Recipe: Coconut Mousse with Watermelon Chunks

Recipe: Coconut Mousse with Watermelon Chunks

Coconut mousse with watermelon chunks is a refreshing and creamy dessert that combines the tropical flavors of coconut with the sweet, juicy taste of watermelon. This dessert is light, airy, and the perfect treat for hot summer days when you crave something sweet yet refreshing. The smooth coconut mousse pairs beautifully with the crunchy watermelon chunks, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

This recipe is not only simple to make but also versatile. You can serve it at a summer gathering, a barbecue, or as a light dessert after a hearty meal. It's a great way to enjoy fresh fruit in a unique way, transforming watermelon into a refreshing addition to a mousse. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time, saving you precious time when entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Coconut Mousse:

• 1 1/2 cups canned coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup cold water

For the Watermelon Chunks:

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed and de-seeded
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if you prefer sweeter watermelon)
• A few fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

For Serving:

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Shredded coconut (optional)

Equipment:

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Small bowl for gelatin
• Serving glasses or bowls

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Mousse

1. Soften the Gelatin
   In a small bowl, add the cold water and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it. Let the gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes, which allows it to absorb the water and swell.

2. Heat the Coconut Milk
   In a medium saucepan, pour the coconut milk and heavy cream. Heat it over low to medium heat, whisking occasionally. You don’t want to bring it to a boil; just heat it enough to warm through and create a smooth mixture.

3. Dissolve the Gelatin
   Once the coconut milk and cream are heated, add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the saucepan and whisk it into the coconut milk until completely dissolved. If you have trouble dissolving the gelatin, you can heat the mixture a little more, but make sure it doesn’t boil. Once dissolved, remove from heat.

4. Add Sugar and Vanilla
   Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved. The mixture should now be smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Cool the Mixture
   Let the coconut mixture cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, pour it into a mixing bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it begins to set but is still slightly pourable.

6. Whip the Cream
   While the coconut mixture is chilling, whip the heavy cream. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Make sure the cream is cold for best results.

7. Fold the Whipped Cream into the Coconut Mixture
   Once the coconut mixture is slightly set, gently fold in the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. The whipped cream will help give the mousse its light and airy texture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; fold it in gently to keep the volume.

Step 2: Prepare the Watermelon Chunks

1. Cube the Watermelon
   Cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh. Cut it into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds as you go.

2. Optional: Sweeten the Watermelon
   If your watermelon isn’t as sweet as you like, sprinkle the cubes with a little sugar and stir gently to coat. This step is optional, as watermelon is naturally sweet during the summer months.

3. Chill the Watermelon
   Place the watermelon cubes in the fridge to chill while you finish preparing the mousse. This will keep the contrast between the creamy mousse and the fresh watermelon even more refreshing.

Step 3: Assemble the Mousse

1. Layer the Mousse and Watermelon
   Once the mousse has set and the watermelon is chilled, it’s time to assemble your dessert. In your serving glasses or bowls, spoon a layer of coconut mousse at the bottom, then add a layer of watermelon chunks. Repeat this layering until the containers are filled. You can top the final layer with a few extra watermelon cubes for a decorative touch.

2. Chill the Dessert
   Refrigerate the assembled mousse for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The mousse will continue to set as it chills, creating a creamy texture with the watermelon’s freshness intact.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish with Mint and Coconut
   Before serving, garnish the mousse with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. These toppings add extra freshness and a lovely texture to the dessert, enhancing both the visual appeal and flavor.

2. Serve
   Serve the coconut mousse with watermelon chunks chilled. Enjoy it as a refreshing treat for warm weather or as a light dessert after a meal.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Fresh or Canned Coconut Milk
   For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat canned coconut milk. If you use a lighter version, the mousse might not be as creamy.

2. Make It Vegan
   To make this mousse vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any other plant-based cream alternative. Be sure to use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegan-friendly thickening agent.

3. Add Other Fruit
   While watermelon pairs perfectly with coconut, you can experiment by adding other fruits, like mango, pineapple, or berries, to the mousse for a variety of flavors.

4. Make a No-Sugar Version
   For a sugar-free version, replace the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also skip sweetening the watermelon if it’s naturally sweet enough.

Health Benefits

1. Coconut
   Coconut is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are healthy fats that support energy production and brain health. Coconut milk also contains antioxidants and can improve digestion.

2. Watermelon
   Watermelon is made up of over 90% water, making it excellent for hydration. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which help with skin health and immune function. Watermelon is also packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.

3. Mint
   Mint is a refreshing herb known for its digestive benefits. It helps soothe the stomach and promotes digestion, making it a perfect garnish for this dessert.

Conclusion

Coconut mousse with watermelon chunks is a light and refreshing dessert that brings together the tropical flavors of coconut and the juicy, hydrating sweetness of watermelon. With its creamy texture and fresh, vibrant flavor, it’s the perfect treat for warm weather. The contrast between the rich mousse and crisp watermelon makes every bite a delight.

This recipe is easy to make, healthy, and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you serve it as a stand-alone dessert, a party treat, or a special summer snack, this mousse is sure to impress. Enjoy the light and creamy coconut mousse, paired with the juicy watermelon, for a refreshing and delightful treat!