Silky Smooth Classic Vanilla Mousse Recipe: A Dreamy Treat

Delicate and silky, this classic vanilla mousse recipe dances on the palate with pure elegance.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly into a dessert that whispers luxury and sophistication.

Light as clouds, each spoonful melts gracefully, releasing rich vanilla notes that enchant the senses.

Professional pastry chefs and home bakers alike adore this simple yet stunning dessert.

The secret lies in using premium ingredients and precise technique.

Smooth, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible, this mousse promises to become your go-to sweet treat for any special occasion.

Get ready to impress with a dessert that speaks volumes without saying a word.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 404 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Classic Vanilla Mousse

• Egg Yolks: Luxurious golden base that provides rich, silky texture and deep flavor complexity.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet enhancer that balances the creamy profile and helps stabilize the custard's structure.
• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that ensures smooth, velvety consistency without graininess.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid carrier that creates luscious, tender custard with soft mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Bean: Aromatic flavor powerhouse delivering intense, sophisticated vanilla essence with beautiful speckling.

• Gelatin: Elegant setting agent that transforms delicate cream into sturdy, perfectly structured mousse.
• Cold Water: Gentle dissolving medium for gelatin, ensuring smooth incorporation.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy component that provides cloudlike, airy texture and rich mouthfeel.

• Choose fresh, high-quality vanilla beans with glossy, plump appearance and visible moisture.
• Select gelatin from reputable brands for consistent setting performance.
• Use cold heavy cream straight from refrigerator for optimal whipping results.
• Opt for organic eggs and dairy for enhanced flavor profile.

Equipment Needed for Fluffy Vanilla Mousse

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for separating eggs and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg yolks, sugar, and creating silky custard.
• Saucepan: Needed to heat milk and create vanilla-infused base.
• Fine mesh sieve: Critical for straining custard and removing vanilla pod.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Required for whipping cream to soft and stiff peaks.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Great for folding cream into custard gently.
• Small saucepan: Used for melting gelatin softly.
• Individual serving cups: Ideal for chilling and presenting the mousse.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Vanilla Mousse

• Egg Yolk Preparation

Carefully separate egg yolks into a clean mixing bowl, ensuring no egg whites remain.

• Sweet Mixture

Combine yolks with sugar and cornstarch, whisking until silky and smooth.

• Vanilla Essence

Split fresh vanilla bean, scraping out fragrant seeds into warm milk. Let the mixture steep and develop rich flavors.

• Custard Creation

Slowly incorporate hot milk into yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Cook until the custard transforms into a thick, luxurious texture.

• Smooth Perfection

Strain custard through fine sieve to eliminate any potential lumps. Cover and chill thoroughly.

• Whipped Wonder

Softly whip cream until delicate peaks form. Incorporate stabilizing agent to maintain volume and structure.

• Magical Blending

Gently fold whipped cream into chilled custard, creating a light and airy texture.

• Serving Delight

Transfer mousse into elegant serving glasses. Refrigerate until perfectly set and wonderfully chilled.

Flavor Add-Ins & Tips for Vanilla Mousse

• Replace the vanilla bean with 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for a quicker, budget-friendly option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of whole milk to create a slightly less dense mousse with a more delicate texture.
• Infuse the mousse with a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto for an elegant adult twist that complements the vanilla perfectly.
• Fold in melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder during the final mixing stage to transform this classic vanilla mousse into a decadent chocolate-vanilla swirl dessert.
• Top the mousse with fresh berries, toasted almond slivers, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add visual appeal and complementary flavors.

Serving Classic Vanilla Mousse With a Twist

• Serve with Flavor Boosters: Garnish the vanilla mousse with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tangy contrast and vibrant color pop.
• Pair with Complementary Treats: Serve alongside crisp almond biscotti or delicate shortbread cookies that enhance the smooth, creamy texture of the mousse.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Layer the mousse in clear glass dessert cups to showcase its silky appearance, allowing guests to appreciate the beautiful vanilla-speckled cream.
• Add Textural Contrast: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or crushed pistachios on top to introduce a delightful crunch against the mousse's velvety consistency.

How to Store Classic Vanilla Mousse Perfectly

• Maximize Mousse Enjoyment: Storage & Meal Planning Tips
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the vanilla mousse in airtight containers in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Keep for up to 3 days to maintain peak freshness and creamy texture.
• Portion and Protect: Use individual serving cups with tight-fitting lids to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors. Wrap each container with plastic wrap for an extra layer of protection.
• Serve Chilled and Fresh: Remove mousse from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows the delicate texture to reach its most luxurious consistency.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible, freezing can compromise the mousse's silky smooth texture. If freezing, consume within 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Silky Vanilla Mousse Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delightful classic vanilla mousse highlights silky smooth textures and elegant French dessert techniques. Creamy layers of airy sweetness invite dessert enthusiasts to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 cups (16 fl oz / 473 ml) whipping cream
• 1 ½ cups (12 fl oz / 355 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 tbsps cold water
• 2 tbsps (16 g) cornstarch
• 1 ½ tsps plain gelatin

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Instructions

1. Egg Yolk Preparation: Separate egg yolks into a mixing bowl, reserving whites for future use.
2. Custard Base Creation: Whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until smooth, adjusting consistency with milk if needed.
3. Vanilla Infusion: Split vanilla bean and steep its seeds and pod in milk within a heavy saucepan, warming until aromatic and steaming.
4. Custard Development: Gradually blend heated milk into egg mixture, returning to pan and simmering while stirring constantly until thickened and coating the spoon’s back.
5. Custard Refinement: Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve to remove vanilla pod and ensure silky texture, then cover with plastic wrap directly touching surface and chill in refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
6. Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, allowing it to bloom for 5-10 minutes, then gently melt.
7. Cream Transformation: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then incorporate melted gelatin, continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
8. Mousse Integration: Fold one-quarter of whipped cream into chilled custard, then gently incorporate remaining cream, maintaining airiness and eliminating streaks.
9. Serving Preparation: Transfer mousse into individual serving vessels and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to set and develop luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Chill Utensils: Cool mixing bowls and whips beforehand to help whipped cream maintain maximum volume and stability.
• Gelatin Blooming: Always let gelatin sit in cold water exactly 5-10 minutes to activate properly without clumping.
• Temperature Control: Ensure custard and cream are similar temperatures when folding to prevent deflating the delicate mousse structure.
• Smooth Technique: Fold ingredients using a bottom-to-top motion with a spatula, rotating the bowl, to preserve airiness and prevent dense texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 187 mg