Introduction
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are the ultimate dessert indulgence, offering the perfect balance of rich, creamy chocolate and the warm, buttery sweetness of salted caramel. Imagine a velvety mousse that melts in your mouth, topped with a drizzle of decadent salted caramel that adds just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness to each bite. Served in individual cups, these mousse cups are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making them an elegant choice for any occasion.
What I absolutely love about these mousse cups is how they combine two of my favorite flavor profiles—chocolate and caramel—into one heavenly dessert. I first made them for a dinner party, and let me tell you, they were a huge hit! Each guest couldn’t help but take that first bite and immediately sigh in contentment. The beauty of these little cups is that they’re perfectly portioned, so everyone can enjoy their own sweet treat without any guilt.
The mousse itself is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a little time to chill. The salted caramel is the showstopper, though. It’s the kind of topping that makes everything feel a little more indulgent and luxurious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups will impress with their creamy, sweet, and salty goodness. They’re a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!
Perfect for:
- Elegant dinner parties
- Special occasions or holidays
- Indulgent dessert cravings
- Gifting homemade treats
- Celebrating milestones or achievements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are a delightful treat that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Perfect Flavor Harmony: The combination of smooth chocolate mousse and rich salted caramel creates the perfect balance of flavors – sweet, salty, and creamy.
- Individual Servings: These mousse cups are served in individual portions, making them easy to serve at parties or events.
- No-Bake Delight: There’s no need to bake anything, which makes this recipe super simple and quick to prepare.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: These mousse cups can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for busy celebrations or last-minute gatherings.
- Elegant Presentation: Served in small cups, these mousse cups look fancy and upscale, adding a touch of luxury to any occasion.
- Versatile Dessert: Customize the topping with whipped cream, crushed nuts, or chocolate shavings for extra flair and texture.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Servings: About 6-8 mousse cups
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Carbs: 20g, Fat: 14g, Protein: 2g
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups:
- 1 cup heavy cream (for mousse)
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the mousse)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for the caramel)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for smoothness)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Crushed nuts or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is key to making the mousse extra rich and velvety. Make sure to use full-fat cream for the best results.
- Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate provides a rich and deep flavor, complementing the sweetness of the caramel. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter mousse.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: This adds a rich sweetness with a touch of salt, perfectly balancing the flavors in the mousse. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel and the richness of the chocolate, giving the mousse its signature sweet-salty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups:
Prepare the Caramel:
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns into a golden caramel. Once the sugar is melted, carefully add 1 tablespoon of butter, and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Stir until smooth.
- Add Sea Salt: Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of sea salt. Set aside to cool while preparing the mousse.
Make the Chocolate Mousse:
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter together. You can melt it in the microwave in 20-second intervals or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Whisk the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate, adding in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as it gives the mousse its light, airy texture.
Assemble the Mousse Cups:
- Layer the Mousse and Caramel: Spoon a layer of chocolate mousse into the bottom of individual cups, followed by a layer of salted caramel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous dollop of mousse.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
How to Serve
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are elegant and ready to serve as soon as they’re chilled. Here are some creative ways to serve them:
- Elegant Dessert Platter: Arrange the mousse cups on a dessert tray alongside other small treats like fruit or cookies for a beautiful spread.
- Party Favor: Serve these mousse cups at a party as an individual treat, making them perfect for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Garnished with Whipped Cream: Top each mousse cup with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Topped with Garnishes: Add crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle on top for extra decoration and flavor.
- As a Make-Ahead Dessert: Prepare the mousse cups ahead of time, and store them in the fridge until ready to serve for a stress-free event.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups even better:
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate affects the flavor of the mousse, so choose high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage that suits your taste.
- Make Your Own Caramel: Homemade caramel will add an extra layer of richness and depth to the mousse cups. However, store-bought caramel works just fine in a pinch.
- Whip the Cream to Perfection: Be careful not to over-whip the cream when making the mousse. Soft peaks will give the mousse its signature lightness.
- Add Extra Toppings: For added flavor and texture, you can top your mousse cups with chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Customize with Flavors: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur (like Baileys or Kahlúa) to the mousse for a boozy twist.
- Use Individual Glasses or Cups: Serving these mousse cups in small glasses or jars gives them a classy and individual feel.
- Check the Consistency: If your mousse feels too thick after folding the whipped cream in, you can add a little milk to adjust the consistency.
- Make the Caramel in Advance: If you’re short on time, make the caramel sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use.
- Chill for Longer: If you want a firmer mousse texture, chill the mousse cups for a bit longer before serving.
