Save A whimsical and festive dessert platter featuring chocolate reindeer cupcakes, gingerbread antlers, and spiced cranberry mousse. Perfect for holiday gatherings and sure to delight guests of all ages.
This dessert platter has become a holiday tradition in my family; the kids love decorating their cupcakes and the cranberry mousse adds a perfect seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Reindeer Cupcakes: 120 g all-purpose flour, 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 140 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 120 ml whole milk, 60 ml vegetable oil, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 120 ml hot water
- Chocolate Frosting: 100 g unsalted butter softened, 200 g powdered sugar, 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Gingerbread Antlers: 100 g all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1/8 tsp baking soda, pinch of salt, 40 g unsalted butter softened, 35 g brown sugar, 1 tbsp honey or molasses, 1 tbsp milk
- Spiced Cranberry Mousse: 150 g fresh or frozen cranberries, 60 g granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, 120 ml heavy cream, 100 g cream cheese softened
- Decoration: 8 red candy-coated chocolates (for noses), 16 candy eyes, 16 mini pretzels (optional for extra antlers)
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 8 paper liners.
- Step 2 Prepare cupcakes:
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then gradually mix in hot water. Fill liners 2/3 full. Bake for 18 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Step 3 Make frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa, mixing slowly. Add milk and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
- Step 4 Make gingerbread antlers:
- Combine flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar, then mix in honey and milk. Add dry ingredients mix until dough forms. Chill 15 minutes. Roll out to 0.5 cm thick, cut antler shapes (use a template or knife), and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 10 minutes. Cool.
- Step 5 Prepare cranberry mousse:
- Simmer cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan for 10 minutes until soft. Cool, then blend smooth. Whip cream to soft peaks. Beat cream cheese until smooth, fold in cranberry puree, then gently fold in whipped cream.
- Step 6 Assemble cupcakes:
- Frost each cupcake with chocolate frosting. Insert gingerbread antlers (or pretzels), add candy eyes and red nose.
- Step 7 Serve:
- Serve cupcakes on a platter with bowls or quenelles of cranberry mousse and extra antlers for dipping.
Save This platter always brings everyone together; the kids enjoy assembling their cupcakes and the adults love the festive flavors.
Notes
Use a light sparkling wine or hot chocolate to pair. Store components separately; assemble just before serving for best freshness.
Required Tools
Muffin tin, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Saucepan, Baking sheet, Rolling pin, Piping bag or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and soy (in some candy decorations). Contains nuts if using nut-based candies or decorations. Double-check all candy decorations for potential allergens.
Save This dessert platter is perfect to impress guests and create joyful holiday memories easily and deliciously.
Common Questions
- → How can I make the cupcakes moist and tender?
Use a combination of oil and milk in the batter and add hot water gradually to help the cocoa bloom, resulting in moist and tender cupcakes.
- → What spices enhance the gingerbread antlers?
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create the classic warm flavors typical of gingerbread, adding festive aroma and taste to the antlers.
- → How do I achieve a smooth spiced cranberry mousse?
Simmer cranberries with sugar and warming spices until soft, then blend thoroughly before folding into whipped cream and cream cheese for a silky texture.
- → Can I assemble the platter ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes and gingerbread antlers, and prepare the mousse in advance. Assemble the platter just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → Are there alternatives for decorating the cupcakes?
Mini pretzels can be used as extra antlers and candy eyes or chocolate chips make great accents for festive character decorations.