Decadent Pistachio Mousse with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Introduction
This Decadent Pistachio Mousse with Rich Chocolate Ganache is a delightful dessert that combines the nutty flavor of fresh pistachios with the smooth richness of chocolate. Light, creamy, and elegant, it’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat at home.

Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pistachios (shelled and unsalted)
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp gelatin
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely grind the fresh pistachios in a food processor until they reach a powdery consistency.
- Step 2: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Remove the cream from heat and add the ground pistachios. Stir well to combine, then allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for a few minutes. Gently heat this mixture until the gelatin fully dissolves.
- Step 5: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the pistachio cream mixture until fully incorporated. Pour the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate until set, about 3-4 hours.
- Step 6: Melt the dark chocolate to create the ganache—pour it over the set mousse before serving for a rich finishing touch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before grinding to enhance their nuttiness.
- Use white chocolate ganache instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter contrast.
- If you don’t have gelatin, agar-agar is a suitable vegetarian substitute—adjust the quantity according to package instructions.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios or fresh berries for added texture and color.
Storage
Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chocolate ganache separate and add it just before serving to prevent it from softening the mousse. If needed, gently re-chill before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mousse a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the chocolate ganache just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have gelatin?
Agar-agar powder is a good vegetarian alternative. Use according to the package directions to ensure the mousse sets properly.
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Decadent Pistachio Mousse with Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Decadent Pistachio Mousse with Rich Chocolate Ganache is a luxurious dessert featuring finely ground pistachios blended into a creamy mousse, topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for those who love the nutty flavor of pistachios combined with the richness of dark chocolate, this dessert is both elegant and indulgent.
Ingredients
Pistachio Mousse
- 2 cups fresh pistachios (shelled and unsalted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp gelatin
- 2 tbsp water
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (assumed standard ganache ratio)
Instructions
- Grind Pistachios: Start by finely grinding the fresh pistachios in a food processor until they reach a fine powder consistency, which will create a smooth texture for the mousse.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved to infuse flavor into the cream.
- Combine Pistachios and Cream: Remove the cream mixture from the heat and stir in the ground pistachios thoroughly. Allow this mixture to cool slightly to prevent gelatin from degrading in the next step.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a separate bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. Then gently heat the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely without boiling.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Add the dissolved gelatin to the pistachio cream mixture, stirring well to ensure it’s fully integrated.
- Chill the Mousse: Pour the mousse mixture into serving glasses or molds and refrigerate until it is firmly set, approximately 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream just to a simmer, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Add Ganache Topping: Once the mousse is set, pour or pipe the chocolate ganache on top, then chill briefly to allow the ganache to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted pistachios to control the salt content in the dessert.
- Ensure the cream mixture is cooled before adding gelatin to maintain a smooth texture.
- The gelatin must be gently heated to prevent losing its setting properties.
- Refrigerate the mousse long enough to fully set for the best texture, at least 4 hours.
- For a richer ganache, adjust the cream to chocolate ratio to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: Pistachio mousse, chocolate ganache, creamy dessert, nutty mousse, rich dessert, gluten free dessert, elegant mousse

