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Home » baking, desserts & puddings » salted caramel & chocolate mousse

salted caramel & chocolate mousse

23 November, 2021 Last Modified: December 7, 2021

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Our salted caramel and chocolate mousse is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, ready to serve your guests straight from the fridge.

Salted caramel and chocolate mousse is the dessert that my family request me to make more than any other. It’s made for Birthdays, Christmas, family parties, when I have friends round for dinner. I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t love this rich chocolate mousse.

A pot of rich chocolate mousse, topped with chocolate shavings , lots of chocolate pieces scattered around, an old sieve with cocoa powder dusted around on a dark mottled brown marble backdrop.

This easy chocolate mousse is my all time favourite make ahead dessert. All the better that this salted caramel and chocolate mousse can be made the day ahead and stored in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

The salted caramel adds wonderful sweetness to the bitter dark chocolate. However, the entire dessert is well balanced and the caramel gives the mousse an almost molten texture.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • The perfect balance of flavours as the bitter chocolate balances out the sweet and slightly salty caramel.
  • Make ahead the day before and leave it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • Uses only 6 simple ingredients most of us will have in our store cupboards and fridges.
  • A great gluten free dessert but just make sure you check the ingredients label on the chocolate before you start as some chocolate does contain allergens.

Best chocolate for salted caramel & chocolate mousse?

The best chocolate for making this easy chocolate mousse is a bitter dark chocolate. I have used an 85% dark chocolate but anything over 60% works well in this dessert.

The bitter dark chocolate is balanced out by the rich double cream and the sweetness of the salted caramel. If you were to use milk chocolate in this dessert I think it would be too sweet.

How to make chocolate mousse with salted caramel:

How to make salted caramel:

The tricky part of this recipe is making the caramel, the rest of it is really very straight forward. The trick with melting sugar to make caramel is to take your time!

Do not rush and put the heat up too high. Instead place the sugar over a low heat and gently melt the sugar and take it to the point where it is golden, but not too far otherwise you risk the caramel burning.

With a few simple steps, and a little patience, we show you how to make salted caramel.

  • Ingredients for making chocolate mousse, dark chocolate, butter, salt, dark sugar, cream and eggs.
  • Adding butter and salt to sugar that is beginning to caramelise in a pan.
  • To make the caramel place the sugar in a saucepan and dissolve the sugar over a low heat. Bring to a slow simmer but do not stir as this will cause the sugar to crystallise. This step takes time so don’t rush it or you risk burning the sugar and will only have to start again. I know as I’ve done this in the past!
  • When the syrup starts to colour around the edges, give the caramel a gentle swirl around the pan as this will allow the caramel to cook through – but do not stir.
  • Once the caramel has reached a deep colour – take care not to take it too far as you don’t want the caramel to burn. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and salt.

How to make Chocolate Mousse:

  • Adding cream that has been lightly whipped to a pan of caramel.
  • Chocolate and caramel melting in a pot and being stirred with a a rubber spatula.
  • In a separate pan bring the double cream up to just boiling point and add this to the caramel, continue to stir until smooth, ensuring that all the caramel has dissolved in the warm cream.
  • Break the chocolate up into small pieces and add to the pan. Mix it through until completely melted.
  • Egg yolks being added to melted chocolate.
  • Whipped egg whites being added to melted chocolate to finish off a chocolate mousse.
  • Now add the egg yolks and give the mixture a good stir to incorporate everything together.
  • Finally whisk up the egg whites in a clean bowl until they have formed firm but not stiff peaks.
  • A chocolate caramel mousse dropping from a spoon with a double cream like texture before being added to pots.
  • 6 small pots of chocolate mousse in a metal tray ready for the fridge to chill and set.
  • Fold the egg whites gently through the chocolate to form a smooth mousse like texture.
  • DO NOT be tempted to rush this and beat the egg whites into the chocolate or you will loose all the air in the mousse.
  • Once the egg whites have been incorporated into the chocolate caramel, divide into six serving dishes.
  • Refrigerate for 5 hours before serving.

Recipe substitutions and variations:

  • Granulated sugar is melted to liquid to form the base of the salted caramel. You can also replace the granulated sugar with caster sugar.
  • Butter is added to the molten sugar to make the salted caramel and the butter also stops the mousse from setting too firm. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer.
  • Sea salt is added to the caramel to make a salted caramel which balances out the sweetness.
  • Double cream (heavy cream) is added to the mousse to give it richness and texture. Double cream thickens the mousse so do not substitute with single cream as it is too thin and you won’t achieve the same texture.
  • 85% Dark chocolate is used to flavour the chocolate mousse. You can use any flavour or variety of chocolate, however, I find that milk chocolate is too sweet alongside the caramel. Instead I like to use a bitter dark chocolate as it balances out the sweetness of the caramel. That said this is a lovely sweet dessert, just not overly so.
  • Egg yolks are added to the chocolate caramel giving the mousse a rich and creamy texture.
  • Egg whites are whipped to firm peaks and folded through the chocolate caramel mixture. The egg whites add air, giving this easy chocolate mousse the light and airy texture.

