Just when I thought my dessert game couldn’t get any better, I stumbled upon a recipe that changed everything: salted caramel mousse. This delightful dessert strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and the harmonious interplay of sweet and salty flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a go-to treat whether I’m entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Plus, the silky texture of this salted caramel mousse will have everyone asking for seconds—or maybe even thirds! Are you ready to elevate your dessert repertoire and impress your loved ones with a touch of decadent delight? Let’s dive in!
Why Is This Mousse So Irresistible?
Indulgent, this salted caramel mousse is the ultimate dessert experience that will leave your taste buds dancing! Creamy texture combines perfectly with a sweet-salty profile, creating a dessert that is simply divine. You’ll love how easy it is to make, impressing both guests and yourself without breaking a sweat. Pair it with a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh berries for an extra touch that elevates it to gourmet status. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser—you can serve it at any gathering and watch as everyone comes back for more. For more heavenly treats, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Salted Caramel Pretzel or the luxurious Salted Honey Pie.
Salted Caramel Mousse Ingredients
• Dive into the rich delight of Salted Caramel Mousse with these essential ingredients!
For the Mousse Base
- Heavy Cream – Provides richness and creaminess to the mousse. Substitute with a non-dairy whipped cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Sugar – Sweetens the caramel; granulated sugar is recommended for a cleaner taste.
- Water – Essential for dissolving sugar and controlling caramelization; don’t substitute!
- Salt – Enhances the flavor profile of the caramel; adjust to taste for personal preference.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth caramel texture; using unsalted gives you better control over saltiness.
- Egg Yolks – Adds richness and helps thicken the mousse; ensure they are tempered correctly to avoid curdling.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; use pure extract for the best results.
For the Whipped Topping
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream; sift before using to avoid lumps.
Embark on this delicious journey with these perfect ingredients for your Salted Caramel Mousse!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Mousse
Step 1: Cook the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then stop stirring and let it boil for about 4-5 minutes, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat, and carefully mix in ¾ cup of unsalted butter and ¼ teaspoon of salt until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks. To prevent curdling, slowly drizzle in the warm caramel, whisking constantly until well combined. Once tempered, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cool
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour, allowing the salted caramel mousse base to thicken further and develop its rich flavor.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
While the caramel mixture is cooling, pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take around 3-5 minutes. This will give your salted caramel mousse a light and airy texture, balancing the richness of the caramel.
Step 5: Fold the Mixtures Together
Once the caramel mixture is cool, gently fold in the whipped cream in batches using a spatula. Start with a third of the whipped cream to lighten the caramel, then carefully incorporate the remaining cream until no streaks remain. This step is crucial for achieving the signature silky texture of your salted caramel mousse.
Step 6: Portion and Chill
Spoon the silky salted caramel mousse into individual serving dishes, filling them generously. Cover them with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set and firm to the touch. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld perfectly, ensuring a delightful dessert experience.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
When ready to serve, remove the salted caramel mousse from the refrigerator. Optionally, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt, or fresh berries for an enticing garnish. Enjoy the creamy richness and harmonious flavors that make this dessert a true indulgence!
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Mousse
A luscious dessert deserves impressive companions, creating a meal to remember.
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a tart contrast, brightening the sweet mousse to create a delightful balance.
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Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling dark chocolate over the mousse enhances the sophisticated flavor while providing a pleasing crunch and decadence.
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Shortbread Cookies: The buttery crunch of shortbread pairs perfectly, offering a textural contrast that complements the creamy mousse delightfully.
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Nutty Caramel Crunch: Caramelized almonds or pecans bring a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the salted caramel mousse.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an extra layer of airy sweetness and decadence, balancing the richness of the dessert.
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Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso makes a delightful pairing, with its robust flavor cutting through the creaminess of the mousse.
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Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine, like Sauternes, enhances the sweet-salty notes of the mousse, transforming your meal into a fine dining experience.
Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Mousse
Fridge: Store leftover salted caramel mousse tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and creamy without the risk of drying out.
Freezer: Avoid freezing salted caramel mousse as it can alter the texture. If absolutely necessary, freeze for up to 1 month, but don’t add whipped cream until thawed.
Reheating: If the mousse has set too firmly in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Serve Cold: Always serve salted caramel mousse chilled for the best texture and flavor experience. Enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Salted Caramel Mousse Variations
Feel free to add your personal touch and make this delicious mousse the star of your dessert table!
