Caramel Mousse
Caramel Mousse
Melt the sugar until it's golden. Carefully whisk in warm cream to make a smooth caramel sauce. Let the sauce cool a little before folding it into the whipped cream with softened gelatin. Keep it aside and wait until cool.
You don't need eggs, as you can use agar-agar or gelatin to set the caramel mousse mixture instead of whipped eggs. This makes the texture light and airy, and the structure is completely dependent on whipped cream.
Caramel Mousse is a dessert that is all made on the stove and in the refrigerator. The caramel is cooked on the stove, and the mousse is set by chilling. No baking, no oven involved from beginning to end.
Caramel-based caramel mousse requires sugar, cream, milk, vanilla, and a setting agent such as gelatin. Add sea salt to give it a little bit of a savory quality to balance out the sweet.
Caramel mousse will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. It is most enjoyable while in this window, as the texture can get a little less airy after sitting for a longer time.
If the caramel is burnt or too dark, the mousse can taste bitter. If there isn't enough gelatin or if the cream is not whipped enough, the mousse will not set, making it runny.
Unlike baked desserts, caramel mousse is set by chilling, not heat, and gets its flavor from caramelization and its airy texture from whipped cream. It's got a distinctive, spoonable consistency when served.
Serve the caramel mousse in small glass jars and sprinkle with sea salt. Layer with crushed biscuits for a touch of crunch, or serve with fresh apple slices for a simple, elegant dessert.
A light shaving or drizzle of milk chocolate works with the sweetness of the caramel without hiding it. Dark chocolate is also a viable option if you prefer a slightly more intense , less sugary flavor contrast.
Using a good-quality milk or dark chocolate from a reputable brand works well, but the real secret to a great caramel mousse is not in the choice of a particular chocolate brand but in the proper caramelization of the sugar.
