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Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups – A Luxurious Yet Simple Dessert for Beginners

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Desserts have a way of bringing people together, whether it’s after a family meal, during a special celebration, or as a simple treat to indulge in after a long day. If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet effortless dessert, these Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups are the perfect choice. They combine the deep, rich flavors of coffee and chocolate with the smooth, creamy texture of a salted caramel mousse, creating a delightful contrast that feels both indulgent and satisfying. What’s even better? You don’t need advanced pastry skills or hours in the kitchen to make them. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a bit of chilling, you’ll have a sophisticated dessert ready to impress guests or treat yourself to a well-earned sweet moment.

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Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups – A Luxurious Yet Simple Dessert for Beginners

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Craving a decadent dessert that’s simple to make? These Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups are the answer! ☕🍮 A perfect blend of bold coffee, luscious mousse, and rich caramel with a hint of sea salt, this treat is as fancy as it is effortless. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this dessert is bound to be a favorite. Who’s saving this recipe for later? 😋✨ #MousseMagic #SaltedCaramelDream #CoffeeAndDessert #SilkySmooth #NoBakeTreats #EasyDesserts #CoffeeFlavored #SweetAndSavory #IndulgenceMadeSimple #DessertLovers

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salted Caramel Mousse Layer

  • 2 cups salted caramel milk – If you can’t find salted caramel milk, use regular milk and add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
  • ¼ cup salted caramel milk – Used to dissolve the gelatin. Same substitution as above applies.
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adjust to taste if you prefer a less sweet mousse.
  • 4 ounces whipped heavy cream or whipped topping – Whipped heavy cream gives a richer flavor, while whipped topping makes a lighter, fluffier texture.
  • 2 ¾ teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin – Essential for setting the mousse. If using gelatin sheets, use 2.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Coffee Chocolate Layer

  • ¼ cup salted caramel milk (twice) – Used to dissolve the gelatin and create a smooth coffee chocolate layer.
  • ½ teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin – Helps set the coffee layer.
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa is recommended for a deeper chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa also works.
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder – Espresso powder provides a stronger coffee flavor, but any instant coffee will work.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Can be adjusted based on how sweet you like your desserts.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the coffee and chocolate flavors beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Mousse

  1. Pour ¼ cup of salted caramel milk into a small bowl, then sprinkle 2¾ teaspoons of unflavored gelatin over it. Stir and let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
  2. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds, then stir until the gelatin dissolves completely. Do not boil the mixture. If necessary, microwave in 5-second intervals, stirring in between.
  3. Strain the gelatin mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine.
  5. While continuously whisking, slowly pour in 2 cups of salted caramel milk. If the mixture starts to set, microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it.
  6. In a separate bowl, whip 4 ounces of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. If using whipped topping, skip this step.
  7. Gently fold the milk mixture into the whipped cream in three additions, stirring carefully each time until fully combined. The final mixture should be light and airy but still pourable.
  8. Divide the salted caramel mousse evenly into six small cups (about 5-6 ounces each). Place in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until set enough to support the next layer.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Chocolate Layer

  1. In a cup, combine ¼ cup of salted caramel milk and ½ teaspoon of unflavored gelatin. Stir and let sit for 2 minutes before microwaving for 20 seconds. Stir until the gelatin dissolves completely.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth, then strain through a sieve to remove any lumps.
  3. Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of salted caramel milk, whisking continuously. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. Check if the salted caramel mousse has set enough to support the next layer. If it has, carefully divide the coffee chocolate mixture between the cups, pouring it gently over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the mousse layer.
  5. Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 3-4 hours until completely set.

Notes

  • If the gelatin clumps – Always sprinkle it evenly over the milk and let it sit before microwaving. Straining helps remove any remaining lumps.
  • If the mousse doesn’t set – Ensure that the gelatin fully dissolves before adding it to the milk. Refrigerating for the full chilling time is also crucial.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor – Increase the amount of instant coffee powder by ½ teaspoon or use espresso powder for a bolder taste.
  • To make it dairy-free – Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped topping.
  • Author: Paula Susan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

Mousse is often seen as a fancy, restaurant-style dessert, but this recipe makes it approachable for home cooks of any skill level. The secret lies in using a few simple ingredients and following step-by-step instructions that guide you through the process. If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of making a mousse, don’t worry—this recipe is designed with beginners in mind. You’ll learn how to work with gelatin to create the perfect airy texture, how to balance flavors for a harmonious dessert, and even how to customize the recipe with different variations to suit your taste. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro, and your mousse cups will look like they came straight from a high-end café.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