- Keep It Simple: You can keep the mousse cups simple by skipping the garnishes, but they do add extra flavor and appeal.
Recipe Variations
Here are 10 fun variations for your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups:
- Milk Chocolate Mousse: Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter mousse.
- Peanut Butter Mousse: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the chocolate mousse for a creamy and nutty twist.
- Hazelnut Drizzle: Top the mousse with a drizzle of hazelnut spread or crushed hazelnuts for added flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Mousse: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate mousse for a minty version.
- Biscoff Crust: Add a layer of crushed Biscoff cookies at the bottom of each cup for a crunchy base.
- Chocolate Caramel Ganache: Add a layer of chocolate caramel ganache over the caramel layer for extra richness.
- Raspberry Layer: Add a layer of fresh raspberries between the mousse and caramel for a tart contrast.
- Coconut Mousse: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free mousse.
- Coffee-Infused Caramel: Add a tablespoon of brewed coffee to the caramel sauce for a coffee-flavored twist.
- Tiramisu-Inspired Mousse: Add a bit of mascarpone cheese to the mousse mixture for a tiramisu-inspired dessert.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: These mousse cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Allow the mousse cups to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Storage: Keep the mousse cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The mousse will stay fresh and creamy when stored properly.
Special Equipment
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups easier:
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks, giving the mousse its light texture.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate and butter in the microwave, a microwave-safe bowl is needed.
- Small Glass Jars or Cups: Serve the mousse in small jars or cups for an elegant presentation.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan is necessary for making the caramel sauce.
- Spoon or Piping Bag: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill your cups with mousse and caramel for a neat presentation.
- Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is useful for gently folding the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture without deflating it.
- Chill Plates or Tray: Use a tray to hold your mousse cups while they chill in the fridge.
- Offset Spatula: An offset spatula can help smooth the mousse inside the cups for a clean look.
- Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer is ideal for whipping the heavy cream quickly and evenly.
- Small Ladle: Use a small ladle to pour the caramel sauce over the mousse without making a mess.
- Sifter: Sift any cocoa powder or powdered sugar over the mousse before serving for a touch of elegance.
FAQ Section
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate. However, the flavor will be sweeter and less intense. - How long do these mousse cups last?
These mousse cups will last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. - Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. The flavor will remain delicious either way. - Can I add alcohol to the mousse?
Yes, you can add a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (like Baileys or Kahlúa) for a boozy twist. - Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! These mousse cups can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. - Can I use a different topping instead of whipped cream?
Yes, you can use chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of extra caramel. - Can I freeze these mousse cups?
Yes, these mousse cups can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re stored properly in an airtight container. - Is there a way to make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream to make the mousse dairy-free. - Can I make these without sea salt?
Yes, you can omit the sea salt if you prefer a sweeter mousse, but it adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. - How do I reheat the caramel sauce if it hardens?
Simply reheat the caramel sauce gently over low heat or in the microwave until it becomes smooth again.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups:
- 1 cup heavy cream (for mousse)
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the mousse)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for the caramel)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for smoothness)
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Crushed nuts or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Caramel:
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it turns into a golden caramel. Once the sugar is melted, carefully add 1 tablespoon of butter, and stir until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Stir until smooth.
- Add Sea Salt: Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of sea salt. Set aside to cool while preparing the mousse.
Make the Chocolate Mousse:
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter together. You can melt it in the microwave in 20-second intervals or over a double boiler until smooth.
- Whisk the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate, adding in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream, as it gives the mousse its light, airy texture.
Assemble the Mousse Cups:
- Layer the Mousse and Caramel: Spoon a layer of chocolate mousse into the bottom of individual cups, followed by a layer of salted caramel sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous dollop of mousse.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours, or until set and chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 mousse cups
- Calories: 200-250 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are the perfect dessert for any occasion. The rich, velvety chocolate mousse pairs beautifully with the sweet and salty caramel, offering a delightful contrast of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. These mousse cups are not only easy to make but also elegant to serve, making them the ideal choice for any dinner party, special event, or simply as an indulgent treat for yourself.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these mousse cups come together in no time, and you can customize them with a variety of topping options like whipped cream, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of extra caramel for an added touch of decadence. The smooth, creamy texture of the mousse combined with the burst of salted caramel makes each bite irresistible.
Whether you’re impressing guests or satisfying your sweet tooth, these mousse cups are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the creamy, decadent goodness of this delightful treat!
I can’t wait to see how your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!