Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA swirl of silky chocolate mousse meets the irresistible allure of homemade salted caramel in these charming Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups. As I poured the warm caramel over the creamy mousse, I felt a wave of excitement—this gluten-free dessert is not only a treat for the tastebuds but also a themed delight for special occasions, especially Valentine’s Day. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can craft a fancy dessert that impresses while keeping things uncomplicated. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of rich cocoa and a gentle salty tang that dances on the palate. Curious about how to elevate your dessert game while keeping it effortlessly chic? Let’s dive into this decadent sweetness! Why Are These Mousse Cups So Irresistible? Indulgent, rich flavor: The combination of silky chocolate mousse and homemade salted caramel creates a dessert experience unlike any other. Gourmet touch: Each cup appears fancy yet is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or loved ones. Gluten-free delight: With simple, wholesome ingredients, these cups cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or an everyday treat, these mousse cups elevate any dessert table. Quick assembly: Minimal prep time means you can create an eye-catching dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Pair these delicious cups with a warm drink, like my Pink Hot Chocolate, for a perfectly cozy treat! Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Ingredients For the Chocolate Cups • Muffin liners – Essential for shaping your chocolate cups; opt for regular liners for smaller portions. • Chocolate chips (6 oz.) – Use dark chocolate for a rich and intense flavor; milk or semi-sweet chips can be good substitutes. For the Mousse • Egg yolks (4) – They add creaminess and structure; be careful not to overheat to prevent scrambling. • Granulated sugar (1/4 cup) – Sweetens the mousse; feel free to substitute with a sugar alternative if needed. • Heavy cream (1 cup + 1/3 cup) – This creates the mousse’s silky texture; make sure it’s chilled for better whipping. • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract works best for a more pronounced taste. • Salt (1/8 teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors; consider using sea salt for a gourmet touch. For the Salted Caramel • White sugar (1/2 cup) – The base for your caramel; it will caramelize beautifully when cooked properly. • Light corn syrup (2 tablespoons) – This helps create a smooth caramel; honey or agave syrup can work as alternatives. • Salted butter (3 tablespoons) – Adds richness; if using unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to taste. • Kosher salt (to taste) – For seasoning; it’s optional but enhances the final presentation. For the Garnish • Chocolate curls or shavings – These add a decorative finish and a touch of elegance to your mousse cups. Enjoy crafting these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups, a fancy dessert that will surely delight your family or special guests! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Step 1: Prepare chocolate cups Begin by melting 6 oz. of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals until smooth. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners, then carefully spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of the melted chocolate into each liner, spreading it up the sides evenly. Place the tray in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the chocolate has fully hardened. Step 2: Make mousse base In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until pale and well combined. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until just steaming. Gradually add a third of the hot cream to the egg mixture to temper it, then return everything to the saucepan, cooking over low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in melted chocolate until fully combined. Chill the mixture for 1-2 hours until set. Step 3: Whip cream While the chocolate mixture cools, pour an additional 1/3 cup of heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once your chocolate mixture has cooled, gently fold the whipped cream into it using a spatula, ensuring a light, airy texture throughout. Step 4: Prepare caramel In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, which will take about 8-10 minutes. Once caramelized, swiftly add in 3 tablespoons of salted butter and 1/3 cup of heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool and thicken slightly. Step 5: Assemble cups Remove the hard chocolate cups from the refrigerator. Spoon a layer of the salted caramel into each cup, filling them about a third of the way. Next, add the chocolate mousse, filling the cups nearly to the top. Drizzle a bit more caramel over each mousse layer, then sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt for that exquisite finish. Step 6: Chill and serve Refrigerate your assembled Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the mousse to set perfectly. When ready, garnish with chocolate curls or shavings just before serving. Enjoy this indulgence that’s perfect for any special occasion! Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these mousse cups to match your taste preferences and dietary needs! Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor that everyone will love. Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest to the mousse for a bright, citrusy twist. The zing elevates the dessert, making it feel extra special. Nutty Crunch: Toss in some crushed toasted hazelnuts or almonds to the mousse for a delightful crunch. The texture contrast adds a lovely surprise in each bite! Flavored Extracts: Experiment with almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile. Just a drop enhances richness, perfect for festive occasions. Spicy Kick: For a bold twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a gentle heat. This surprising element pairs beautifully with the sweet flavors, creating an exciting balance. Caramel Sauce: Make a richer caramel sauce by using dark brown sugar in place of white sugar. This deepens the flavors and adds complexity, elevating your dessert. You could even drizzle some over my delicious Air Fryer Caramelized Pineapple for a fun pairing! Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate. It still delivers that rich texture while being suitable for vegan diets, ensuring no one misses out on the indulgence. Herbal Flavor: Infuse the cream with fresh mint or basil before whipping it for a sophisticated herbal note that surprises and delights with every spoonful. Let these variations inspire you to make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups uniquely yours! Make Ahead Options These Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the chocolate cups and salted caramel up to 3 days in advance, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. The mousse mixture can be made 24 hours ahead; just ensure it is well covered to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the caramel into the hardened chocolate cups, fill with mousse, and chill for a final 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready to impress, all with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Chill Ingredients: Always start with chilled heavy cream for better whipping. This ensures your mousse is light and airy, enhancing the dessert’s overall texture. Be Gentle with Egg Yolks: When tempering, add hot cream slowly to avoid scrambling the egg yolks. