Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate no-bake dessert that perfectly balances decadence, elegance, and a bit of sweet-salty magic, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are pure bliss in every spoonful. Imagine creamy layers of silky chocolate mousse intertwined with ribbons of luscious caramel, all crowned with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and optional crunchy toppings for that irresistible final touch. It’s a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, ideal for special holidays or a cozy night in, sure to become your new dessert obsession.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a dreamy dessert comes together with a handful of essential ingredients. Each one is chosen for a specific reason, from the rich chocolate base all the way to the salty finish that makes these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups unforgettable.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These give you that deep, velvety chocolate flavor and melt beautifully for a smooth mousse texture.
• Unsalted butter: A knob of butter in the melted chocolate adds silkiness and a subtle richness that rounds out the mousse.
• Heavy whipping cream: The star of the show for a light, airy mousse; it also helps blend the caramel and adds luxurious mouthfeel.
• Powdered sugar: This dissolves easily into the cream, offering just the right amount of sweetness without any grit.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla brings warmth and depth, enhancing both the chocolate and caramel notes.
• Caramel sauce: The hero ingredient that adds gooey sweetness and swirls of golden flavor throughout each layer.
• Flaky sea salt: A finishing sprinkle of this takes the dessert from ordinary to extraordinary, making that caramel pop.
• Chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed pretzels (optional): These are fabulous for topping—add crunch and an extra layer of flavor if you like.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups

Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Begin by gently melting your semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter together, either over a simmering double boiler or in the microwave using short 20-second intervals. Stir often to ensure everything is smoothly combined with no lumps, then let the mixture cool just enough so it won’t melt your whipped cream in the next step. This sets the stage for the most luxurious chocolate mousse texture.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip one cup of heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. You’ll want to stop as soon as soft peaks form: that’s when the cream is fluffy but holds its shape when you lift the beaters. Whipped cream gives body and lightness to the mousse, making every bite cloud-like and decadent.

Step 3: Fold in Melted Chocolate

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into your whipped cream bowl. Using a spatula, gently fold until there are no more streaks and the mixture is gorgeously chocolaty and fluffy. Take your time and go gently to keep the mousse airy and light—overmixing can deflate all that beautiful volume.

Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Cream

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the remaining half cup of heavy cream with the caramel sauce. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened—this will be your luscious caramel layer that pairs so well with the chocolate mousse.

Step 5: Layer and Chill the Cups

Spoon or pipe alternating layers of chocolate mousse and salted caramel cream into your cups, glasses, or jars. For a pretty look, start with chocolate, then caramel, and repeat until you fill your cups. Cover and chill for at least one hour to set, allowing the flavors to meld into a spoonful of heaven.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups

Garnishes

The final touches make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups truly eye-catching and even more irresistible. Drizzle extra caramel sauce generously over each cup, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, and, if you feel like it, scatter chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed pretzels for that delightful crunch and a professional look.

Side Dishes

Since the mousse cups are quite rich and indulgent, keep it simple on the side. A cup of strong coffee, espresso, or even a scoop of tart raspberry sorbet balances out the sweetness and resets your palate, so you’re ready for each creamy, chocolatey spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups! Try layering them in tiny mason jars for a picnic, filling elegant wine glasses for a dinner party, or even making a big trifle for sharing at a family gathering. Top with edible gold flakes or shards of caramel for extra wow factor at special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These mousse cups are a dream for make-ahead desserts. Simply cover each assembled cup with plastic wrap or lids, and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture stays luxuriously smooth, and the flavors deepen as they rest—so you can prep ahead with confidence.

Freezing

If you’d like to make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups further in advance, pop them in the freezer (well-wrapped) for up to one month. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The mousse may firm up a bit more, but the flavor remains out of this world—making it a handy treat to have on hand for dessert emergencies!

Reheating

Good news: there’s no actual reheating needed for these mousse cups. If serving from chilled, just let them sit out for about 10 minutes to take off the chill and soften a bit. For frozen cups, make sure they are fully thawed in the fridge before garnishing and serving so you can enjoy that signature creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, milk chocolate will work, but the finished mousse will be much sweeter and a little less intense. For the classic Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups flavor, semi-sweet chocolate offers the perfect balance, but feel free to experiment if you prefer a milkier profile.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

You can try swapping in dairy-free chocolate and using coconut cream in place of the heavy cream. The texture may change a little, but you’ll still get wonderfully rich layers reminiscent of traditional Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups.

How do I prevent my mousse from deflating?

The secret is to fold the whipped cream and melted chocolate together very gently. Overmixing or using a heavy hand will flatten the mousse, so take your time and use a spatula, not a mixer, for this step.

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel sauce recipe, use it for even more flavor. Whether store-bought or homemade, just make sure your caramel sauce is pourable so it layers beautifully within these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups.

What’s the best way to pipe the mousse and caramel for neat layers?

Spoon the chocolate mousse and caramel cream into separate piping bags or zip-top bags with the corner snipped off. Pipe alternating layers into your cups for perfectly defined stripes and a professional touch without the mess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about the sweet, salty, and creamy layers in Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, they’re bound to impress. Go ahead—gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a dessert that tastes like pure happiness in a cup!

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