Which dessert is a light, airy treat that is often set with gelatin?

• A. Mousse
• B. Panna cotta
• C. Custard
• D. Bavarian cream

Answer: (A)

Aerated textures come from whipping air into the mixture and then lightly setting it so the structure holds without collapsing. A mousse achieves this by folding in whipped cream or beaten egg whites to create that light, fluffy mouthfeel, and many recipes use gelatin to help it set so the dessert holds its shape while staying airy. Panna cotta, while set with gelatin, is dense and creamy rather than light and fluffy. Custard thickens with eggs and doesn’t rely on air to achieve its texture, so it isn’t airy. Bavarian cream is a lighter custard combined with whipped cream and set with gelatin, but the signature airiness is most characteristic of a mousse.