How to serve easy chocolate mousse?

I usually serve this classic chocolate mousse just as it is. The mousse has been set in ramekins, but you could also use glasses or even china tea cups to serve the mousse in.

However, if you want to pretty it up you can add some whipped cream or fresh berries (raspberries and strawberries would work a treat) alongside.

Can I make ahead salted caramel & chocolate mousse?

This is a great make ahead recipe as the chocolate mousse needs 5 hours to set. I like to prepare this the day before I need to serve it, although you can make it in the morning, ready to serve later in the day. Simply cover the pots of chocolate mousse and place in the fridge. Remove from fridge when ready to serve.

As this classic chocolate mousse contains raw egg it should be stored in the the fridge. I recommend eating the mousse within 2-3 days of making it.

Using raw eggs in a dessert

Please note that the eggs in this mousse are not cooked and for most people this will not be an issue. However, as the egg yolk and whites remain raw we do not recommend serving this dessert to very young children, pregnant women, old people or anyone with an impaired immune system.

Useful hints and tips:

  1. Measure out all your ingredients ready to start as once the caramel is made this is a quick dessert to pull together.
  2. Take your time when making the caramel! There are occasions when I have rushed this and it never works! Take your time to melt the sugar slowly, that means you will only have to do the job once!
  3. Fold the egg whites gently into the mousse do not be tempted to beat the eggs through or you will loose all the air and lightness in the mousse.
  4. Allergy advice: gluten free, soya free and nut free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

Pin the recipe:

Additional recipe suggestions:

For simple make ahead no bake desserts try these recipes:

  • No Bake Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
  • No Bake Lime & Ginger Cheesecake
  • Simple Lemon Posset
  • Easy Lemon Tiramisu with Limoncello
  • Nutella Mousse
  • Traditional Scottish Cranachan with Scottish Raspberries
  • Individual Trifles with Sherry, Figs & Vanilla
  • Strawberry Eton Mess with Scottish Strawberries

For more inspiration have a read of our No Bake Desserts post which contains helpful hints and tips as well as a great selection of our favourite no bake dessert recipe.

Salted Caramel & Chocolate Mousse

Our salted caramel and chocolate mousse is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, ready to serve your guests straight from the fridge.
4.95 from 17 votes
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Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Resting TIme: 5 hrs
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 346kcal
Author: Lesley Garden

Ingredients

  • 100 g granulated sugar
  • 30 g butter
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 200 ml double cream
  • 100 g dark chocolate
  • 3 large eggs (yolk & white separated)

Instructions

  • To make the caramel place the sugar in a saucepan and dissolve the sugar over a low heat. Bring to a slow simmer but do not stir as this will cause the sugar to crystallise. This step takes time so don't rush it or you risk burning the sugar.
  • When the syrup starts to colour round the edge, give the syrup a gentle swirl around the pan as this will allow the caramel to cook through – but do not stir.
  • Once the caramel has reached a deep colour – take care not to take it too far as you don't want the caramel to burn. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and salt.
  • In a separate pan bring the double cream up to boiling point and add this to the caramel, continue to stir until smooth, ensuring that all the caramel is dissolved in the warm cream.
  • Break the chocolate up into small pieces and add to the pan. Mix it through until completely melted before adding the egg yolks and giving the mixture a good stir to incorporate everything together.
  • Finally whisk up the egg whites in a clean bowl until they have formed firm but not stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites gently through the chocolate before dividing into six serving dishes. Refrigerate for 5 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Salted Caramel & Chocolate Mousse
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 139mg46%
Sodium 90mg4%
Potassium 176mg5%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 21g23%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 740IU15%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 48mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

• Please note that the nutrition information provided above is approximate and meant as a guideline only •

Course : Dessert
Cuisine : British
Keyword : Quick, Simple, vegetarian
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Tagged With: desserts, gluten free dessert, quick dessert, simple dessert, vegetarian 34 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen

    16 March, 2022 at 12:56

    Has anyone actually made it? I can see everyone loves the sound and look of it….

    Reply
    • Michelle

      20 March, 2022 at 10:21

      Hi Karen, its one I’ve made many times and my family love it. Michelle

      Reply
  2. Cat

    29 November, 2021 at 22:32

    5 stars
    Oh ladies what have you done?! This looks like pure indulgent decadence and I am definitely here for it!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      30 November, 2021 at 08:49

      Thank you Cat, it’s a very moreish dessert.

      Reply
  3. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie

    29 November, 2021 at 19:28

    5 stars
    These look utterly wonderful in every possible way – yes please!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      30 November, 2021 at 08:49

      Thank you Eb, a very popular dessert with anyone I serve them to.

