Stargazers Dessert Platter

Featured in: Ginger Desserts

Discover a delightful collection that captures the essence of the night sky through star-shaped lemon shortbread, creamy galaxy mousse cups with vibrant swirls, and rich chocolate comet truffles. This platter combines buttery, zesty shortbread, silky mousse in blue and purple hues, and decadent truffles dusted with cocoa and shimmer dust. Perfect for special gatherings, the components bring both visual charm and varied textures to the table, inviting guests to indulge in a celestial-inspired treat.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:22:00 GMT
A dazzling Stargazers Dessert Platter, featuring star-shaped shortbread and galaxy mousse ready to be enjoyed. Save
A dazzling Stargazers Dessert Platter, featuring star-shaped shortbread and galaxy mousse ready to be enjoyed. | gingertaste.com

An enchanting assortment of celestial-themed mini desserts, perfect for parties or special nights under the stars. This platter features star-shaped lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles.

This dessert platter quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings thanks to its unique flavors and stunning presentation.

Ingredients

  • Lemon Star Shortbread: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Galaxy Mousse Cups: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate chopped, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, blue and purple food coloring, edible gold stars (optional)
  • Chocolate Comet Truffles: 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chopped, 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (20 g) cocoa powder, edible shimmer dust (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Star Shortbread:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out star shapes with a cookie cutter. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Make the Galaxy Mousse Cups:
Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Cool slightly. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold melted chocolate into whipped cream gently. Divide mousse into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one, purple to the other. Layer spoonfuls of colored mousse into mini dessert cups. Swirl gently for a galaxy effect. Chill at least 1 hour. Top with edible gold stars if desired.
Prepare the Chocolate Comet Truffles:
Heat cream and butter in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Chill mixture 1 hour until firm. Scoop and roll into small balls. Dust with cocoa powder and shimmer dust.
Arrange and Serve:
Arrange the star shortbread, galaxy mousse cups, and comet truffles on a large platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
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This recipe always brings smiles and joy when shared around the table with loved ones during special occasions.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Electric mixer, Saucepan, Star-shaped cookie cutter, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mini dessert cups or shot glasses, Spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, cream, chocolate), gluten (wheat flour). May contain soy (in chocolate). Always check product labels for possible nut or soy traces.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 420, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)

This Stargazers Dessert Platter presents creamy mousse and truffles, ideal for serving at your next party. Save
This Stargazers Dessert Platter presents creamy mousse and truffles, ideal for serving at your next party. | gingertaste.com

Enjoy this stellar dessert platter that combines flavor and fun in every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve the star shape for the lemon shortbread?

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter on the rolled dough before baking to create consistent shapes.

What gives the mousse its galaxy appearance?

Blue and purple food coloring are gently swirled into the whipped chocolate mousse to mimic a galaxy effect.

Can the chocolate comet truffles be made ahead?

Yes, they can be prepared in advance, chilled until firm, and rolled just before serving for best texture.

What is the best way to store the dessert platter?

Keep the assembled platter refrigerated and cover it to maintain freshness until serving.

Are there options to make this platter vegan?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter and cream alternatives in each component for a vegan-friendly version.

Stargazers Dessert Platter

An enchanting celestial dessert assortment with lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse, and chocolate truffles.

Setup duration
40 min
Heat application time
20 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Olivia Harper

Classification Ginger Desserts

Complexity Medium

Heritage International

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Lemon Star Shortbread

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 Zest of 1 lemon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt

Galaxy Mousse Cups

01 1 cup heavy cream
02 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Blue and purple food coloring
06 Edible gold stars (optional)

Chocolate Comet Truffles

01 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
02 1/4 cup heavy cream
03 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 1/4 cup cocoa powder
05 Edible shimmer dust (optional)

Preparation steps

Phase 01

Prepare Lemon Star Shortbread: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour until dough forms. Roll to 1/4-inch thickness, cut star shapes, arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.

Phase 02

Make Galaxy Mousse Cups: Melt chocolate over simmering water and cool slightly. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold melted chocolate into cream. Divide mousse; add blue coloring to one portion, purple to the other. Layer colored mousse in mini cups, swirl lightly, and chill at least 1 hour. Top with edible gold stars if desired.

Phase 03

Prepare Chocolate Comet Truffles: Heat cream and butter until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and chill 1 hour. Scoop mixture, roll into balls, then dust with cocoa powder and shimmer dust.

Phase 04

Assemble Platter: Arrange shortbread, mousse cups, and truffles on a large platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Star-shaped cookie cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mini dessert cups or shot glasses
  • Spatula

Potential allergens

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and may contain soy. Check for nut or soy traces on labels.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 420
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 4 g