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.
I first served this delightful dessert at a family holiday party and it was an instant hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the Chocolate Frosting: 100 g unsalted butter softened, 200 g powdered sugar, 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the 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
- For the 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 to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 8 paper liners.
- Step 2:
- Prepare the chocolate 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 the chocolate frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa, mixing slowly. Add milk and vanilla, then beat until fluffy.
- Step 4:
- For 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:
- For 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 cupcakes on a platter with bowls or quenelles of cranberry mousse and extra antlers for dipping.
Save This dessert platter has brought us together many holidays, creating warm family memories as everyone enjoys decorating and sharing the treats.
Notes
Pair with a light sparkling wine or hot chocolate. 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 Enjoy this festive dessert to bring joy and creativity to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Help
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread antlers?
The antlers are flavored with ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, providing a warm, aromatic taste that complements the chocolate cupcakes.
- → Can the cranberries in the mousse be substituted?
Yes, raspberries make a delicious alternative to cranberries, offering a similar tartness with a slightly different berry profile.
- → How should the dessert platter be stored before serving?
Store each component separately in airtight containers. Assemble the platter just before serving to maintain texture and flavor freshness.
- → Is there an option for gluten-free ingredients?
Gluten-free flour can be used for both the cupcakes and gingerbread antlers to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What decorations are used to create the reindeer effect?
The cupcakes are decorated with candy-coated chocolates for noses, candy eyes, and gingerbread or pretzel antlers to mimic reindeer features.
- → What is the best pairing for this dessert platter?
Light sparkling wine or hot chocolate complements the rich chocolate and spiced flavors beautifully.