Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

If you are searching for an utterly decadent dessert that will wow your guests and satisfy every sweet craving, look no further than this Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe. These divine treats combine the richness of velvety chocolate mousse with the luscious, buttery depth of homemade salted caramel, all encased in delicate, crisp chocolate cups. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy texture and subtle saltiness, making this recipe an irresistible crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite that’s just waiting to become yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of essential ingredients, this Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor complexity. Each item plays a crucial role in creating layers of texture and taste — from the shiny chocolate cups to the silky mousse and that unforgettable salted caramel drizzle.

• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Choose high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich, smooth finish in both cups and mousse.
• Egg yolks: These add creaminess and body to the mousse, giving it that luscious texture.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for both sweetening the mousse and crafting the perfect caramel.
• Heavy cream: Provides the creamy base for mousse and caramel, and whips beautifully to create fluffy mousse peaks.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors of chocolate and caramel.
• Salt: A pinch for the mousse and a sprinkle of coarse salt elevate the caramel’s flavor, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Light corn syrup: Helps give the caramel a smooth texture and prevents crystallization.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and buttery depth to the caramel sauce.
• Chocolate curls or shavings: For that elegant finishing touch and a little crunch on top.
• Coarse salt (like kosher salt): Sprinkled on top to create a beautiful contrast and amplify the salted caramel experience.
• Muffin liners: Jumbo or regular, perfect for creating sturdy, edible chocolate cups.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cups

Start by melting the chocolate gently in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy. This careful melting prevents burning and ensures a silky texture for your cups.

Step 2: Line Your Muffin Tin

Place muffin liners into a muffin tin — these will help you shape the chocolate into lovely cups without sticking or breaking.

Step 3: Form the Chocolate Shells

Spoon about 1 ½ tablespoons of the melted chocolate into each liner, then use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate up the sides. This creates a thick, sturdy shell that will hold all the delicious fillings.

Step 4: Harden the Chocolate Cups

Allow the chocolate to cool and harden completely. Once solid, gently peel away the muffin liners to reveal beautiful, crisp chocolate cups ready to fill.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Mousse Base

Whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale — this forms the foundation of your mousse’s silky texture.

Step 6: Heat the Cream

In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream with vanilla extract and salt until just hot but not boiling. This infused cream will temp the eggs and add flavor depth.

Step 7: Temper the Egg Mixture

Slowly whisk half of the hot cream into the yolk-sugar mixture to prevent scrambling. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan, then cook gently over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to about 170°F. This custard is essential for the mousse’s rich body.

Step 8: Incorporate the Chocolate

Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate until fully melted and glossy. Chill the mixture for 1 to 2 hours until it’s cool and ready for the next step.

Step 9: Fold in Whipped Cream

Whip the remaining cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the chocolate mixture, preserving the airiness. This delicate folding is what makes the mousse light yet indulgent.

Step 10: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, cook sugar and corn syrup over medium heat until it turns a dark amber color. This caramelization process builds the sauce’s signature flavor.

Step 11: Finish the Caramel

Carefully add butter and cream, stirring as you go, then mix in salt and vanilla. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and heavenly.

Step 12: Combine and Assemble

Layer a spoonful of caramel into each chocolate cup, followed by a generous portion of mousse. Drizzle more caramel over the top, sprinkle with coarse salt and chocolate curls, and prepare to impress.

Step 13: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the filled cups for at least 4 hours to let everything set perfectly before serving. This patience rewards you with the perfect texture blend.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe

Garnishes

Top your mousse cups with delicate chocolate curls and a pinch of coarse salt to elevate every bite visually and flavorfully. These simple garnishes not only look stunning but add a lovely textural contrast.

Side Dishes

These mousse cups pair wonderfully with light sides like fresh berries or a crisp mint leaf, balancing their rich flavors with fresh brightness. A dollop of whipped cream on the side can also complement the dessert nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra festive touch, serve your salted caramel chocolate mousse cups on a decorative tray sprinkled with edible gold dust or cocoa powder. Plating them alongside tiny espresso shots creates an elegant, indulgent experience perfect for celebrations or intimate dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the mousse cups refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to 3 days without sacrificing taste or texture, making them a wonderful make-ahead treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled mousse cups for up to a month, but be aware that the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap each cup tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a secure container.

Reheating

These cups are best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Simply thaw frozen cups overnight in the refrigerator and serve chilled to enjoy their perfect consistency and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter and creamier mousse, which is a great option if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, though the bittersweet notes of dark chocolate pair beautifully with salted caramel.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the mousse?

This recipe gently cooks the egg yolks to 170°F, which reduces any health risks by effectively tempering and thickening them into a custard base, ensuring safety and delicious texture.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the salted caramel can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Gently warm it before assembling to restore its smooth, pourable consistency.

What can I do if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

If you don’t have a candy thermometer, watch the caramel closely for a deep amber color and aromatic smell. Remove it promptly to avoid burning, and proceed carefully with adding butter and cream.

What type of chocolate works best for the cups?

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate is ideal for the cups because it sets firm and balances the sweetness of the mousse and caramel. Avoid white chocolate as it melts too easily and lacks the structure needed.

Final Thoughts

Making this Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe is a delightful journey from simple ingredients to an elegant dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or indulging on a cozy night at home, these mousse cups never fail to impress with their layered flavors and beautiful presentation. Give it a try — your sweet tooth will thank you!

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