  • Simple Ingredients – The recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients like caramel milk, instant coffee, cocoa powder, sugar, and cream. No specialty baking tools or advanced techniques are required.
  • Quick to Make – Unlike baked desserts that require precise oven temperatures and long waiting times, this mousse comes together in just 20 minutes, with the fridge doing most of the work.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward – Despite how fancy they look, these mousse cups involve straightforward steps that anyone can follow. If you can stir and whisk, you can make this dessert!
  • No Baking Required – Perfect for those who don’t have an oven or want a hassle-free dessert that won’t heat up the kitchen.
  • Customizable – You can adjust the flavors by swapping ingredients or adding garnishes to make each serving unique.

Ingredients and Alternatives

Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent mousse cups, along with suggested substitutions in case you don’t have certain ingredients on hand.

For the Salted Caramel Mousse Layer

  • 2 cups salted caramel milk – If you can’t find salted caramel milk, use regular milk and add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt.
  • ¼ cup salted caramel milk – Used to dissolve the gelatin. Same substitution as above applies.
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adjust to taste if you prefer a less sweet mousse.
  • 4 ounces whipped heavy cream or whipped topping – Whipped heavy cream gives a richer flavor, while whipped topping makes a lighter, fluffier texture.
  • 2 ¾ teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin – Essential for setting the mousse. If using gelatin sheets, use 2.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Coffee Chocolate Layer

  • ¼ cup salted caramel milk (twice) – Used to dissolve the gelatin and create a smooth coffee chocolate layer.
  • ½ teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin – Helps set the coffee layer.
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa is recommended for a deeper chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa also works.
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder – Espresso powder provides a stronger coffee flavor, but any instant coffee will work.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Can be adjusted based on how sweet you like your desserts.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the coffee and chocolate flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salted Caramel Mousse

  1. Pour ¼ cup of salted caramel milk into a small bowl, then sprinkle 2¾ teaspoons of unflavored gelatin over it. Stir and let it sit for about 2 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
  2. Microwave the mixture for 20 seconds, then stir until the gelatin dissolves completely. Do not boil the mixture. If necessary, microwave in 5-second intervals, stirring in between.
  3. Strain the gelatin mixture through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine.
  5. While continuously whisking, slowly pour in 2 cups of salted caramel milk. If the mixture starts to set, microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it.
  6. In a separate bowl, whip 4 ounces of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. If using whipped topping, skip this step.
  7. Gently fold the milk mixture into the whipped cream in three additions, stirring carefully each time until fully combined. The final mixture should be light and airy but still pourable.
  8. Divide the salted caramel mousse evenly into six small cups (about 5-6 ounces each). Place in the freezer for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes until set enough to support the next layer.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Chocolate Layer

  1. In a cup, combine ¼ cup of salted caramel milk and ½ teaspoon of unflavored gelatin. Stir and let sit for 2 minutes before microwaving for 20 seconds. Stir until the gelatin dissolves completely.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee powder and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth, then strain through a sieve to remove any lumps.
  3. Pour in the remaining ¼ cup of salted caramel milk, whisking continuously. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. Check if the salted caramel mousse has set enough to support the next layer. If it has, carefully divide the coffee chocolate mixture between the cups, pouring it gently over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the mousse layer.
  5. Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 3-4 hours until completely set.

Beginner Tips and Troubleshooting

  • If the gelatin clumps – Always sprinkle it evenly over the milk and let it sit before microwaving. Straining helps remove any remaining lumps.
  • If the mousse doesn’t set – Ensure that the gelatin fully dissolves before adding it to the milk. Refrigerating for the full chilling time is also crucial.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor – Increase the amount of instant coffee powder by ½ teaspoon or use espresso powder for a bolder taste.
  • To make it dairy-free – Substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped topping.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with white or dark chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
  • Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Pair with shortbread cookies or biscotti to complement the flavors.
  • Serve in small espresso cups for a charming presentation.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Coffee Mousse Cups are proof that you don’t need complicated techniques to create an impressive dessert. The layers of creamy salted caramel and rich coffee chocolate offer a luxurious experience with minimal effort. Whether you’re making these for a dinner party, a celebration, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re sure to be a hit. If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!

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