Why Make This Recipe
Creating Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes is a delightful experience that combines cooking with art. These stunning cakes not only taste fantastic but also serve as beautiful decorations for the holiday season. The mirror glaze gives a shiny, reflective finish that resembles ornaments, making them a standout dessert at festive gatherings.
Making these ornament cakes can be a fun project for families and friends. It allows for creativity, as you can decorate them in various ways and personalize the colors to fit your theme. Enjoying your homemade treats brings extra joy during the holidays.
Equipment Needed for Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
To successfully create these stunning cakes, you’ll need some basic equipment. Having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone molds (round or ornament-shaped)
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Food processor (for crust ingredients)
- Electric mixer (for mousse)
- Microwave-safe bowls (for melting chocolate)
- Thermometer (for glaze temperature)
What You Need to Make Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon sea salt or fleur de sel
2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
12 g caramelized white chocolate (like Valrhona Dulcey, optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
75 g semisweet chocolate (finely chopped: 50g 60% dark chocolate and 25g 38% milk chocolate)
1 sheet leaf gelatin or 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
2 tablespoons finely ground pecans
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup organic or demerara sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
1 to 2 teaspoons whole milk (as needed)
1 sheet leaf gelatin or 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
1/4 cup caramel (store-bought or measured out from the batch you made earlier)
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg yolk (at room temperature)
40 g caramelized white chocolate (like Valrhona Dulcey or regular white chocolate, finely chopped)
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
6 sheets leaf gelatin or 2 tablespoons powdered gelatin
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup corn syrup or glucose syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
7 oz good quality white chocolate (finely chopped)
Gel or powdered food coloring
6 pieces Rolo candies (unwrapped and dusted with gold luster, for decoration)
How to Cook Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes Step by Step
Start by making the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Allow it to boil without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream and sea salt. Stir until smooth and then mix in the butter followed by the caramelized white chocolate if using. Set aside to cool.
Next, prepare the chocolate crémeux. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and whole milk over medium heat. In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and sugar. Gradually mix in the hot cream mixture, then return it all to the saucepan. Cook slowly, stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate and gelatin. Let it cool slightly before moving forward.
Now, for the chocolate pecan crust, process finely ground pecans, flour, cocoa powder, and sugar in a food processor. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon or two of whole milk until it just holds together. Press this mixture into the bottom of the silicone molds and bake for about 12-15 minutes until set.
Once the crust is baked and cooled, it’s time to make the caramel mousse. Start by blooming the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes. Next, combine the caramel, whole milk, and egg yolk in a bowl. Heat this mixture over low heat until it begins to steam. Remove from the heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin and caramelized white chocolate. Let this base cool.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled caramel mixture until just combined. You’ll want to keep it light and airy. Spoon this mousse into the molds on top of the cooled chocolate pecan crust, then place them in the freezer to set.
While they are setting, prepare the mirror glaze. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water on medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and allow to boil for about 5 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and mix in the sweetened condensed milk and chopped white chocolate until fully melted and smooth.
If you want to color your glaze, divide it into separate bowls and add gel or powdered food coloring, mixing well until the desired color is achieved. Allow the glaze to cool down to about 90°F before using it.
Once the mousse is set, gently remove them from the molds. Place each cake on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch the excess glaze. Slowly pour the mirror glaze over each cake, ensuring an even coating. Allow excess glaze to drip off before placing them on serving plates.
How to Serve Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
These delightful ornament cakes are best served chilled. Carefully slice each cake to reveal the beautiful layers inside. A single cake can be a perfect dessert for individual servings during a festive meal.
For an elegant presentation, arrange the cakes on a decorative platter, preferably with holiday-themed decorations like holly or sparkling snowflakes. Add a little sparkle by placing the gold-dusted Rolo candies on top or around the cake, giving it a truly festive touch.
What to Serve With Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
These enchanting cakes pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
You might also serve them with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, which enhance the overall visual appeal and provide a tart complement to the sweetness.
Spiced hot chocolate or a warm cup of coffee can nicely balance the dessert’s richness and create a cozy atmosphere.
How to Store Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
To keep your ornament cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can typically last for up to three days.
If you have leftovers, it’s best to avoid freezing them once they’ve been glazed, as the mirror finish might lose its luster upon thawing. Instead, try to consume them within a couple of days to enjoy their full flavor and visual charm.
Tips to Make Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
When making the mirror glaze, ensure the temperature is just right for a glossy finish. If the glaze is too hot, it can lose its shine.
For even baking, give your crust the time it needs to cool completely before layering the mousse on top.
Don’t rush the gelatin blooming process; this step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your mousse.
Experiment with colors and toppings to create a personalized touch for your ornament cakes!
Variation
For a different take on these cakes, consider using different flavored mousses such as vanilla bean or peppermint to create a seasonal flavor. You can also swap the chocolate pecan crust for a gingerbread crust for a more traditional holiday taste.
If you want a more tropical flair, try adding coconut milk to the mousse or incorporating layers of fruit puree between the mousse and crust. The variations are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Best Time to Make Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes
The best time to make these cakes is about a week before the holidays. This timeline allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and they can be ready to serve during holiday gatherings.
Making them a few days in advance frees up your holiday schedule and guarantees a stunning dessert that will impress your guests when it counts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake to avoid is not allowing the crust to cool completely before adding the mousse. This can result in a melting texture that does not hold well.
Additionally, not letting the mirror glaze cool to the correct temperature before pouring it on can create unsightly drips. Always check the temperature to achieve that beautiful sheen.
Lastly, rushing the gelatin blooming process can lead to lumps in your mousse. Be patient and ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved for optimal results.
Nutritional Notes
These cakes are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation, especially around the holidays. Each serving is rich in flavor and indulgent, thanks to the butter and cream content.
It’s important to balance this dessert with lighter meals or healthier options throughout the day. Always keep your dietary needs in mind, especially if sharing with loved ones.
FAQs
1. Can I use different molds for these cakes?
Yes, you can use any shape of silicone molds! Just ensure they are flexible enough for easy removal.
2. Can I freeze the cakes after they are made?
While it’s best to avoid freezing them once glazed, you can freeze the unglazed cakes for a couple of weeks and glaze them later.
3. How do I get a shiny mirror glaze?
The key to a shiny glaze is to ensure it’s at the correct temperature when poured. It should be between 90°F and 95°F for the best results.
Conclusion
Mirror Glaze Christmas Ornament Cakes are a festive delight that combines fun, creativity, and delicious flavors. These cakes will not only be a centerpiece at your holiday table; they also provide a wonderful opportunity to bring family and friends together in the kitchen.
With a bit of patience and some simple ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every step of this baking adventure, and celebrate the season with these beautiful treats!
