Pin this 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 dessert platter has become my go-to for holiday parties, always impressing my guests with its charm and flavor combinations.
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.
Pin this Making this dessert platter brings the whole family together each holiday as we enjoy decorating the cupcakes and sharing stories.
Required Tools
Muffin tin Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Saucepan Baking sheet Rolling pin Piping bag or spatula
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 365 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 4 g per serving
Pin this Enjoy this festive dessert platter as a centerpiece to your holiday celebrations and watch it become a new tradition.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the cupcakes moist?
Ensure not to overbake and use the specified ratios of oil and milk for moisture. Cooling completely before frosting helps maintain softness.
- → Can I substitute the cranberries in the mousse?
Yes, raspberries make a great alternative, lending a slightly different tartness while maintaining the mousse's texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to shape the gingerbread antlers?
Roll out dough to about 0.5 cm thickness and cut shapes using a template or knife. Chill before baking to keep edges sharp.
- → How should I store the components before serving?
Keep cupcakes, frosting, antlers, and mousse refrigerated separately. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → Are there any common allergens in this platter?
This platter contains wheat, eggs, milk, and soy in candy decorations. Nut allergies may apply if nut-based candies are used.