Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Mousse is a refreshing yet indulgent dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a smooth, whipped texture. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that feels elegant and sophisticated, yet it’s light enough to enjoy after a heavy meal. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla enhances the flavor of the apples, giving this mousse a lovely, comforting taste. Whether you serve it in individual cups, as a topping for cakes, or alongside other desserts, it’s a perfect fall treat or year-round delight.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness adjustment)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with the lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and tender (about 8-10 minutes). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can add a little water to help the apples cook down.
- Once the apples are cooked and soft, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, puree the apples using a blender or food processor until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar (if using) together until soft peaks form. If you’re using mascarpone or cream cheese, beat them with the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy before adding the whipped cream.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pureed apple mixture until fully combined, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
- Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
- Serve the mousse chilled, garnished with additional cinnamon, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 4-6 servings, depending on portion size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to add more warmth to the mousse.
- Caramel Apple Mousse: Drizzle caramel sauce on top or fold in some caramelized apples for an extra indulgent twist.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream to make the mousse dairy-free.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch.
- Apple Flavored Gelatin: For an added texture, you can incorporate apple-flavored gelatin into the mousse for a firmer consistency.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This mousse doesn’t freeze well because of its airy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Reheating: Serve the mousse chilled or at room temperature. Do not heat, as it will affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this mousse?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they maintain their shape during cooking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
How do I make sure my mousse is fluffy?
The key to a fluffy mousse is whipping the cream to soft peaks and folding it gently into the apple puree. Be careful not to overmix, as it will deflate the mousse.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, this mousse can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It actually tastes even better after it has chilled for a few hours, as the flavors meld together.
Can I add a different flavor to the mousse?
Yes, you can add flavors like vanilla bean, caramel, or maple syrup to enhance the apple flavor and create a unique twist on this dessert.
Can I make this without whipped cream?
Yes, you can make a lighter version by omitting the whipped cream and increasing the amount of apple puree or using Greek yogurt for a creamy texture.
Is it possible to use canned apple puree?
While fresh apples are preferred for the best flavor, you can use unsweetened canned apple puree in place of fresh apples. Just be sure to check the consistency and adjust the sugar levels accordingly.
How do I make this mousse smoother?
For a smoother mousse, you can strain the apple puree to remove any bits of skin or pulp before folding in the whipped cream.
Can I add nuts to the mousse?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast. Simply sprinkle them on top or fold them into the mousse.
How can I make the mousse sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter mousse, you can adjust the sugar level during the cooking of the apples or add more powdered sugar to the whipped cream.
How do I know when the mousse is ready to serve?
The mousse is ready when it has chilled and set properly in the refrigerator. It should hold its shape when spooned into glasses and be light and airy.
Conclusion
Apple Mousse is a delightful, light, and creamy dessert that’s perfect for fall and beyond. With the freshness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the smooth, fluffy texture, it’s a treat that’s both elegant and comforting. This simple yet flavorful dessert is great for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday dinners. Whether you’re an apple fan or just looking for a refreshing dessert, this mousse is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Print
Apple Mousse
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Mousse is a light, airy dessert that combines the fresh, crisp flavors of apples with a creamy texture, making it a perfect, lighter alternative to heavier desserts.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness adjustment)
Instructions
Prepare apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. Place them in a saucepan with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook apples: Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender (about 8-10 minutes). Optionally, add a little water to help cook down.
- Puree apples: Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Puree the apples using a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Whip cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar (if using) until soft peaks form. If using mascarpone or cream cheese, beat them with vanilla extract until smooth before adding whipped cream.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pureed apple mixture until fully combined, being careful not to deflate the mousse.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with additional cinnamon, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples that balance sweetness and tartness like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese like cashew cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
