Description
Classic French Vanilla Mousse is a light and creamy dessert made with rich vanilla-infused custard folded into whipped cream, offering a smooth and airy texture perfect for an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- pinch of salt
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (cold)
Instructions
- Infuse Milk with Vanilla: If using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean seeds (and pod, if using) over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to extract the full vanilla flavor.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is smooth and pale in color, ensuring even incorporation for a smooth custard.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
- Cook the Custard: Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a smooth custard, about 5–7 minutes. Do not allow it to boil, which could cause the eggs to scramble.
- Cool the Custard: Remove from heat and discard the vanilla pod if used. Let the custard cool completely to room temperature to prepare for folding with the whipped cream.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Fold Cream into Custard: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard in batches. Use a spatula to carefully combine them until the mixture is smooth and uniform without deflating the air whipped into the cream.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added elegance, top with shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
- The mousse can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
