Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Profile: The earthy paan leaves, sweet gulkand, and refreshing fennel seeds create a flavor that’s both exotic and familiar, making this dessert one-of-a-kind.
Light and Refreshing: This mousse is light, airy, and creamy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and floral notes, making it ideal for festive occasions.
No-Bake, Eggless: With no baking and no eggs, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Make-Ahead: This dessert can be made in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy celebratory occasions.
Gorgeous Presentation: The colorful garnishes of tutti frutti and candied fennel create an eye-catching dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Paan Paste:

6–7 large paan (betel) leaves (20–22g)
1¼ tsp fennel seeds
⅓ cup gulkand (rose petal preserve)
1 tbsp + ½ tsp rose water
½ cup heavy cream

For the Mousse:

1¼ cup heavy cream
2½ tbsp powdered sugar
Few drops peppermint extract (optional)
Green food color (optional)

For Garnish:

Candied fennel
Tutti frutti
Extra gulkand (optional, for the glass base)

directions

Make Paan Paste: In a blender, combine paan leaves, fennel seeds, gulkand, rose water, and ½ cup of heavy cream. Blend until smooth. Chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1¼ cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar, peppermint extract (if using), and green food color (if desired) until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat the cream.
Combine: Gently beat the chilled paan paste and then carefully fold it into the whipped cream using a spatula. Make sure to fold gently in one direction to preserve the air and fluffiness of the mousse.
Assemble: In individual dessert glasses, sprinkle some tutti frutti and (optional) extra gulkand at the bottom. Spoon or pipe the mousse into the glasses.
Garnish: Top with more tutti frutti and candied fennel.
Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 15–20 minutes to set. Let the mousse sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture and flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add a Nutty Twist: Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a more intense floral flavor, increase the amount of gulkand or add a few more drops of rose water.
Vegan Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
Fruit Swap: While tutti frutti adds color and sweetness, feel free to top the mousse with fresh mango, berries, or pomegranate for a twist on the garnish.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: This dessert is not suitable for freezing due to the mousse texture.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat. Simply allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make Paan Mousse in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Can I use other fruits instead of tutti frutti?

Yes! You can substitute fresh fruits like mango, berries, or pomegranate seeds for the tutti frutti. The fruit’s natural sweetness and vibrant colors will still make the dessert visually appealing.

How long can I store Paan Mousse in the fridge?

Paan Mousse can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and texture.

Is this dessert suitable for people with dairy allergies?

This particular recipe uses heavy cream, so it’s not suitable for those with dairy allergies. However, you can substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the mousse has set?

The mousse will set after chilling for 15–20 minutes. If you’re preparing it in advance, let it chill for longer, up to 2 hours, for a firmer texture.

Can I use a substitute for rose water?

Yes, if you don’t have rose water, you can substitute it with a little orange blossom water or simply use Cointreau or Triple Sec for a citrusy twist.

How do I make this dessert less sweet?

To make the mousse less sweet, reduce the amount of gulkand or use less powdered sugar in the mousse base.

What is the role of gulkand in this recipe?

Gulkand, or rose petal preserve, adds a fragrant, floral sweetness to the mousse, which is a signature element in traditional Indian sweets.

What other desserts can I make with paan?

You can use paan in a variety of desserts such as paan kulfi, paan ice cream, or even in milkshakes or smoothies for a unique, refreshing twist.

Conclusion

Paan Mousse is the perfect fusion dessert that brings together aromatic and refreshing flavors with a creamy, indulgent texture. Whether it’s for Diwali, a wedding, or any celebration, this mousse is sure to impress. Its light, floral notes and vibrant garnishes make it a showstopper dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Easy to prepare and make ahead, it’s a wonderful choice for your next gathering!