      Reply
  4. Janice

    29 November, 2021 at 12:32

    5 stars
    Be still my beating heart! Absolutely my favourite flavours and such a decadent dessert and one that you can make ahead – get in! .

    Reply
    • Lesley

      29 November, 2021 at 14:48

      Thank you Janice, mine too. This mousse is a winner every time I serve it. I’m a big fan of any make ahead dessert.

      Reply
  5. Rebecca - Glutarama

    25 November, 2021 at 13:42

    5 stars
    What a decadent recipe and such stunning photos too. I love the sound of this Salted Caramel Mousse, saving it for the festive period.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      25 November, 2021 at 17:44

      Thank you Rebecca, this mousse has already been requested as one of the desserts for Christmas day.

      Reply
  6. Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist

    25 November, 2021 at 11:14

    5 stars
    This looks delicious. Mousse is always well-requested here too. But I’m definitely all for the use of the salted caramel xxx

    Reply
    • Lesley

      25 November, 2021 at 11:20

      Thank you Kate, chocolate mousse is always a winner, the added salted caramel just gives it an almost molten texture.

      Reply
  7. Renu

    24 November, 2021 at 12:28

    5 stars
    With just 6 ingredients and to top it much of my favourites, I must definitely try this for my bday next month 😀

    Reply
    • Lesley

      24 November, 2021 at 13:34

      Thank you Renu, it’s the dessert that is requested most for family Birthdays in my house.

      Reply
  8. Choclette

    24 November, 2021 at 09:02

    5 stars
    If there’s one thing that’s going to make chocolate mousse even better, it’s going to be salted caramel. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
    • Lesley

      24 November, 2021 at 13:33

      Thank you Choclette, the caramel does add another level and make this a very moreish dessert.

      Reply
  9. Jacqui – Only Crumbs Remain

    23 November, 2021 at 18:17

    5 stars
    This sounds so delicious I do love an old fashion mousse set with egg white as they are so light and delicious and the sound of the Caramel flavouring the chocolate is so good I have to try

    Reply
    • Lesley

      24 November, 2021 at 08:06

      Thank you Jacqui, its a real favourite in our house and asked for every family celebration. The caramel just adds a sweet and slightly salty edge which works with the bitter dark chocolate.

      Reply
  10. Claire Thomas

    25 September, 2017 at 20:26

    This sounds, and looks, delicious. Chocolate for colder months I think!

    Reply
    • Lesley

      26 September, 2017 at 06:09

      Thank you Claire, it’s such an easy mousse to make, easily my daughters favourite dessert. Lesley x

      Reply
  11. Angela / Only Crumbs Remain

    26 June, 2017 at 10:29

    Wow, this really sounds gorgeous! I’ve never tried chilli with chocolate before – though I’ve heard great things about it, so I really ought to give it a go. love how you’ve presented these too. they look very inviting. #CookBlowShare
    Angela x

    Reply
    • Lesley

      26 June, 2017 at 17:38

      Thank you Angela, I’ve always made this chocolate mousse but decided to spice it up with some chilli chocolate, just adds a nice warmth. Thank you, lovely to hear nice comments about our styling.

      Reply
  12. TurksWhoEat

    23 June, 2017 at 13:24

    Sounds good, so interesting to use chilli chocolate

    Reply
    • Michelle

      23 June, 2017 at 15:14

      Thanks, have to say its a family favourite.

      Reply
  13. Kirsty Hijacked By Twins

    23 June, 2017 at 09:23

    Ooooh this looks and sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x

    Reply
    • Michelle

      23 June, 2017 at 15:14

      Thanks Kirsty, its such a delicious dessert and of course for those that don’t like chilli its easiest enough to replace with with a normal chocolate.

      Reply
  14. Monika Dabrowski

    22 June, 2017 at 07:53

    I adore chili chocolate and this dessert sounds fabulous! Thank you for bringing it to #CookBlogShare:)

    Reply
    • Lesley

      22 June, 2017 at 08:36

      You’re welcome Monika, a favourite dessert in my house and easy to prepare.

      Reply
  15. Meals and Makes

    21 June, 2017 at 12:49

    Yum, I love the combination of chilli and chocolate. These look really delicious. What a great idea for a dinner party dessert. #CookBlogShare

    Reply
    • Lesley

      22 June, 2017 at 08:35

      They are ideal for a dinner party mealsandmakes prepared well ahead and served straight from the fridge.

      Reply
  16. Lathiya

    20 June, 2017 at 19:22

    This looks absolute yum

    Reply
    • Lesley

      22 June, 2017 at 08:34

      Thank you Lathiya.

      Reply
  17. Corina Blum

    20 June, 2017 at 13:32

    Oh yummy! I do like chocolate and chilli together and it’s a great idea to put them in a mousse!

    Reply
    • Michelle

      20 June, 2017 at 16:33

      Thanks Corina, such a great combination isn’t it. This particular chocolate is local to us as well from Cocoa Ooze in Aberdeen, a great local company and amazing products.

      Reply

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