Pin 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 dessert platter quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, bringing smiles to both kids and adults with its playful presentation and delicious components.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pin Gathering around the dessert platter during the holidays creates cherished family moments, filled with laughter and shared joy over each bite.
Notes
Pair with a light sparkling wine or hot chocolate to enhance the festive mood. 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.
Pin This holiday dessert platter is a delightful centerpiece that's sure to make your celebrations extra special.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep gingerbread antlers crisp?
Allow antlers to cool completely on a wire rack after baking to maintain crispness. Store in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
- → Can I substitute the cranberries in the mousse?
Yes, raspberries work well as an alternative, offering a similar tartness and vibrant color.
- → What’s the best way to frost the cupcakes evenly?
Use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the frosting smoothly, starting from the center and working outwards for an even layer.
- → How long should I chill the gingerbread dough before cutting?
Chill the dough for at least 15 minutes to ensure it firms up, making it easier to roll and cut detailed shapes.
- → Can this dessert platter be prepared in advance?
Yes, bake and frost cupcakes, prepare antlers and mousse separately, then assemble just before serving for freshness.
