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 dessert platter always impresses my guests and brings a magical touch to our gatherings under the night sky.
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 desserts:
- Arrange the star shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and comet truffles on a large platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Save This platter is a family favorite, often enjoyed while sharing stories under the stars during special occasions.
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) and 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 per serving.
Save With these steps and tips, your Stargazers Dessert Platter will dazzle guests and create magical dessert moments.
Common Questions
- → How do I shape the shortbread into stars?
Roll the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out each shortbread piece before baking.
- → What gives the mousse its galaxy appearance?
The mousse is divided into two portions tinted with blue and purple food coloring, then gently swirled in layers inside mini cups to create a galaxy effect.
- → Can the chocolate comet truffles be made ahead?
Yes, the truffle mixture can be chilled until firm, then rolled and dusted. They can be stored refrigerated until serving.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the dairy ingredients?
Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can be used to make vegan versions of the shortbread, mousse, and truffles.
- → How should the platter be served and stored?
Arrange all components on a large platter and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.