Pin it An enchanting assortment of celestial-themed mini desserts, perfect for parties or special nights under the stars. This platter features star-shaped lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles.
I love serving this dessert platter at gatherings because it always gets compliments for both taste and appearance.
Ingredients
- Lemon Star Shortbread: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, Zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp salt
- Galaxy Mousse Cups: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Blue and purple food coloring, Edible gold stars (optional)
- Chocolate Comet Truffles: 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chopped, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (20 g) cocoa powder, Edible shimmer dust (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Star Shortbread:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes with a cookie cutter. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
- Make the Galaxy Mousse Cups:
- Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Cool slightly. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold melted chocolate into whipped cream gently. Divide mousse into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one, purple to the other. Layer spoonfuls of colored mousse into mini dessert cups. Swirl gently for a galaxy effect. Chill at least 1 hour. Top with edible gold stars if desired.
- Prepare the Chocolate Comet Truffles:
- Heat cream and butter in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Chill mixture 1 hour until firm. Scoop and roll into small balls. Dust with cocoa powder and shimmer dust.
- Arrange the star shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and comet truffles on a large platter:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Pin it This dessert platter always brings joy during family gatherings, especially when shared under the starry night sky.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Saucepan, Star-shaped cookie cutter, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mini dessert cups or shot glasses, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter, cream, chocolate), gluten (wheat flour). May contain soy (in chocolate). Always check product labels for possible nut or soy traces.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 4 g
Pin it This celestial dessert platter is sure to dazzle your guests and leave a lasting impression.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the star shape for the shortbread?
Roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to create uniform shapes before baking.
- → What creates the galaxy effect in the mousse cups?
Swirling blue and purple food coloring into the whipped chocolate mousse layers gives the mousse cups their celestial appearance.
- → Can I prepare the truffles ahead of time?
Yes, the chocolate truffles need to chill until firm, and can be made hours in advance for easier assembly.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the dairy ingredients?
Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can be used to adapt the dessert assortment for a vegan diet.
- → What serving suggestions complement this dessert platter?
This dessert pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or berry-infused mocktails for an elegant presentation.
- → How should the platter be stored before serving?
Refrigerate the assembled platter until ready to serve to keep the mousse and truffles fresh and firm.