The Jasmine Lychee Coconut Mousse Cake is a refined dessert that elevates classic mousse into a sophisticated multi-layered creation. Crafted in individual dome molds, each serving combines a silky jasmine-infused mousse with a vibrant lychee jelly center and a golden, buttery coconut financier base. The floral fragrance of jasmine tea entwines beautifully with the tropical sweetness of lychee, while the nutty, tender coconut base adds warmth and texture, creating a dessert that is both visually stunning and exquisitely balanced. The interplay of textures—from the airy mousse to the slightly firm jelly and the crisp, nutty financier—makes every bite a complex yet harmonious experience. Designed for elegance, this cake is perfect for special occasions, formal dinners, or any moment when a dessert needs to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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Coconut financier base (for five small rounds)
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Lychee jelly insert: strained lychee puree (from canned lychee), gelatin
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Jasmine tea mousse: whole milk infused with jasmine tea, whipping cream infused with jasmine tea, egg yolks, sugar, gelatin
Directions
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Begin by preparing the coconut financier base, baking it into small, evenly sized rounds that will serve as the foundation for the domes.
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For the lychee jelly insert, strain canned lychee to create a smooth puree, then bloom gelatin in cold water and incorporate it carefully into the puree. Pour the mixture into small molds and freeze until solid.
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Infuse the milk and cream with jasmine tea: gently heat the milk until nearly boiling, steep the tea to extract flavor, then cool; do the same with the cream, allowing it to absorb the aromatic jasmine notes without developing bitterness.
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Prepare the mousse by whisking egg yolks with sugar, tempering with the infused milk, and adding bloomed gelatin for stability. Fold in the chilled, jasmine-infused cream to create a light, airy texture.
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Assemble the domes by pouring jasmine mousse halfway into 8 cm dome molds, then place the frozen lychee jelly discs in the center. Carefully top with more jasmine mousse to encase the jelly completely, ensuring the layers remain balanced and centered. Freeze the assembled domes until fully solid to preserve their shape for glazing.
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Prepare the mirror glaze, heating it to the ideal temperature range of 90–94°F. Once the domes are frozen, unmold them onto a wire rack and pour the glaze evenly over each one, allowing it to drip naturally and cover the domes smoothly.
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Position the glazed domes onto the coconut financier rounds. Finish the presentation by pressing shredded coconut along the edges and topping each dome with a half lychee, adding both texture and visual elegance. Allow the desserts to thaw fully in the refrigerator before serving to ensure optimal creaminess and flavor.
Nutrients
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Rich in creamy dairy (milk, cream), providing protein and calcium
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Eggs contribute high-quality protein and healthy fats
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Lychee delivers vitamin C and natural sweetness
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Coconut financier adds a hint of healthy fats from coconut and almond flour (if used)
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Jasmine Lychee Coconut Mousse Cake captivates with its multi-layered elegance and refined flavor contrasts. The jasmine tea infusion in both the milk and cream produces a gentle, aromatic profile that permeates the mousse, offering a light floral note that complements the tropical sweetness of the lychee insert. The jelly provides a refreshing, slightly firm textural contrast to the soft mousse, creating a pleasant interplay of sensation on the palate. The coconut financier base adds warmth with subtle nuttiness and a tender bite, grounding the dessert while highlighting the delicate flavors above. Together, these elements create a visually arresting dessert, where glazed domes rest gracefully on golden bases, edged with shredded coconut, and topped with fresh lychee halves for a refined presentation that transforms each portion into a miniature work of art.
The Benefits of the Ingredients
Each component of this dessert contributes both flavor and nutritional value. Jasmine tea is naturally aromatic and contains antioxidants that provide a calming effect. Lychee enriches the dessert with vitamin C and light natural sweetness, balancing the richer elements of dairy and eggs. Coconut lends healthy fats and a subtle crunch when shredded, while the eggs, milk, and cream supply high-quality protein and contribute to the creamy, satisfying mouthfeel. The financier, often made with almond or coconut flour, provides a gluten-free-friendly structure along with a small protein boost and nutty undertones. Collectively, these ingredients strike a balance between indulgence and nutritive benefit, offering a dessert that feels luxurious yet thoughtfully composed.
Cooking Tips
Precision and patience are essential for executing this dessert successfully. When infusing milk and cream with jasmine tea, it’s important to heat gently and allow adequate steeping time to extract full flavor without bitterness. Gelatin must be bloomed properly in cold water and then dissolved evenly to ensure a smooth texture in both the mousse and the lychee jelly insert. Careful layering is crucial: pouring mousse only halfway before adding the frozen jelly ensures that the insert remains centered and the final dome is perfectly symmetrical. Maintaining the mirror glaze within the 90–94°F temperature range is critical—too hot, and it will melt the mousse; too cool, and it will fail to coat smoothly. Freezing the domes fully before glazing preserves the inner structure, allowing for clean, even coverage. Unmolding should be done gently with offset spatulas to prevent damage, and garnishing strategically with shredded coconut and lychee halves can mask minor imperfections while enhancing the presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Jasmine Lychee Coconut Mousse Cake chilled rather than frozen solid to ensure the mousse retains its silky, airy texture. Allow the domes to rest for 10–15 minutes after removing from the freezer to achieve optimal flavor and mouthfeel. Present on a light-colored or contrasting plate to highlight the dome shape and delicate pale tones, allowing the glaze and garnishes to stand out. Pair with complementary beverages such as a cup of jasmine tea or a mild, citrusy white wine that echoes the dessert’s floral and fruity notes. For entertaining, consider offering mini versions of the domes, allowing guests to enjoy multiple flavors without overindulgence.
Conclusion
The Jasmine Lychee Coconut Mousse Cake exemplifies the art of modern pastry, combining sophisticated layering, refined flavor, and textural contrast into a single elegant dessert. The floral jasmine mousse, bright and refreshing lychee insert, and tender coconut financier base work in harmony to create a dessert that is as visually impressive as it is delectable. While the recipe demands careful attention to temperature control and precise assembly, the results are rewarding: individual domes that glide effortlessly between textures, flavors, and aromas. Its thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures a balance of indulgence and subtle nutrition, while the elegant presentation transforms the dessert into a centerpiece-worthy creation. Ideal for celebrations, dinner parties, or moments of self-indulgence, this mousse cake elevates any table and showcases how meticulous technique and premium ingredients can deliver a memorable, sophisticated dessert experience.