cause them to lose their delightful texture.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! For a different flavor twist, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the chocolate mixture. The citrus notes will complement the rich chocolate and cinnamon beautifully, adding a sophisticated layer to the dessert.
If you want to make this dessert even more festive, sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy over the top along with the gingerbread crunch. The minty flavor will provide a refreshing contrast to the chocolate and cinnamon, making it a perfect choice for holiday festivities.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, the mousse can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less intense.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free gingerbread cookies for the crunch.
Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse with Gingerbread Crunch
Indulge in the rich and velvety Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse topped with a delightful Gingerbread Crunch for a perfect holiday dessert.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Recipe Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Mousse
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Gingerbread Crunch
- 100g gingerbread cookies, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
How-To Steps
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate with cocoa powder and cinnamon over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the cream, then fold in the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.
Divide the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, mix crushed gingerbread cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until crunchy.
Top the chilled mousse with gingerbread crunch before serving. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g