Salted Caramel Mousse Recipe

If you are looking to indulge in something both luxurious and delightfully light, let me introduce you to this Salted Caramel Mousse. This dessert is like a cloud of buttery caramel dreams, gently folded with whipped cream to create a silky texture that melts in your mouth. The subtle pinch of sea salt elevates the deep caramel flavor, balancing sweetness with a sophisticated touch, making it an unforgettable treat whether for an elegant dinner party or cozy night in. Once you make this, you’ll find the Salted Caramel Mousse becomes your go-to for impressing guests or satisfying those decadent cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Salted Caramel Mousse lies in its simplicity, relying on essential ingredients that each play a special part in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From golden caramel notes to airy creaminess, every element is a must-have to get that melt-in-your-mouth experience just right.

• 150 g sugar: This is the base for your caramel, providing that rich, golden sweetness and color.
• 2 tbsp water: Helps the sugar dissolve and caramelize evenly without burning.
• 40 g butter: Adds a luscious, creamy richness that deepens the caramel flavor.
• 200 ml heavy cream (divided): Half for the caramel sauce, the other half whipped for that light, airy mousse texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant note that beautifully complements the caramel.
• 1 tsp gelatin + 2 tbsp warm water: Essential for setting the mousse, giving it that perfect fluffy yet stable structure.
• Pinch of sea salt: The magic touch that brightens and balances the sweetness with a subtle savory edge.

How to Make Salted Caramel Mousse

Step 1: Caramelize the Sugar

Begin by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely because this is where patience pays off—you want the sugar to dissolve fully and then bubble into a rich amber caramel without burning. This golden hue is exactly what gives your Salted Caramel Mousse its signature deep color and flavor.

Step 2: Add Butter and Cream

Once your caramel reaches that perfect amber stage, immediately remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Then slowly pour in 100 ml of the heavy cream, whisking continuously to combine. This will create a silky caramel sauce that bursts with butter-rich depth, the foundation for your mousse.

Step 3: Flavor and Cool

Now pour in the pinch of sea salt along with the vanilla extract. These little additions balance the sweetness and add complexity to the flavor profile. Allow the caramel mixture to cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot—you don’t want to scramble the gelatin in the next step.

Step 4: Prepare Gelatin

Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of warm water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. After it blooms, gently incorporate the gelatin into your warm caramel mixture, stirring well until fully dissolved. This step is critical to ensure your mousse sets beautifully while maintaining its airy texture.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

Whip the remaining 100 ml of heavy cream to soft peaks. This whipped cream is what will give the Salted Caramel Mousse its cloud-like softness and lightness—be careful not to overwhip, as soft peaks are the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Fold and Chill

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled caramel mixture in three additions, taking your time to keep it airy and light. Once fully combined, transfer the mousse into serving dishes or a large bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for 3 to 4 hours. This chilling step lets the flavors meld and the mousse firm up to that perfect, airy consistency.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Mousse

Garnishes

To add texture and a pop of visual appeal, try sprinkling crushed biscuits, roasted nuts, or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. These crunchy toppings contrast beautifully with the mousse’s soft, silky texture and enhance every bite with extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes

This Salted Caramel Mousse stands perfectly well on its own, but if you want to pair it, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream bring wonderful brightness and balance. A crisp cookie or biscotti on the side also complements the creamy sweetness gorgeously.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the mousse in elegant glasses layered with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder for a restaurant-quality look. For a more fun presentation, fill small jars or ramekins and top with edible gold leaf or caramel shards to turn this dessert into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Salted Caramel Mousse can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. This way, you can enjoy its silky charm even the next day without any compromise.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s not the ideal method for this delicate mousse. The texture may change once thawed, becoming less airy and a bit grainy. If you do choose to freeze portions, wrap them tightly and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Because the Salted Caramel Mousse is best served cold and airy, reheating is not recommended. Keep it chilled, and serve straight from the fridge for the best indulgent experience.

FAQs

Can I use powdered gelatin instead of sheets?

Yes, powdered gelatin works perfectly for this recipe as long as you bloom it properly in warm water before incorporating it into the caramel mixture. Just use the equivalent amount specified in the recipe.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key to achieving the mousse’s rich texture, but a full-fat coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different and less buttery.

How salty should the mousse be?

The pinch of sea salt is subtle yet essential—it brightens the caramel’s sweetness without making the mousse taste salty. You can adjust slightly to your taste, but don’t skip it as it’s what gives the mousse its signature depth.

Can this mousse be made ahead for parties?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s great for entertaining since it needs to chill for several hours and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, making your party prep stress-free.

What if my caramel hardens before I add butter and cream?

If the caramel cools and hardens, gently warm it back over low heat while stirring constantly until it melts again. Be careful not to burn it as that will affect the flavor negatively.

Final Thoughts

Once you master this Salted Caramel Mousse, you’ll have a dessert that’s both elegant and inviting, impressively simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of treat that feels special but is easy enough to whip up whenever you want a little indulgence. Go ahead, give it a try and let this silky, dreamy mousse become your favorite sweet escape!