Are you ready to elevate your dessert game to a whole new level of deliciousness? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that combines the irresistible flavors of salted caramel and chocolate in one elegant dessert – Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups. This treat is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy textures that will leave you craving for more after each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Dive into the layers of smooth chocolate mousse and luscious caramel that make each cup a multi-textured delight.
- Elegant Presentation: These mousse cups look as exquisite as they taste, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
- Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet chocolate, rich caramel, and a hint of salt creates a harmonious blend that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cups
- Muffin liners (jumbo or regular)
- 1 cup (6 oz.) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
For the Mousse
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (choose your favorite: dark, milk, semi-sweet, etc.)
For the Salted Caramel
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Coarse salt (e.g., kosher salt)
Instructions
Prepare the Cups
- Melt the chocolate at 50% power in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Line a muffin tin with liners. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each, spreading it up the sides to create a thick coat.
- Let the chocolate harden completely, then carefully peel away the liner to reveal your chocolate cups.
Make the Mousse
- Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
- Heat 1 cup of cream with vanilla and salt until hot but not boiling. Gradually mix half of this hot cream into the yolks, then return all back to the pot.
- Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens (reaching 170ºF). Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate until melted. Chill the mixture for 1-2 hours.
- Whip the remaining cream to stiff peaks and gently fold into the chilled chocolate mixture.
Create the Caramel
- In a saucepan, cook sugar and corn syrup until a dark caramel forms. Carefully add butter and cream (watch for bubbling), then stir in salt and vanilla. Smooth out any lumps.
Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Spoon a layer of caramel into each chocolate cup.
- Add a generous amount of chocolate mousse on top of the caramel.
- Garnish with more caramel, a sprinkle of coarse salt, and chocolate curls for the perfect finish.
- Chill the cups for at least 4 hours before serving to set the layers beautifully.
Prep Time: 1 Hour
Cooking Time: 20 Min
Total Time: 7 H & 20 M
Servings: 6
Get ready to impress with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups, a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy mousse, and gooey caramel, all finished with a touch of salt, is a true delight for the senses. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious treat for yourself, these cups are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy crafting this delectable dessert and relish in the joy it brings to every bite!