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 delightful dessert has become my go-to for holiday parties because it combines rich chocolate flavors with festive decorations everyone loves.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with 8 paper liners.
- 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.
- Make Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa mixing slowly. Add milk and vanilla then beat until fluffy.
- 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.
- Make 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.
- Assemble Cupcakes:
- Frost each cupcake with chocolate frosting. Insert gingerbread antlers (or pretzels), add candy eyes and red nose.
- Serve:
- Serve cupcakes on a platter with bowls or quenelles of cranberry mousse and extra antlers for dipping.
Save This recipe always brings the family together around the dessert table, making holidays even more special.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 365, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save This festive dessert platter is sure to impress your guests and add magic to your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the chocolate cupcakes moist?
Use a combination of vegetable oil and milk to keep the cupcakes tender and moist. Adding hot water to the batter helps bloom cocoa flavors and create a rich texture.
- → What spices are used in the gingerbread antlers?
The antlers contain ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of baking soda to enhance the warm, spiced flavor and crisp texture.
- → Can I substitute cranberries in the mousse?
Yes, raspberries make a good alternative for a similar tartness and vibrant color in the mousse.
- → How should I store the components before serving?
Keep cupcakes, frosting, gingerbread antlers, and cranberry mousse separately refrigerated and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What frosting complements the chocolate cupcakes?
A smooth chocolate buttercream frosting provides a creamy, rich layer that balances the cakey texture and adds sweetness.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This platter contains wheat, eggs, milk, and soy (in some decorations). Nuts may be present if nut-based candies are used.