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Perfect Mint Julep Mousse Cups Recipe with Cardamom Whipped Cream

mint julep mousse cups - featured image

Light, refreshing mousse cups infused with mint and bourbon, topped with cardamom-spiced whipped cream. Perfect for summer parties or quiet evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy whipping cream (for mousse)
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (loosely packed)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin powder
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cold water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy whipping cream (for cardamom whipped cream)
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional garnishes: fresh mint sprigs, grated dark chocolate or chocolate shavings, cocoa powder or edible gold flakes

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons cold water in a small saucepan. Let it stand for 5 minutes until it absorbs the water and swells.
  2. Gently heat the gelatin over low heat, stirring until completely dissolvedβ€”about 1-2 minutes. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix finely chopped fresh mint with bourbon. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to infuse flavors. For a smoother mousse, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove mint bits.
  4. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 2 cups cold heavy cream with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed).
  5. Slowly add the dissolved gelatin and mint-bourbon mixture into the whipped cream, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the mousse airy.
  6. Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving cups or ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
  7. Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 3 hours, or until set and firm to the touch.
  8. About 15 minutes before serving, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  9. Spoon or pipe the cardamom whipped cream over the set mousse. Garnish with mint sprigs, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

Chill bowls and tools before whipping cream for better volume. Do not over-whip cream to avoid graininess. Bloom gelatin properly to prevent clumps. Fold gelatin gently into whipped cream to maintain airiness. Prepare mousse ahead and add whipped cream just before serving. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and agar-agar. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with mint-infused simple syrup or lime juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint julep mousse, cardamom whipped cream, bourbon dessert, summer mousse, light dessert, mousse cups, easy mousse recipe