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Vanilla Mousse

This light and creamy vanilla mousse is an easy, no-bake dessert that feels fancy but comes together with simple ingredients. Perfect for an elegant vanilla sweet or a comforting homemade treat, this mousse is smooth, fluffy, and full of rich vanilla flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Method
 

Bloom the Gelatin
  1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
Warm the Milk
  1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling.
Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until smooth and pale.
Temper the Eggs
  1. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Thicken the Mixture
  1. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Whip the Cream
  1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Fold and Chill
  1. Gently fold the whipped cream into the vanilla mixture until smooth. Divide into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Top with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle.
  • Sprinkle with crushed cookies or graham crackers for added crunch.
  • Serve in elegant glasses for a classic vanilla dessert experience.

Storage:

  • Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month for an ice cream-like treat.