Recipe for Caramel Mousse That’s Creamy and Irresistible

There’s something incredibly luxurious about the smooth, creamy texture of caramel mousse. This decadent dessert perfectly balances the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel with a light and airy mousse that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a sophisticated treat after a long day, caramel mousse is a wonderful choice. Its delicate flavor profile pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and can be customized to suit your personal taste.

Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to create the perfect caramel mousse—from making the caramel base to whipping up the airy mousse. You’ll also find tips on how to elevate this dessert with creative variations, serving suggestions, and nutrition information so you can enjoy your treat with confidence.

Get ready to discover why caramel mousse deserves a special place in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This caramel mousse recipe is a delightful fusion of rich caramel flavor and fluffy mousse texture. It’s:

• Easy to prepare, even if you’re new to making mousse or caramel from scratch.
• Versatile—you can serve it in elegant glasses, layer it in parfaits, or use it as a filling for cakes and tarts.
• Impressively decadent without being overly sweet, balancing buttery caramel with lightness.
• Customizable with optional add-ins like sea salt, chocolate, or nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
• Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp (90g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, plus extra for whipping
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
• Optional garnish: sea salt flakes, caramel drizzle, or chopped nuts

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan for making caramel
• Mixing bowls (one large for whipping cream)
• Electric mixer or whisk for whipping cream and egg yolks
• Heatproof spatula for stirring
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoothness)
• Serving glasses or ramekins
• Thermometer (optional, to monitor caramel temperature)

Instructions

1. Prepare the caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir gently with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon as the sugar begins to melt. It will clump at first but keep stirring until the sugar fully melts into a smooth amber liquid. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Add butter and cream: Once the sugar is melted and turns a deep amber color, carefully add the butter cubes. The mixture will bubble vigorously—stir until the butter is fully incorporated. Next, slowly pour in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Again, the mixture will bubble, so proceed with caution. Remove from heat once smooth.
3. Mix egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the salt until slightly pale. Slowly drizzle about 1/4 cup of the warm caramel mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously (this tempers the eggs to avoid scrambling).
4. Combine yolks and caramel: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining caramel. Return to low heat and cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C if using a thermometer). Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Cool the caramel base: Pour the caramel mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until completely chilled (at least 2 hours).
6. Whip the cream: Using an electric mixer, whip the chilled heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip as it can become grainy.
7. Fold the cream into caramel: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the chilled caramel base to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully, maintaining a light and airy texture.
8. Chill the mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and develop flavor.
9. Serve and garnish: Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy your elegant caramel mousse!

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when making caramel. Avoid stirring too aggressively early on to prevent crystallization.”

• Use high-quality butter and cream for the best flavor and texture.
• For a salted caramel variation, increase the salt to 1/2 teaspoon and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving.
• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the caramel mixture for a mocha twist.
• Incorporate melted dark chocolate (about 2 oz) into the caramel base before folding in the whipped cream for a chocolate-caramel mousse.
• Make individual layered parfaits using crushed cookies or graham crackers at the bottom, then caramel mousse, and fresh berries on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Caramel mousse is a wonderfully versatile dessert that pairs well with many accompaniments. Try serving it with:

• Fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a tart contrast.
• Whipped cream lightly dusted with cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Crunchy elements such as toasted almonds, pecans, or praline bits to add texture.
• Espresso or strong coffee to complement the caramel’s richness.

For a party, serve caramel mousse in pretty glasses or shot glasses for elegant individual portions.

Conclusion

Making caramel mousse at home is a rewarding experience that results in a truly decadent dessert. The silky smooth texture and rich caramel flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or an everyday indulgence.

With just a few simple ingredients and some careful steps, you can create a dessert that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it with flavors or toppings to suit your taste.

Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends and family, caramel mousse offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that will keep everyone coming back for more. Be sure to bookmark this recipe and explore other delightful desserts like Chocolate Lava Cake, Classic Tiramisu, and Lemon Panna Cotta for more inspiration in your kitchen adventures!

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