Description
A smooth and airy Vanilla Mousse made with rich vanilla custard, stabilized whipped cream, and real vanilla bean. This make-ahead chilled dessert is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or simple family desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons plain gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh berries, chopped fruit, shaved chocolate, or mint for serving
Instructions
- Separate the eggs and place the yolks in a small bowl. Set aside the whites for another use or discard them.
- Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together until smooth with no lumps. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if the mixture feels too thick to stir.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and pod to a small pot, then pour in the milk.
- Heat the milk and vanilla until steaming. Slowly pour part of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the pot. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard bubbles and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and strain the custard. Press plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or until chilled and set.
- Place the cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Stir with a fork, then let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour the whipping cream into a clean, cool mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Warm the bloomed gelatin for about 20 seconds in the microwave, or gently heat it until melted. Do not let it get too hot.
- With the mixer running, drizzle the melted gelatin into the whipped cream. Continue beating until the cream reaches stiff peaks.
- Scoop about one-quarter of the whipped cream into the chilled custard and stir until combined.
- Add the loosened custard mixture back to the remaining whipped cream. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until fully combined.
- Spoon the mousse into serving cups. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Serve cold with berries, chopped fruit, shaved chocolate, whipped cream, or fresh mint.
Notes
- Chill the custard completely before folding it into the whipped cream.
- Do not boil the custard hard, because high heat can cause lumps.
- Strain the custard for the smoothest texture.
- Add toppings shortly before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and Chilled
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 29
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 205