Sophia Langley
A crisp buttery tart shell filled with silky white chocolate mousse and topped with vibrant strawberries – these Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets are an irresistible bite-sized luxury. Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, afternoon tea, or a special celebration, these dainty delights bring elegance to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
The white chocolate mousse is incredibly smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness with a subtle cocoa undertone. Paired with the tart freshness of strawberries and the delicate crunch of the shell, each bite offers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. They’re visually stunning too, making them an ideal treat to impress guests or to enjoy when you’re in the mood to spoil yourself.
What Kind of Tart Shell Should I Use?
Shortcrust pastry is your best friend here. Look for a buttery base that can hold the mousse without becoming soggy. You can use store-bought mini tart shells for convenience, but if you enjoy baking, making your own with flour, butter, sugar, and egg yolk will give you that homemade magic. Just ensure they’re fully baked and cooled before filling.
Ingredients for the Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets
White Chocolate – The star of the show. Choose high-quality white chocolate bars rather than chips for the smoothest melt and flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream – Whips into a fluffy, stable base for the mousse, giving it that dreamy texture.
Gelatin Powder – Helps the mousse set while keeping its light consistency. Unflavored gelatin works best.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the sweetness of the mousse.
Mini Tart Shells – Provide the crisp contrast to the mousse. Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
Fresh Strawberries – Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. They sit perfectly atop the mousse and offer a bright contrast.
Powdered Sugar – For a delicate finish and that signature patisserie look.
How To Make the Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Chop your white chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a tablespoon of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom, then gently heat (microwave for 10 seconds or over warm water) until fully dissolved. Stir into the melted chocolate.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as the mousse should be light and airy.
Step 4: Combine and Fold
Once the white chocolate has cooled to room temperature, gently fold the whipped cream into it in batches. Use a spatula and fold slowly to keep the airiness intact.
Step 5: Assemble the Tartlets
Spoon or pipe the mousse into each tart shell, smoothing or swirling the top for presentation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set properly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top each tartlet with halved or whole strawberries. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve chilled and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth delight!
How to Serve and Store These Tartlets
Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets are best served chilled, right after garnishing with strawberries and powdered sugar. Present them on a serving platter or individual dessert plates with a sprig of mint or drizzle of white chocolate for a fancy touch. These tartlets are the definition of “pretty enough to post” and taste even better than they look.
To store, keep the tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They hold up beautifully for up to 3 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance. Just be sure to add the strawberries and powdered sugar right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
What to Serve With Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets?
Sparkling Rosé
A bubbly rosé pairs well with the creamy mousse and fresh berries, elevating the dessert to a special-occasion experience.
Espresso or Cappuccino
The bitterness of strong coffee balances the sweetness of the white chocolate perfectly, making it an ideal after-dinner combo.
Lemon Sorbet
Serve a small scoop alongside the tartlet for a refreshing citrusy contrast that cuts through the richness.
Pistachio Biscotti
For added crunch and a nutty complement, pair the tartlets with a crisp biscotti on the side.
Berry Compote
A warm berry compote spooned next to the tartlets adds depth and enhances the fresh strawberry topping.
Mint Iced Tea
For a lighter, non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of mint iced tea provides a clean and fragrant pairing.
Vanilla Bean Gelato
Add a scoop of vanilla bean gelato for an indulgent double-dessert duo.
Want More Tartlet Dessert Ideas?
If you loved these Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets, here are some other dessert recipes to explore next:
- Mini Coconut Cream Pies: A Bite-Sized Tropical Delight for a taste of creamy coconut sunshine.
- Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Rolls that are bursting with berry goodness.
- White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake if you’re a fan of the white chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls for a bright citrus contrast to rich tarts.
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes to satisfy that sweet-and-salty craving.
Save This Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets Recipe
Planning to wow your friends at your next dinner party or just want a luxurious solo treat? Be sure to save this recipe now – it’s one of those desserts you’ll keep coming back to.
Tried these tartlets? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you stick to strawberries or go wild with blueberries, raspberries, or maybe even edible flowers? Drop your tips or flavor twists in the comments.
📌 Pin this recipe to your “Desserts That Impress” board on Pinterest. Trust me, your future self will thank you the next time you’re prepping for a celebration!
Want more decadent dessert inspiration? Follow TasteBursts Recipes on Pinterest and uncover your next show-stopping sweet creation!
Elegant White Chocolate Mousse Tartlets
Equipment
- Heatproof bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 mini tart shells
- 170 grams white chocolate about 6 oz
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 fresh strawberries halved or whole for garnish
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Chop the white chocolate and melt it gently in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat it briefly to dissolve, then stir into the melted white chocolate.
- Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled white chocolate mixture in batches, keeping the mousse airy.
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into the tart shells. Smooth the tops or add a swirl if desired. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish each tartlet with strawberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.