Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe, where silky chocolate mousse meets rich, buttery salted caramel in a delightful mini cup. Perfect for dinner parties, cozy nights in, or festive gatherings, this dessert balances creamy textures with a hint of saltiness that elevates every bite. Imagine presenting these gorgeous mini cups to your guests and watching them savor each luxurious layer—it’s a show-stopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or a beginner baker, this recipe guides you step by step, from making chocolate cups to creating velvety mousse and luscious caramel drizzle. By the end, you’ll have a tray of irresistible treats that are as beautiful as they are decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe
Rich and Indulgent Flavor: Layers of chocolate and salted caramel create a perfect harmony of sweet and salty.
No-Bake Option: Most components can be prepared without an oven, making it simple and stress-free.
Visual Elegance: Chocolate cups add sophistication, perfect for parties or gifting.
Customizable: Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate for varied flavors.
Quick Prep for Impressive Dessert: Prepping the chocolate shells and mousse takes less than an hour.
Kid-Friendly and Adult Approved: Sweet yet sophisticated, appealing to all ages.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be refrigerated for hours or overnight, saving time for entertaining.
Perfect Portion Control: Individual cups help with portioning and presentation.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cups
1 cup (6 oz) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
Muffin liners (jumbo or regular)
Chocolate Mousse
4 egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Salted Caramel
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 tablespoons salted butter
⅓ cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
Chocolate curls or shavings
Coarse salt (kosher salt recommended)
Substitution Tips:
For a lighter mousse, replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a softer texture.
Use coconut cream to make a dairy-free version.
Dark chocolate intensifies flavor, while milk chocolate gives a sweeter, creamier mousse.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cups
Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Line a muffin tin with muffin liners to shape the cups.
Spoon 1 ½ tablespoons of melted chocolate into each liner and spread evenly up the sides to form a thick shell.
Chill the cups at room temperature or in the refrigerator until hardened. Carefully peel away liners.
2. Make the Chocolate Mousse Base
Whisk 4 egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until pale and smooth.
Heat 1 cup heavy cream, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
Gradually whisk half of the hot cream into the egg yolks to temper, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 170°F. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup chocolate until fully melted and smooth. Chill for 1–2 hours.
3. Whip the Remaining Cream
Beat the remaining 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate base for a light, airy texture.
4. Make Salted Caramel
In a saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons corn syrup over medium heat. Do not stir; melt sugar until dark amber.
Add butter and cream carefully, stirring until smooth.
Stir in salt and vanilla. Let caramel cool slightly before assembling.
5. Assemble the Mousse Cups
Spoon a layer of salted caramel into each chocolate cup.
Add a layer of chocolate mousse on top.
Drizzle more caramel over the mousse and sprinkle with coarse salt and chocolate curls.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours to set.
Pro Tips & Tricks
How Can I Make This Dessert Ahead?
You can assemble Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups a day in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator; they stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel?
Yes! Use high-quality soft caramel or dulce de leche, but homemade caramel gives a richer, buttery flavor.
What Chocolate Works Best for Mousse?
Dark chocolate (60–70%) gives depth, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier taste. Semi-sweet is perfect for balanced sweetness.
Best Ways to Serve
Pair with fresh berries for a bright contrast.
Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt for elegance.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Sugar: 25 g
Protein: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unassembled mousse and caramel separately for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Allow frozen caramel to soften at room temperature; mousse should remain chilled.
FAQs
How Do I Prevent Chocolate Cups from Cracking?
Ensure chocolate is tempered properly and cooled gradually. Avoid handling until fully hardened.
Can I Make Mini Versions for Parties?
Absolutely! Use mini muffin liners; reduce mousse and caramel amounts proportionally.
Is This Dessert Suitable for Kids?
Yes, but omit the alcohol (if any) and supervise with hot caramel preparation.
What’s the Secret to Smooth Mousse?
Fold whipped cream gently to retain air; avoid overmixing.
Variations
Vegan: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
Flavor Twist: Add espresso powder to mousse for a mocha caramel cup.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed pecans or hazelnuts over caramel layer.
Holiday Edition: Top with crushed peppermint or cinnamon for festive flair.
Conclusion
Your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe is a decadent masterpiece that combines creamy chocolate, buttery caramel, and a hint of salt for a luxurious dessert experience. Whether served at a party, for a romantic dinner, or just a self-indulgent treat, these cups deliver elegance and flavor with minimal effort. Share this recipe with friends, impress your guests, and unlock the secrets to the perfect chocolate-caramel combination!