Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse Recipe

Introduction

This Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse is a creamy and fragrant dessert that combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the delicate floral notes of orange blossom. It’s a refreshing and elegant treat perfect for any occasion.

Two clear round glasses on a white marbled texture surface, each filled with four visible layers: the bottom layer is smooth and golden, the second layer is white and creamy with small textured grains, the third layer is a glossy dark amber syrup spread unevenly, and the top layer has a mix of small chopped green pistachios, dark brown nuts, and orange zest curls. Each glass is garnished with a fresh green mint sprig and a half slice of fig showing a dark purple skin and a juicy, reddish interior. Two fig halves rest on the white marbled texture near the glasses. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and let the dates cool for a few minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms soft peaks.
  5. Step 5: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the date mixture, ensuring they are well combined without deflating the cream.
  6. Step 6: Gently incorporate the orange zest into the mixture, folding it in to distribute the flavor evenly.
  7. 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.
  8. Step 8: When ready to serve, sprinkle the top with chopped pistachios for an added crunch, if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before topping the mousse.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
  • Orange zest can be swapped with lemon zest for a different citrus note.
  • If you prefer a less sweet mousse, reduce the honey slightly.

Storage

Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the mousse may change texture.

How to Serve

The image shows two clear glass cups with a three-layer dessert placed on a white marbled surface. The first layer at the bottom is smooth and golden brown in color. The middle layer is creamy white with a bumpy texture that looks like tapioca pearls mixed into a pudding. The top layer is dark brown with a chunky texture, sprinkled with bright green chopped nuts and small bits of orange peel. A fresh green mint leaf and a sliced fig with a deep purple skin and red interior sit on top for decoration. One cup is in front and fully visible, while the second cup is slightly blurred in the background. Two fig slices lay on the surface near the cups. 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 mousse?

Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, but you can use other varieties. Just make sure to soak them if they are dry to soften before blending.

Is orange blossom essence necessary?

Orange blossom essence adds a signature floral aroma to this recipe, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute with a small amount of orange extract or leave it out entirely; the mousse will still be delicious.

Print
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Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Lebanese Date & Orange Blossom Mousse is a luscious and creamy dessert that beautifully combines the natural sweetness of Medjool dates with the floral notes of orange blossom essence. Lightly sweetened with honey and balanced with Greek yogurt and whipped cream, this mousse offers a delicate texture and refreshing citrus aroma, making it a perfect elegant treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 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

Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Toppings (Optional)

  • Chopped pistachios for topping

Instructions

  1. Soften the Dates: Place the finely chopped Medjool dates into a saucepan with 1/2 cup of water. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until the dates become soft and syrupy.
  2. Cool the Date Mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the softened dates to cool for a few minutes, ensuring they are not too hot for blending.
  3. Blend the Base Ingredients: Transfer the softened dates along with any remaining water into a blender or food processor. Add Greek yogurt, honey, orange blossom essence, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
  4. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form—this means the cream holds shape but is still light and airy.
  5. Fold the Cream into the Date Mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the date blend, combining them carefully so the mousse remains light and fluffy without deflating the whipped cream.
  6. Add Orange Zest: Incorporate the freshly grated orange zest into the mousse by folding it in evenly, introducing a fresh citrus aroma and subtle texture.
  7. Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving cups or bowls. Cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to chill and firm up.
  8. Serve with Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for an optional crunchy contrast and added flavor.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for the best natural sweetness and texture; other dates may alter the flavor and consistency.
  • If you do not have orange blossom essence, you can substitute with a small amount of orange extract, but adjust quantity to taste.
  • Chilling time is crucial for the mousse to set; avoid skipping this step.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream to make it dairy-free and vegan accordingly.
  • Ensure the cream is cold before whipping to achieve optimal volume and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Lebanese

Keywords: Lebanese mousse, date dessert, orange blossom, creamy mousse, healthy dessert, Middle Eastern dessert

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