Imagine a dessert so breathtaking, it looks like it belongs in a Parisian pastry shop window - delicate caramel baskets cradling a cloud-like white chocolate mousse that literally melts in your mouth. This French-inspired culinary masterpiece is not just a dessert; it's an experience that transforms an ordinary moment into a luxurious celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to something extraordinary, this White Chocolate Mousse in Caramel Basket will elevate your dessert game from ordinary to absolutely spectacular!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare caramel baskets first by combining sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring, allowing sugar to dissolve and caramelize to a deep amber color (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Quickly and carefully drape hot caramel over inverted greased metal bowls or silicone molds, creating thin, delicate basket shapes. Allow caramel baskets to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
- For white chocolate mousse, create a double boiler by placing chopped white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Gently melt chocolate, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Fold melted white chocolate into whipped cream gently, maintaining the cream's airy texture. Mix until just combined to preserve volume.
- Carefully transfer mousse into cooled caramel baskets, using a piping bag for elegant presentation. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Before serving, garnish with optional extras like fresh berries, mint leaves, or white chocolate shavings. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Sugar Caramelization Secrets: Watch your caramel like a hawk! The difference between perfect amber and burnt sugar is just seconds.
- Temperature Matters: Use a candy thermometer if possible to ensure precise caramel color and consistency.
- Whipping Cream Technique: Stop whipping when soft peaks form - overwhipping can make your mousse grainy and dense.
- Chocolate Melting Pro Tip: Always melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent seizing or burning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow caramel baskets to cool completely before adding mousse to prevent structural collapse.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Presentation Perfection: Use a piping bag for a professional, elegant mousse placement in your caramel baskets.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg
