Stargazers Dessert Platter

Featured in: Warm Seasonal Bakes

This celestial dessert platter features star-shaped lemon shortbread, rich galaxy mousse cups with vibrant colors, and decadent chocolate comet truffles. Each component combines buttery, creamy, and chocolaty textures elevated by zesty lemon and decorative edible stars. Ideal for parties or evenings under the stars, the platter offers a visually stunning and flavorful variety that can be prepared within an hour. Vegetarian-friendly and customizable with vegan options and alternate colors for a personalized touch.

Updated on Sat, 29 Nov 2025 09:16:00 GMT
Glimpse a Stargazers Dessert Platter: star-shaped shortbread, swirl mousse, and cocoa-dusted comet truffles. Pin It
Glimpse a Stargazers Dessert Platter: star-shaped shortbread, swirl mousse, and cocoa-dusted comet truffles. | lushkettle.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

I created this platter to bring a magical touch to my gatherings and it never fails to impress guests with its delightful presentation and taste

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 1214 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 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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| lushkettle.com

This dessert platter always brings joy to my family especially during festive nights when we gather under the stars to share stories and sweets

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 a beautiful arrangement with many celestial-themed treats, ready to devour! Pin It
This Stargazers Dessert Platter presents a beautiful arrangement with many celestial-themed treats, ready to devour! | lushkettle.com

Enjoy the magical flavors and the starry presentation that make this dessert platter truly unforgettable

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve the star shape for the shortbread?

Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out each piece before baking.

What creates the galaxy effect in the mousse cups?

Adding blue and purple food coloring to the mousse layers, then swirling them gently, gives the mousse its galaxy-inspired appearance.

Can the chocolate comet truffles be made ahead of time?

Yes, after chilling the truffle mixture, you can shape and coat the truffles in advance and keep them refrigerated until serving.

Are there vegan alternatives for the ingredients used?

Plant-based butter and cream substitutes can be used to make the shortbread and mousse vegan-friendly.

What is the best way to serve the dessert platter?

Arrange the star shortbread, mousse cups, and truffles on a large platter and serve immediately or chilled for a refreshing option.

Stargazers Dessert Platter

A celestial assortment featuring star lemon shortbread, galaxy mousse, and chocolate comet truffles—perfect for special nights.

Time to Prep
40 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Full Prep Time
60 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Medium

Culinary Tradition International

Portion 8 Serving Size

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You Need

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)

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Make Galaxy Mousse Cups: Melt chocolate over simmering water and allow to cool slightly. Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold melted chocolate into whipped cream. Divide mousse into two portions; tint one blue and the other purple. Layer colored mousse alternately into mini dessert cups, swirling gently to create a galaxy effect. Chill at least 1 hour and top with edible gold stars if desired.

Step 03

Prepare Chocolate Comet Truffles: Heat heavy cream and butter until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth. Chill mixture for 1 hour until firm. Scoop and roll into small balls, then dust with cocoa powder and optional shimmer dust.

Step 04

Assemble Dessert Platter: Arrange lemon shortbread stars, galaxy mousse cups, and chocolate comet truffles artfully on a large serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and may contain soy. Verify product labels for possible nut or soy traces.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 4 g