Name: Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse: A Creamy Delight Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup pure honey; 1 tablespoon orange blossom essence; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Zest from 1 orange; Chopped pistachios for topping

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Introduction

This Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse is a creamy, fragrant dessert that beautifully combines the natural sweetness of dates with the delicate aroma of orange blossom. It’s a refreshing treat that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

Two clear round glasses sit on a white marbled texture, each filled with three layers: the bottom layer is smooth and orange, the middle is creamy white with small tapioca pearls visible, and the top is a thick dark amber sauce with bits of nuts and chopped green pistachios scattered on top. A quartered fig with rich purple skin and orange-red inside along with small orange zest curls and fresh green mint leaves decorate each glass. Two fig quarters rest beside the glasses on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup pure honey
1 tablespoon orange blossom essence
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Zest from 1 orange
Chopped pistachios for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chopped dates in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the dates soften.
Step 2: Remove from heat and let the dates cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Transfer the softened dates along with any leftover water into a blender or food processor. Add the Greek yogurt, honey, orange blossom essence, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms soft peaks.
Step 5: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the date mixture, ensuring they are well combined without deflating the cream.
Step 6: Gently incorporate the orange zest into the mixture, folding it in to distribute the flavor evenly.
Step 7: Spoon the mousse into serving cups or bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to chill and firm up.
Step 8: When ready to serve, sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios for an added crunch, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, skip the pistachio topping or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
Use light coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Adjust the amount of honey based on the natural sweetness of your dates.
Chill the mousse overnight for an even firmer texture and enhanced flavors.

Storage

Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating is necessary, it’s best served cold, so no reheating is recommended. Stir gently before serving if the texture separates slightly.

How to Serve

Two clear glasses show three layers of a dessert placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is smooth and orange, the middle layer is creamy white with a grainy texture, and the top layer is a mix of brown syrup and crushed green nuts. Each glass is topped with a small slice of fig, fresh green mint leaves, and a few strands of orange zest. Two fig slices rest on the surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Medjool dates with other soft, sweet dates like Deglet Noor, but Medjool dates provide the best texture and sweetness for the mousse.

Is orange blossom essence necessary?

Orange blossom essence adds a unique floral note that complements the dates beautifully, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of orange zest or a splash of orange juice for similar flavor.