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature for safety. Perfect Caramel Consistency: Watch your sugar carefully while making caramel; once it turns dark amber, remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning. Layer with Care: For stunning presentation, layer the salted caramel and mousse slowly and carefully in each cup, giving a beautifully defined look. Allow Time to Chill: Patience pays off! Let the assembled mousse cups chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set properly before serving. How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Fridge: Keep the assembled mousse cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture. Freezer: If you need to freeze them, carefully wrap each mousse cup in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, storing for up to 1 month. Thawing: To enjoy frozen salted caramel chocolate mousse cups, transfer them to the fridge and allow to thaw overnight before serving, helping to maintain their creamy consistency. Reheating: These mousse cups are best enjoyed chilled and should not be reheated, as this could affect their delightful texture. What to Serve with Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Imagine an enchanting evening filled with delightful flavors and unforgettable memories, perfectly complemented by the richness of chocolate mousse and heavenly salted caramel. Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the richness, adding a burst of freshness that enhances each bite. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the smooth mousse, making it a comforting addition for any dessert plate. Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the mousse. A warm cup of espresso creates a luxurious finish. Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Crunchy, chocolate-covered almonds add texture and a nutty note, elevating the experience with each spoonful of mousse. Sparkling Wine: A glass of sparkling wine or champagne perfectly complements the dessert’s richness while adding a celebratory touch. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the mousse enhances its appeal and ties the flavors together beautifully. Homemade Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream introduces a lightness and airy texture that enhances the overall dessert experience. Explore these delightful pairings to create a memorable and harmonious dessert experience that’s bound to impress! Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups Recipe FAQs How do I select the best chocolate for my mousse cups? Absolutely! When choosing chocolate for your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups, opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a rich flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, semi-sweet or milk chocolate can work well too—just remember, the type of chocolate you use will influence the overall taste! How should I store leftover mousse cups? Very! To store your assembled mousse cups, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent any absorption of odors from other foods, keeping them as delightful as when they were first made! Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups? The more the merrier! You can absolutely freeze the mousse cups. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture. What if my caramel turns out too grainy? No worries at all! If your caramel ends up grainy, it might be due to sugar crystallization. To fix it, place the saucepan back on low heat and add a splash of water, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely again. For next time, avoid stirring the caramel once the sugar begins to melt; just swirl the pan occasionally to achieve a smooth texture. Are these mousse cups safe for those with egg allergies? While traditional recipes use egg yolks for richness, there are alternatives! If you’re making these for someone with an egg allergy, you could try using silken tofu blended until smooth in place of egg yolks. This may alter the taste slightly, but it will still provide a creamy texture that complements the chocolate beautifully. Just ensure to check for any other dietary restrictions related to other ingredients. Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe? Definitely! You can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar, agave nectar, or even stevia for a low-sugar version. Just note that some substitutes can affect the texture and browning of the caramel; it may take some experimenting to find what works best in this delightful recipe! Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cups You’ll Love A delightful dessert featuring salted caramel and chocolate mousse that is gluten-free and perfect for special occasions. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 cupsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chocolate Cups6 oz chocolate chips Dark chocolate recommendedmuffin liners For shaping chocolate cupsFor the Mousse4 egg yolks Careful not to overheat1/4 cup granulated sugar Sugar alternative can be used1 cup heavy cream Chilled for better whipping1/3 cup heavy cream For whipping1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure extract recommended1/8 teaspoon salt Consider using sea saltFor the Salted Caramel1/2 cup white sugar Base for caramel2 tablespoons light corn syrup Honey or agave syrup as alternatives3 tablespoons salted butter Add more salt if using unsaltedkosher salt To taste, enhances presentationFor the Garnishchocolate curls or shavings For decoration Equipment microwave-safe bowlMuffin TinSaucepanMixing bowlElectric MixerSpatulaAirtight container Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMelt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals until smooth. Line a muffin tin with muffin liners, then spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of melted chocolate into each liner, spreading it up the sides evenly. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until hardened. Whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just steaming, then temper egg mixture with hot cream. Return to heat until slightly thickened, then stir in melted chocolate and chill for 1-2 hours. Whip additional heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cooled chocolate mixture. Combine white sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan, stirring until sugar caramelizes to a deep amber color. Add butter and cream, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly. Remove chocolate cups from the refrigerator. Layer salted caramel and chocolate mousse, topping with more caramel and sprinkling with kosher salt. Refrigerate assembled cups for at least 4 hours. Garnish with chocolate curls just before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesChill heavy cream for better whipping. Be gentle with egg yolks to avoid scrambling, and monitor sugar carefully while making caramel. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!