If you’re searching for a luxuriously creamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that will absolutely wow your friends and family, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups deserve a starring role in your dessert repertoire. Fluffy yet decadent chocolate mousse is swirled with rich salted caramel, then nestled into individual cups for a show-stopping finish. This no-bake recipe is pure happiness in a cup – and the way that the salty caramel mingles with velvety chocolate is pure magic. Best of all, it’s gluten-free and can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups is all about simple, high-quality ingredients working together for maximum flavor and the smoothest texture. Each component plays a starring role, offering just the right amount of richness, structure, or burst of sweet-salty delight.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Go for a high-quality brand for the most luxurious chocolate flavor and a perfectly creamy mousse.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth base for the mousse.
- Salted caramel sauce: Supplies swoon-worthy sweet and salty notes; save a little extra for that irresistible drizzle on top.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the flavors and brings balance to the chocolate and caramel.
- Sea salt: Enhances both the chocolate and caramel — just a pinch ensures everything pops.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it gives the mousse its airy, pillowy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness while helping the whipped cream hold its shape.
- Whipped cream (for topping): A creamy cloud on top makes each bite extra dreamy.
- Flaked sea salt (optional, for garnish): A fancy finish that adds a sparkle of texture and a big pop of flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups
Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval until everything is silky smooth and glossy. This ensures that the chocolate doesn’t scorch and gets perfectly creamy for your mousse base.
Step 2: Add Caramel, Vanilla, and Sea Salt
Once your chocolate mixture is melted, gently stir in the salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. This is where the Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups really start to shine! Let this chocolatey-caramel blend cool to room temperature, so your next step stays light and fluffy.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This means the cream will lift but curl over softly at the tip — perfect for incorporating maximum airiness into your mousse.
Step 4: Fold It All Together
Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate-caramel mixture. This lightens the base, preventing deflation. Then, add the remaining whipped cream, folding just until you have a smooth, fluffy mousse. Don’t rush or stir too aggressively — gentle folding gives you that dreamy texture Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are known for.
Step 5: Portion and Chill
Spoon the mousse evenly into small serving cups or pretty jars for individual servings. Tuck them into the refrigerator for at least an hour (though a bit longer only makes them better). This final chill sets the mousse so each bite is perfectly light and creamy.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Just before serving, crown each mousse cup with a dollop of whipped cream, an artful drizzle of extra caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of flaked sea salt if you’d like. It turns a simple make-ahead treat into a total showstopper, every single time.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups
Garnishes
The sky’s the limit! A swirl of fresh whipped cream, glossy ribbons of salted caramel, and a delicate pinch of flaked sea salt make these cups look as amazing as they taste. Try adding a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for even more chocolatey drama.
Side Dishes
Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups pair wonderfully with simple accompaniments — think crisp, buttery shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or even a petite tumbler of espresso. These contrast the mousse’s richness and enhance each spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them up in vintage tea glasses, mason jars, or even espresso cups for a playfully elegant vibe. For a party, set up a “mousse bar” with extra toppings like crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, and edible gold leaf so guests can decorate their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups tightly covered in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, which means you get to enjoy decadent spoonfuls long after dessert is over.
Freezing
If you want to prepare well in advance, these mousse cups freeze beautifully! Cover tightly and freeze for up to one month. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then garnish fresh to keep that whipped topping fluffy.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups (they’re best served cold!), if they’ve gotten a little too firm from the fridge or freezer, just leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes so they return to their silky-smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will add extra depth and a bit more bitterness, which pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel. Just be aware that the flavor will be more intense and slightly less sweet.
Do I need a stand mixer to make the whipped cream?
Nope! A handheld electric mixer or even a sturdy whisk and a strong arm will get the job done just fine. Chilling your bowl and beaters beforehand makes it even easier.
Can I make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute plant-based chocolate chips, use a dairy-free butter alternative, and opt for coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on your swaps.
What should I do if my mousse isn’t setting?
Make sure the chocolate mixture has cooled completely before folding in the whipped cream, and don’t skip the chilling time in the fridge. If the mousse is still too soft, give it a bit more time to chill — patience is key!
Are these mousse cups gluten-free?
Yes! Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or for a crowd with varying dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Desserts like these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are pure bliss — little moments of homemade luxury that turn any day into a celebration. I hope you’ll give them a try, share them with someone special, and see just how easy it is to create something truly unforgettable right from your own kitchen.
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Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate mousse and luscious salted caramel with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups. A no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons salted caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Flaked sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Mousse: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in caramel sauce, vanilla, and sea salt. Let cool.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks.
- Combine: Fold half of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, then fold in the rest until smooth.
- Assemble: Spoon mousse into cups or jars. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mousse cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
