Save 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.
This platter has become a staple at our family gatherings, enchanting guests with its whimsical presentation and delightful flavors.
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 and Serve:
- Arrange the star shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and comet truffles on a large platter . Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy .
Save This dessert platter always brings joy to our celebrations, sparking conversations and compliments from guests of all ages.
Notes
Pair with a glass of sparkling wine or berry-infused mocktail to elevate the celestial experience.
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.
Save This stargazer dessert platter will dazzle your guests and make your celebrations truly unforgettable.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the galaxy effect in the mousse?
Swirl blue and purple tinted mousse layers gently in mini cups to create a celestial pattern that resembles a galaxy.
- → What is the best way to cut perfect star shapes for the shortbread?
Roll dough evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness and use a sharp star-shaped cookie cutter. Chill dough slightly if shapes lose definition during cutting.
- → Can I prepare the chocolate truffles in advance?
Yes, chill the truffle mixture until firm, then scoop and roll. They can be stored refrigerated for several days before serving.
- → How to prevent the mousse from deflating when folding in chocolate?
Fold the melted chocolate gently into whipped cream in small batches using a spatula to maintain airiness and volume.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the dairy ingredients?
Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can replace dairy ingredients, allowing for a vegan-friendly version while keeping texture intact.