Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse: A Creamy Delight Recipe
This Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse is a luscious, creamy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with fragrant orange blossom essence. Lightened with whipped cream and Greek yogurt, it’s a delicate, refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup water
Dairy and Sweeteners
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pure honey
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom essence
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Zest from 1 orange
Toppings (Optional)
- Chopped pistachios for topping
- Soften the Dates: Place the finely chopped Medjool dates in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the dates become soft and pliable.
- Cool the Dates: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the softened dates cool for a few minutes to prevent cooking the yogurt later.
- Blend the Date Mixture: Transfer the softened dates and any leftover water into a blender or food processor. Add Greek yogurt, honey, orange blossom essence, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with a mixer or whisk until soft peaks form, making it light and fluffy.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the date and yogurt mixture. Carefully combine them to maintain the mousse’s airy texture without deflating the cream.
- Add Orange Zest: Incorporate the orange zest gently into the mousse, folding it in evenly to infuse the dessert with fresh citrus notes.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving cups or bowls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up.
- Serve with Toppings: Before serving, sprinkle the mousse with chopped pistachios for an optional crunchy contrast that complements the creamy texture.
Notes
- Use Medjool dates for their natural sweetness and soft texture.
- Ensure the dates are cooled before blending with yogurt to prevent curdling.
- Whip the cream just until soft peaks form to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Orange blossom essence adds a unique floral aroma; use pure quality essence for the best flavor.
- The mousse can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream and yogurt with coconut cream and plant-based yogurt respectively.
- Chopped pistachios are optional but add a lovely texture and flavor contrast.
Keywords: Lebanese dessert, date mousse, orange blossom, creamy mousse, healthy dessert, Mediterranean sweets