Save A whimsical and festive dessert platter featuring chocolate reindeer cupcakes, gingerbread antlers, and spiced cranberry mousse. Perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to delight guests of all ages.
This holiday dessert platter quickly became a family favorite as we enjoyed making and sharing it together. The combination of rich chocolate and spiced mousse always elicits smiles.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes: 120 g all-purpose flour, 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 140 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 120 ml whole milk, 60 ml vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 120 ml hot water
- For the Chocolate Frosting: 100 g unsalted butter softened, 200 g powdered sugar, 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Gingerbread Antlers: 100 g all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt, 40 g unsalted butter softened, 35 g brown sugar, 1 tbsp honey or molasses, 1 tbsp milk
- For the Spiced Cranberry Mousse: 150 g fresh or frozen cranberries, 60 g granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 120 ml heavy cream, 100 g cream cheese softened
- Decoration: 8 red candy-coated chocolates (for noses), 16 candy eyes, 16 mini pretzels (optional for extra antlers)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 8 paper liners.
- Step 2:
- Prepare the chocolate cupcakes: In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gradually mix in hot water. Fill liners 2/3 full. Bake for 18 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Step 3:
- Make the chocolate frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa, mixing slowly. Add milk and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
- Step 4:
- For gingerbread antlers: Combine flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in honey and milk. Add dry ingredients mix until dough forms. Chill 15 minutes. Roll out to 0.5 cm thick, cut antler shapes (use a template or knife), and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 10 minutes. Cool.
- Step 5:
- For cranberry mousse: Simmer cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan for 10 minutes until soft. Cool, then blend smooth. Whip cream to soft peaks. Beat cream cheese until smooth, fold in cranberry puree, then gently fold in whipped cream.
- Step 6:
- Assemble cupcakes: Frost each cupcake with chocolate frosting. Insert gingerbread antlers (or pretzels), add candy eyes and red nose.
- Step 7:
- Serve cupcakes on a platter with bowls or quenelles of cranberry mousse and extra antlers for dipping.
Save This dessert brings back warm holiday memories as the family gathers around the table to decorate and enjoy the sweet treats together.
Notes
Use a light sparkling wine or hot chocolate to complement the dessert platter perfectly. Store components separately and assemble just before serving for best freshness.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, saucepan, baking sheet, rolling pin, piping bag or spatula are needed to prepare this dessert.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and soy (in some candy decorations). Contains nuts if using nut-based candies or decorations. Double-check all candy decorations for potential allergens.
Save This dessert platter is sure to be the star of your holiday table bringing joy and festive spirit. Enjoy every bite and the memories created.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of cocoa powder is ideal for the chocolate cupcakes?
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor and balances sweetness in the cupcakes.
- → Can I substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones for the mousse?
Yes, frozen cranberries work equally well; just thaw before cooking to ensure smooth blending.
- → How are the gingerbread antlers shaped?
The antlers are rolled out and cut using a template or knife into branched shapes, then baked until firm.
- → Is it possible to prepare components in advance?
Yes, cupcakes, frosting, antlers, and mousse can be made ahead and assembled just before serving for freshness.
- → What alternatives exist for the candy decorations?
You can use mini pretzels or other edible decorations to add texture and visual appeal on top of cupcakes.
- → Can this dessert platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose, and substitutions may be made for other allergies, but check each ingredient carefully.