Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Recipe

Dreamy Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Recipe for Sweet Bliss

My latest culinary adventure with salted caramel coffee mousse cups promises pure decadence for dessert enthusiasts.

Sweet meets salty in a delightful dance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich coffee undertones, creating an irresistible treat.

Elegant yet simple, these individual dessert cups deliver sophisticated comfort in every spoonful.

Layers of silky mousse and caramel create a luxurious experience that feels both indulgent and light.

Nothing compares to the moment you crack through the caramel surface and discover the smooth, airy coffee goodness beneath.

We crave desserts that spark joy and conversation – this recipe does exactly that.

Prepare to impress and delight with these irresistible mousse cups that turn an ordinary evening into something special.

Why Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Are Irresistible

  • Craft a Decadent Dessert: This salted caramel coffee mousse offers an indulgent treat that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Impress Without Stress: Guests will be wowed by the sophisticated layered flavors of coffee and caramel, making it perfect for dinner parties or special celebrations without complex cooking techniques.
  • Layer of Luxurious Texture: The recipe creates an incredibly smooth, creamy mousse with a perfect balance between light whipped cream and rich caramel base, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that feels professionally crafted.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the dessert by adjusting garnishes like chocolate shavings, different salt varieties, or a drizzle of espresso for personal creativity and endless flavor variations.

What You’ll Need For Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups

Caramel Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar: The primary ingredient that transforms into a rich, amber-colored liquid.
  • Water: Helps dissolve and caramelize the sugar evenly.
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious caramel texture.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the depth of flavor and provides a subtle savory contrast.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Condensed Milk: Brings sweetness and creamy consistency to the mousse.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to complement the caramel.
  • Cold Brewed Coffee: Provides a subtle coffee undertone and helps bloom the gelatin.
Binding and Structure Ingredients:
  • Egg Yolks: Create a smooth, custard-like base and help thicken the mousse.
  • Gelatin: Ensures the mousse sets properly and maintains its light, airy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Whips to create a soft, voluminous foundation for the mousse.

Simple Steps For Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups

Step 1: Bloom Coffee Gelatin

Grab your cold brewed coffee and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Let it sit quietly and develop its magical thickening powers while you continue preparing the other components.

Step 2: Create Amber Caramel

Pour sugar and water into a heavy saucepan. Swirl the pan gently over medium heat, watching the mixture transform into a rich golden-brown liquid. Avoid stirring to prevent crystallization.

Step 3: Enhance Caramel Flavor

Remove the caramel from heat and whisk in:
  • Butter
  • Sea salt

The mixture will sizzle and create an intensely aromatic golden sauce.

Step 4: Temper Egg Yolks

Slowly stream the warm caramel into egg yolks while whisking continuously. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a smooth, silky base.

Step 5: Build Creamy Caramel Base

Combine the caramel-egg mixture with:
  • Condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes glossy and perfectly blended.

Step 6: Incorporate Gelatin

Fold the bloomed gelatin into the caramel mixture, ensuring even distribution without deflating the delicate texture.

Step 7: Whip Cream to Perfection

Beat heavy cream until soft, billowy peaks form. This creates a light, airy foundation for the mousse.

Step 8: Merge Caramel and Cream

Gently fold whipped cream into the caramel base using circular motions. Maintain the cream’s volume while creating a silky smooth texture.

Step 9: Fill Serving Cups

Carefully pour the mousse into individual cups, distributing evenly and smoothly.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the mousse for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows flavors to develop and the texture to become perfectly set.

Step 11: Final Garnish

Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. This adds a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Tips To Try

  • Master Caramel Technique: Swirl sugar in heavy-bottomed pan without stirring to prevent crystallization and achieve perfect amber color without burning.
  • Gelatin Blooming Secret: Dissolve gelatin in cold coffee completely before adding to mixture, ensuring smooth texture and preventing lumpy consistency.
  • Prevent Egg Scrambling: Stream warm caramel slowly into egg yolks while whisking constantly to create silky, tempered base without developing unwanted scrambled egg texture.
  • Whip Cream to Perfection: Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form, creating airy foundation that maintains volume when folded into caramel mixture for light, luxurious mousse.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate mousse for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop deep, rich caramel coffee notes.

