Dulce de Leche Mousse: A Dreamy Dessert That’s Ready in 5 Minutes

If you’ve ever found yourself craving something decadent, creamy, and irresistibly sweet, then this Dulce de Leche Mousse is exactly what you need. Inspired by the rich, caramelized flavors of Latin American desserts, this mousse takes the comforting sweetness of dulce de leche and combines it with cream cheese and double cream to create a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone who loves indulgent treats with minimal effort.

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I still remember the first time I tasted dulce de leche mousse at a friend’s house. She had prepared it for a small gathering, and as soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The balance between the creamy texture and the rich caramel flavor was so divine that I had to get the recipe right away. What’s even better is how quickly it comes together – in just 5 minutes, you can have a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s the ideal recipe for beginner cooks who want to impress without stress.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to make this mousse, give you some creative ways to customize it, and share tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dessert or an elegant dinner party, this mousse will surely wow your guests!

Ingredients and Preparation

The best part about this Dulce de Leche Mousse is that it requires only four simple ingredients to create a rich and creamy dessert. The ingredients are easy to find, and you probably already have some of them in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 390 grams (13.4 oz) dulce de leche or tinned caramel: This is the star of the show! Dulce de leche is a thick, caramel-like treat made from sweetened condensed milk. It has a rich, deep flavor that serves as the perfect base for this mousse. When buying dulce de leche, make sure to look for the scoopable variety (not the thin, pourable caramel sauce).
• 250 grams (9 oz) full-fat cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a delightful tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dulce de leche. It also provides a creamy base for the mousse. The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature before mixing, so it blends smoothly into the dulce de leche.
• A pinch of salt: Just a little bit of salt enhances the natural caramel flavors in the dulce de leche and helps to tone down the sweetness. Don’t skip this step—it makes a huge difference!
• 240 milliliters (1 US cup) double cream or heavy cream: The double cream is what gives the mousse its light, airy texture. It’s also responsible for the creamy mouthfeel that makes this dessert so indulgent. Be sure to use chilled cream for the best results when whipping.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

If you’re in need of substitutions, don’t worry—this recipe is flexible. Here are some alternatives:

• Dulce de leche: If you can’t find dulce de leche in your local store, you can substitute it with tinned caramel, which has a similar flavor. Just make sure the caramel is thick and not too runny. You can also make your own dulce de leche by simmering sweetened condensed milk, but that will require more time and effort.
• Cream cheese: While full-fat cream cheese gives the mousse its richness, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter version. You can even substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Double cream: If you prefer a lighter mousse, you can use heavy cream instead of double cream. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can try coconut cream, which will give a lovely tropical twist to the mousse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to put everything together. This mousse is so easy to make, and it comes together in just a few quick steps. Here’s how to make the perfect Dulce de Leche Mousse:

1. Prepare the Dulce de Leche and Cream Cheese Mixture:

Start by placing the dulce de leche and cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add a small pinch of salt to help bring out the flavors. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth, creamy, and completely free of lumps. This step is important because you want to create a uniform texture, and the mixture should feel velvety and rich once it’s fully blended.

2. Whip the Double Cream:

In a separate, chilled mixing bowl, pour the cold double cream (or heavy cream) and whip it using an electric mixer. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to medium-high. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are when the cream holds its shape but softly falls back when you lift the whisk. Be careful not to overwhip the cream—you don’t want to make butter!

3. Fold the Whipped Cream into the Dulce de Leche Mixture:

Now that both the dulce de leche-cream cheese mixture and the whipped cream are ready, it’s time to combine them. Gently fold the whipped cream into the dulce de leche mixture using a spatula. Use slow, folding motions to incorporate the whipped cream without deflating it. The mousse will start to thicken and become light and airy. Keep folding until the mixture is smooth, thick, and fully combined.

4. Spoon into Serving Bowls:

Once the mousse is ready, it’s time to spoon it into individual serving bowls. The mousse is quite rich, so small portions are perfect. You can use glass jars, mini bowls, or any small serving container you have on hand. Divide the mousse evenly among the bowls, and try to make it look neat and smooth on top.

5. Chill and Serve:

You can serve the mousse immediately, but for the best results, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling allows the mousse to set and become firmer, and the flavors will meld together. If you have time, refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight will result in an even thicker, more indulgent mousse.

Beginner Tips and Notes

This Dulce de Leche Mousse is extremely easy to make, but there are a few helpful tips to ensure you get the best results every time:

• Chill the cream: Make sure the double cream (or heavy cream) is cold before whipping. Cold cream whips better and faster, creating a light, airy texture. If you’re using a stand mixer, place the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before whipping.
• Don’t overwhip the cream: When whipping the double cream, it’s important not to overwhip it. Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form. Overwhipping can cause the cream to separate and turn into butter.
• Be gentle when folding: The key to a light mousse is folding the whipped cream into the dulce de leche mixture gently. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients together slowly to retain the air in the whipped cream. If you fold too vigorously, the mousse will lose its fluffy texture.
• Taste and adjust: Before folding the whipped cream into the dulce de leche mixture, taste it. If you want it sweeter, add a little more dulce de leche. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, you can add a bit more cream cheese or a small pinch of salt to balance out the flavors.
• Make ahead: This mousse can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for dinner parties or gatherings. Prepare it the day before and let it chill in the fridge overnight for a firmer, richer mousse.

Serving Suggestions

Dulce de Leche Mousse is versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some creative serving ideas to elevate this delicious dessert:

• Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra dulce de leche or caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of contrast.
• Chocolate: Chocolate and caramel are a match made in heaven. Garnish the mousse with shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Fresh Fruits: Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are a fantastic contrast to the richness of the mousse. You can also add slices of banana or poached pears for extra flavor.
• Crunchy Additions: For added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts like toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top of the mousse. You can also use crushed cookies, graham crackers, or cinnamon sticks.
• Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve the mousse alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of creamy mousse and cold ice cream is perfect for dessert lovers.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair the mousse with a strong cup of coffee, espresso, or a dessert wine like Port or Moscato for a luxurious after-dinner experience.

Storage Tips:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the mousse in an airtight container in the fridge. The mousse can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for the freshest taste. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to bring it back to its creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Dulce de Leche Mousse is the ultimate easy, elegant dessert that combines the rich flavors of dulce de leche with the creamy texture of cream cheese and whipped cream. It’s perfect for beginner cooks, as it’s quick to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. The best part is that it’s so versatile—you can dress it up with different toppings or flavors to make it your own. Whether you’re treating yourself to something sweet or impressing your guests with a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make, this mousse will not disappoint. So give it a try, and let the smooth, rich flavors of dulce de leche transport you to dessert heaven!