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Berry Topping: Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a bright, tart contrast to the rich mousse.
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Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle with caramelized almonds or pecans to add delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the mousse beautifully.
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Extra Indulgence: Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the mousse just before serving to enhance its sweetness and bring out that decadent flavor.
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Vegan Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a vegan butter substitute for a delightful plant-based dessert that everyone will love.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for those who enjoy a subtle kick that pairs well with sweet and salty flavors.
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Chocolate Lovers Delight: Fold in melted chocolate (dark or milk) into the mousse base for a rich chocolate salted caramel hybrid that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the mousse mixture for a delightful coffee twist that makes it truly irresistible.
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Mini Dessert Cups: Serve in small espresso cups or shot glasses for a fun presentation, perfect for parties or special occasions!
No matter how you choose to make it your own, this salted caramel mousse is sure to delight. And if you’re interested in exploring more delightful desserts, consider trying out my Salted Caramel Pretzel or the luscious Salted Honey Pie!
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Mousse
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Caramel Alert: Monitor the caramel closely while cooking; it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly, ruining your mousse.
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Tempering Is Key: Temper the egg yolks by adding caramel slowly—you want a creamy texture, not scrambled eggs!
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Chill Time Matters: Ensure to refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours before serving; this deepens flavors and achieves the ideal consistency.
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Whip It Right: When whipping the cream, avoid overmixing; it should hold stiff peaks without turning grainy, ensuring a light, airy mousse.
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Serving Style: Consider garnishing with fresh berries or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce to elevate the flavors and presentation of your salted caramel mousse.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Mousse are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy nights! You can make the caramel base up to 24 hours in advance by preparing the mousse up to Step 3 and refrigerating it tightly covered to maintain its rich flavors. Just make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation. When you’re ready to serve, simply whip the cream (Step 4) and fold it into your chilled caramel mixture (Step 5). By preparing ahead of time, you can easily impress your guests with this indulgent dessert, knowing it will be just as delicious even after a day in the fridge!
Salted Caramel Mousse Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting heavy cream?
Absolutely! When selecting heavy cream, look for cream that has at least 36% milk fat—this will ensure a rich and creamy texture for your mousse. Ideally, it should also be fresh, with no off odors and a reasonable expiration date. If you’re opting for a non-dairy version, seek out a high-quality whipped cream alternative made from coconut or almond milk.
How long will the salted caramel mousse last in the fridge?
Very! You can store your leftover salted caramel mousse tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. It may lose a bit of airiness over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I freeze salted caramel mousse?
Not really! While it’s possible to freeze salted caramel mousse, it’s best not to, especially if it has whipped cream already mixed in. If you must freeze it, do so without the whipped cream for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then fold in fresh whipped cream once it’s fully thawed.
What do I do if my mousse doesn’t set properly?
It happens! If your salted caramel mousse doesn’t set, there are a couple of things you can do: First, ensure it has chilled for at least 2 hours. If that’s already been done, it might be due to not whipping the cream enough or improper tempering of the egg yolks. If it’s too runny, you could re-warm the mixture gently over low heat while whisking and then let it cool again, making sure to fold in freshly whipped cream afterward to regain that fluffy texture.
Is salted caramel mousse safe for those with egg allergies?
Great question! Unfortunately, this salted caramel mousse contains egg yolks, which would not be suitable for anyone with egg allergies. However, you might consider experimenting with a vegan recipe that substitutes the egg yolks with silken tofu or an egg-replacer available in stores, ensuring you achieve a similar creamy texture without using eggs.
Can I make this dessert in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Salted caramel mousse is an excellent make-ahead dessert—you can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. This not only helps the flavors meld beautifully but also allows you to enjoy more time with your guests on the day of the gathering! Just store it properly covered, and your dessert will be ready to impress.
Heavenly Salted Caramel Mousse That Melts in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of water over medium heat. Stir to dissolve, then boil for about 4-5 minutes until deep amber.
- Remove from heat and mix in ¾ cup of unsalted butter and ¼ teaspoon of salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks. Gradually drizzle in warm caramel while whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking for about 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least 1 hour.
- Whip 1 cup of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, taking about 3-5 minutes.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled caramel mixture in batches until no streaks remain.
- Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt, or fresh berries if desired.
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