Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups, a no-bake French-inspired dessert that elegantly combines the deep flavors of semi-sweet chocolate with luscious salted caramel. Perfectly smooth and airy, this mousse is enhanced by a hint of coffee and topped with whipped cream and sea salt flakes for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mousse
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee or hot water
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Salted Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup prepared salted caramel sauce (plus more for topping)
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips and butter with the coffee or hot water. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Stir the egg yolks into the melted chocolate one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the egg whites reach glossy, stiff peaks.
- Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until medium peaks form—stiff enough to hold shape but still light and creamy.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture in batches to maintain the airy texture. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream until just combined, taking care not to deflate the mousse mixture.
- Assemble Mousse Cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of salted caramel sauce into the bottom of each serving cup. Divide the chocolate mousse evenly over the caramel layer, smoothing the tops.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours or until the mousse is firm and set.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle additional salted caramel on top, sprinkle with sea salt flakes, and optionally add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- To make this recipe egg-free, omit the egg whites and increase the whipped cream quantity to achieve a lighter mousse texture.
- For elegant individual servings, use small jars, ramekins, or espresso cups.
- Use high-quality chocolate and caramel sauce for the best flavor.
- Allow the mousse sufficient chilling time to ensure it sets perfectly for serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
