Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to create a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and sweet, buttery caramel? The quest for the ultimate indulgence often leads us to the delightful world of Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also elevates your dessert game with its luxurious texture and flavor. In this post, we’ll explore how to make these delectable bars, incorporating the focus keyword naturally throughout.

Ingredients List

To create your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Base:

  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: For a light and fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the cake’s fluffiness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the base.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
  • 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.

For the Salted Caramel Layer:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: The base for your caramel.
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter: Adds creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream: Makes the caramel smooth.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the caramel flavor.

For the Chocolate Mousse:

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: For a light and airy mousse.
  • 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for the mousse.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.

Substitutions:

  • For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
  • Coconut oil can replace vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.
  • Use dark chocolate for a richer mousse.

Timing

Creating these Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars takes approximately 90 minutes, which is 20% less time than the average dessert recipe. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 40 minutes (this includes the time for the mousse to set)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a golden brown color, stirring constantly.
  2. Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble up).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Bars

  1. Once the chocolate cake has cooled, pour the salted caramel over the top, spreading it evenly.
  2. Spoon the chocolate mousse over the caramel layer, smoothing it out.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with sea salt for garnish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (1 bar):

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars a bit healthier? Consider these alternatives:

  • Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to lower the calorie count.
  • Avocado: Replace half the butter in the caramel with mashed avocado for a healthier fat option.
  • Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream in the mousse for added protein and reduced fat.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:

  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
  • Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream complements the bars beautifully.
  • Drizzle with Extra Caramel: For the ultimate indulgence, drizzle more salted caramel on top before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense cake bars. Mix just until combined.
  2. Not Letting the Cake Cool: Pouring caramel on a warm cake can cause it to melt and seep in too much.
  3. Skipping the Refrigeration: Allowing the mousse to set is crucial for the right texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars fresh:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, the Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy mousse, and luscious salted caramel. Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for parties.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with dark, milk, or even white chocolate for the mousse, depending on your preference.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and coconut cream for the mousse.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel should be a deep amber color and have a rich smell. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Certainly! Chopped nuts can be added to the mousse layer or sprinkled on top for added texture.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars

Salted Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake Bars
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Chocolate Cake Base:
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: For a light and fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Enhances the cake’s fluffiness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the base.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
  • 2 large eggs: Provides structure and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
  • For the Salted Caramel Layer:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: The base for your caramel.
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter: Adds creaminess.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream: Makes the caramel smooth.
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the caramel flavor.
  • For the Chocolate Mousse:
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream: For a light and airy mousse.
  • 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for the mousse.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.

Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base

    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
    2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    3. In another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
    4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel

    1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a golden brown color, stirring constantly.
    2. Once melted, carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined.
    3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble up).
    4. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.

    Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

    1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
    2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
    3. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined.

    Step 4: Assemble the Cake Bars

    1. Once the chocolate cake has cooled, pour the salted caramel over the top, spreading it evenly.
    2. Spoon the chocolate mousse over the caramel layer, smoothing it out.
    3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.

    Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

    1. Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with sea salt for garnish.
© Lily Cooking
Category: Dessert