Rich White Chocolate Mousse Tart

This decadent white chocolate mousse tart is a treat that adds elegance and flavor to any occasion. With its rich, creamy filling and tender pastry crust, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something sweet, this tart hits all the right notes—delicate, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This White Chocolate Mousse Tart

This white chocolate mousse tart is the perfect combination of creamy sweetness and a delightful hint of spice. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Quick dessert – Ready in about an hour, this elegant tart is perfect when you need something special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

• Simple ingredients – You’ll only need basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create this impressive dessert—no fancy or hard-to-find items required.

• Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare this tart earlier in the day or even the night before, making it perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

• Unique flavor combination – The subtle heat from cayenne pepper and warmth of cinnamon in the crust creates an unexpected but delicious contrast with the smooth, sweet white chocolate mousse.

Ingredients

For the white chocolate mousse:

• 2 egg yolks

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 80 grams white chocolate

For the pastry:

• 350 grams all-purpose flour

• 125 grams unsalted butter

• 125 grams sugar

• 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the White Chocolate Mousse Base

Begin by beating the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture becomes pale and smooth.

Meanwhile, heat ¼ cup of cream in a double boiler until it is warm.

Pour this heated cream over the egg yolk mixture, stirring well to combine.

Return the mixture to the heat and cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Remove from heat and pour over the broken pieces of white chocolate, stirring until the chocolate melts completely.

Allow the mixture to cool thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Whip the Cream and Combine

In a separate bowl, beat the remaining cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate and egg mixture until fully combined, taking care not to deflate the air from the whipped cream.

Once mixed, refrigerate the mousse until you’re ready to use it for your dessert.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Pastry Dough

Preheat your oven to 190ºC (374ºF).

In a food processor, add flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon, pulsing to combine.

Add small squares of cold butter and pulse until the mixture reaches a fine breadcrumb consistency.

Mix in sugar and briefly pulse again.

Add the eggs and egg yolk, pulsing just until the dough comes together.

Step 4: Refrigerate and Roll Out Pastry

Turn the dough out onto a dry surface and gently work it with your hands until it becomes firm and well combined.

Wrap the dough in greaseproof paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Once chilled, roll the dough out and cut it to fit your tartlet tins or muffin trays.

Step 5: Blind Bake the Pastry

Line the pastry with baking paper and add baking beans or weights to prevent it from rising.

Bake the pastry blind for 10 minutes.

Carefully remove from the oven, take off the baking paper and weights, and then bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden.

Ensure not to overcook, as they can become too crisp.

Allow the tartlet cases to cool on wire racks.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve the White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets

Once the tartlet cases have cooled, spoon the white chocolate mousse into each case.

Optionally, decorate each tartlet with your choice of fruit and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and icing sugar in equal quantities.

Alternatively, spoon the mousse into glasses, refrigerate until needed, and serve topped with fruit or white chocolate shards for a delightful white chocolate mousse dessert.

Servings and Timing

• Preparation Time: 30-45 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 45-65 minutes

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings

Variations

• Fruit topping: Top the tart with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a fresh, tart contrast to the sweetness of the mousse.

• Flavor twist: Replace the cayenne pepper and cinnamon with vanilla extract or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

• Chocolate addition: Add a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce on top or sprinkle with chocolate shavings for an added touch of decadence.

Storage/Reheating

• Chill: This white chocolate mousse tart needs to be kept cold! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart shell up to 2 days in advance—just wrap it well and keep it at room temperature. The mousse filling is best made the day you plan to serve, but it can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept chilled until you’re ready to assemble.

• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the mousse texture can become grainy when thawed. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it within the first couple of days.

FAQs

1. Can I make this tart without cayenne pepper?

Yes, you can skip the cayenne pepper if you prefer a less spicy flavor or substitute it with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.

2. What kind of white chocolate is best for this recipe?

For the best results, use high-quality white chocolate that contains cocoa butter. Brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Callebaut are excellent choices.

3. Can I use whipped cream instead of heavy cream?

No, heavy cream is essential because its fat content is needed to achieve the correct texture for the mousse. Whipping cream has less fat and won’t work as well.

4. Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought tart crust if you’re looking to save time, but the homemade pastry adds a rich flavor and texture to the tart.

5. Can I use white chocolate chips instead of a bar?

It’s best to use a white chocolate bar rather than chips. Chips often contain stabilizers that may affect the texture of the mousse.

6. How do I prevent the mousse from being too runny?

Ensure that the white chocolate mixture is fully cooled before folding in the whipped cream. This helps the mousse set properly.

7. Can I freeze the mousse tart?

Freezing is not recommended as the mousse texture can become grainy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

8. Can I make the tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the tart shell up to 2 days in advance and store it at room temperature. The mousse filling should be made the same day or up to 4 hours ahead and kept chilled.

9. What other fruits pair well with white chocolate mousse?

Besides berries, other fruits like mango, kiwi, or even poached pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy mousse.

10. How long should I let the tart set in the fridge?

For the best results, let the tart set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to ensure the mousse is fully firm.

Conclusion

This rich white chocolate mousse tart is an easy yet impressive dessert that combines creamy sweetness with a delicate spice-infused crust. Perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself, this tart will become a crowd favorite in no time. Whether you make it the night before or serve it fresh, it’s sure to be a hit!

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