Eggnog Mousse Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with holiday flair, Eggnog Mousse absolutely deserves a place at your table. Imagine the silky-smooth texture of classic mousse mingling with the nostalgic flavor of creamy eggnog, all layered over a snappy gingerbread streusel base. It’s festive, delightfully light, and just the right amount of decadent. This is the kind of treat that gets people talking, reaching for seconds, and asking for the recipe before the last spoonful disappears.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Eggnog Mousse is all about balancing a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, from creating a luscious, cloud-like mousse base to adding that irresistible spiced crunch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:

• Gingerbread cookies (125 g, crushed): Brings a nostalgic crunch and a burst of warm spice to every bite.
• Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Helps bind the cookies into a cohesive, crumbly streusel base.
• Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, cold): Whips up into soft peaks for the mousse’s signature airy texture.
• Milk (1 cup): Softens the mousse, balancing out the rich eggnog.
• Eggnog (1 cup): The star of the show, infusing every spoonful with classic holiday flavor.
• Large egg yolks (6): Adds richness and helps thicken the custard base.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp): Sweetens and balances all the other flavors.
• Cornstarch (1 Tbsp + 1 tsp): Essential for thickening the custard without making it heavy.
• Gelatin (2 tsp, or 6g or 3 sheets): Provides the perfect set for mousse that holds its shape but melts in your mouth.
• Vanilla bean paste (2 tsp, or 1 scraped vanilla bean): Adds deep, aromatic warmth and beautiful flecks throughout the mousse.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): That must-have eggnog spice—don’t skip it!
• Ground cloves (pinch): A tiny pinch goes a long way for warmth and depth.
• Ground cinnamon (pinch): Rounds out the spice mix with its sweet, woody notes.

How to Make Eggnog Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Streusel

The perfect Eggnog Mousse starts with a base that’s crisp and spiced: gingerbread streusel. Pulse gingerbread cookies in a food processor until you have a coarse crumb—not too fine, so you still get bites of crunch. Mix with the melted butter until clusters form. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350F for 5 minutes. This quick bake intensifies the cookies’ toasty notes and helps the streusel set. Allow the streusel to cool completely, then spoon it generously into the bottoms of your serving jars or bowls.

Step 2: Get Everything Chilled and Ready

For a mousse that’s ultra-light, cold cream is key. Place the heavy whipped cream in a mixing bowl, ideally one that you can pop into the fridge along with the whisk or whisk attachment. At the same time, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and set aside. The gelatin will bloom, so it dissolves smoothly into the custard later on—no gritty surprises.

Step 3: Infuse the Milk and Eggnog with Spices

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of the total milk and eggnog mixture with all your spices and vanilla bean paste. Gently heat over medium, stirring regularly until the mixture steams and comes to a gentle boil. This step infuses your liquid with all those aromatic flavors, setting the stage for a mousse that’s deeply spiced but not overpowering.

Step 4: Make the Egg Custard Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of milk/eggnog mixture with the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, making a thick, smooth paste. This mixture is what gives Eggnog Mousse its satiny body. Once the spiced milk mixture is hot, slowly drizzle it into the yolk base while whisking constantly—this tempers the yolks and prevents any scrambling.

Step 5: Thicken and Set the Custard

Pour the combined mixture back into your pot and return to medium-high heat. Whisk constantly (don’t walk away!) as it thickens and bubbles. Once boiled, remove from heat and immediately stir in your bloomed gelatin until fully melted. This is what gives the mousse its wonderfully light yet spoonable set.

Step 6: Cool and Combine with Cream

Strain the custard mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to catch any stray bits, then cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely—an ice bath can speed things up if you’re impatient (I often am!). When the custard is cool, whip your chilled cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the custard. The mousse should be light, pillowy, and incredibly tempting even at this stage.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Pipe or spoon the Eggnog Mousse over the prepared streusel bases in your jars or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours. The mousse sets to just the right texture—soft but not runny, holding its shape invisibly over that irresistible gingerbread crunch.

How to Serve Eggnog Mousse

Garnishes

What’s a festive dessert without a flourish? Top your Eggnog Mousse with a dollop of softly whipped cream, a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, and a few extra gingerbread cookie crumbs. If you’re feeling playful, tuck in a little gingerbread cookie or chocolate shavings for a cheerful touch that makes every glass look like a holiday celebration.

Side Dishes

Eggnog Mousse plays well with others. Serve it alongside crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread, or a fruit compote—think poached pears or caramelized apples. These playful sides offer a lovely contrast to the mousse’s cloudlike texture and really round out a festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

This dessert shines in almost any setting. Try layering it in clear mason jars for a portable, make-ahead treat. Or, opt for elegant coupe glasses for a formal dinner party. For a fun twist, serve Eggnog Mousse in edible chocolate cups, mini tart shells, or even as a trifle with extra layers of streusel and whipped cream. Let your holiday spirit guide you!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Eggnog Mousse is the kind of dessert you’ll want to savor over a few days. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids. It will remain perfectly luscious and fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they meld—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

While mousse can technically be frozen, the delicate whipped texture may change when thawed. If you do want to freeze Eggnog Mousse, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and whisk gently before serving to restore some of its original fluffiness.

Reheating

This is one dessert that is best served cold. If you accidentally left your Eggnog Mousse in the freezer, simply pop it in the fridge until it’s fully thawed before serving. Resist the temptation to microwave it, as that can affect the silky, light texture you worked hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I make Eggnog Mousse ahead for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, Eggnog Mousse is even better when made a day in advance. The mousse has time to fully set and the flavors meld beautifully, so all you have to do before serving is add your garnishes.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought eggnog works perfectly in this recipe and saves you time. If you have a favorite homemade eggnog, feel free to use that for a personal touch!

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Eggnog Mousse?

This recipe is non-alcoholic as written, but if you like a little extra cheer, you can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the eggnog mixture. For a family-friendly dessert, simply leave it out.

How do I know if the mousse has set properly?

The mousse should have a soft, slightly jiggly appearance but hold its shape when spooned. Chilling for at least 1–2 hours ensures the gelatin works its magic and the texture is spot-on.

Can I use whipped topping instead of real cream?

For the most luxurious, authentic mousse experience, real heavy whipping cream is a must. Whipped topping can be used in a pinch, but your Eggnog Mousse may not have quite the same rich taste and airy texture.

Final Thoughts

Eggnog Mousse is, hands down, one of the most irresistible ways to capture everything festive and comforting about the holiday season. Whether you’re gathering with family or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this dessert never fails to charm. Give it a try, and prepare yourself for plenty of compliments and holiday cheer!

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