Try New Takes On Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups

  • Mocha Madness: Replace cold brewed coffee with strong espresso and add cocoa powder to the caramel mixture for a rich chocolate-coffee flavor profile.
  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate crushed toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the mousse and top with a praline crumble for added texture and depth.
  • Spiced Caramel Dream: Infuse the caramel with ground cinnamon, a pinch of cardamom, and a hint of nutmeg to create a warming, aromatic dessert experience.
  • Tropical Caramel Fusion: Blend in some coconut cream and top with fresh mango chunks or passion fruit coulis for a bright, exotic variation of the classic mousse.

Top Pairings For Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot with hints of dark fruit and oak, complementing the deep caramel and coffee notes while balancing the dessert's sweetness.
  • Enhance with Salted Nut Crunch: Scatter toasted almonds or candied pecans on top to introduce a contrasting texture and nutty undertone that amplifies the mousse's rich caramel complexity.
  • Match with Espresso Accompaniment: Serve alongside a small shot of pure espresso to intensify the coffee essence and create a harmonious flavor dialogue between the mousse and its liquid counterpart.
  • Highlight with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Create a light vanilla-infused whipped cream garnish that adds a delicate, aromatic layer to soften the mousse's intense caramel and coffee profile.

Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Storage Tips

  • Transfer leftover mousse cups to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring they remain sealed to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Consume refrigerated mousse cups within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture, keeping them consistently chilled at 40°F or below.
  • Wrap individual mousse cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Never leave mousse cups at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards.

Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Common Questions

  • What gives this coffee mousse its unique caramel flavor?

The caramel base is created by heating sugar and water until it transforms into a deep amber liquid, then whisking in butter and sea salt to develop complex, rich flavor notes.

  • How does the recipe ensure a smooth mousse texture?

By carefully tempering egg yolks with warm caramel while continuously whisking, preventing scrambling and creating a silky, glossy mixture that maintains its delicate structure.

  • Why is gelatin important in this recipe?

Gelatin helps the mousse set properly, providing stability and a consistent, creamy texture that holds its shape when chilled.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of cold brew?

Cold brew is recommended for a smoother, less bitter coffee flavor, but if unavailable, you can use strong, cooled espresso as an alternative.

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Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Recipe

Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rich layers of salted caramel coffee mousse cups blend velvety elegance with indulgent flavor profiles. Smooth espresso notes and silky caramel create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup water

Caramel Components:

  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Stabilizing/Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp gelatin powder
  • 1/4 cup condensed milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Dissolve gelatin in cold brewed coffee, allowing it to bloom and set aside for future incorporation.
  2. Create a rich caramel base by heating sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently swirling until it transforms into a deep amber liquid without stirring.
  3. Remove caramel from heat and carefully whisk in butter and sea salt, creating a luxurious golden mixture that develops complex flavor notes.
  4. Temper egg yolks by slowly streaming the warm caramel into them while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth texture.
  5. Combine the caramel-egg mixture with condensed milk and vanilla extract, stirring until perfectly integrated and glossy.
  6. Fold the bloomed gelatin into the caramel mixture, ensuring complete and even distribution without deflating the mixture.
  7. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, creating a light and airy foundation for the mousse.
  8. Gently fold whipped cream into the caramel base, using delicate circular motions to maintain maximum volume and create a silky consistency.
  9. Pour the mousse into individual serving cups, taking care to distribute evenly.
  10. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing the mousse to set and flavors to meld completely.
  11. Before serving, garnish with an optional drizzle of caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of sea salt for heightened sensory experience.

Notes

  • Optimize gelatin bloom by using room temperature coffee to ensure smooth incorporation without lumps.
  • Prevent caramel from burning by using a light-colored pan to monitor color changes and maintain precise amber hue.
  • Temper egg yolks meticulously by adding caramel gradually to avoid curdling and maintain silky texture.
  • Consider dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and condensed coconut milk for lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining the recipe’s rich, decadent profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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