I have to share my absolute favorite dessert with you—these Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars. When I first made them, I was blown away by how rich and flavorful they were. Think layers of velvety chocolate mousse, moist chocolate cake, and sweet dulce de leche syrup all beautifully packaged in a jar.
They looked stunning and tasted even better! This dessert reminds me of the indulgence you’d get with something like the Biscoff Layered Cake, which is another layered treat bursting with flavors.
Ingredients
- Cake Ingredients
- Butter – 1/2 cup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Cocoa powder – 1/4 cup
- Baking soda – 1/4 tsp
- Baking powder – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- Eggs – 2 large
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Sour cream – 1/2 cup
- Boiling water – 1/2 cup
- Dulce de Leche Syrup
- Dulce de leche – 1/2 cup
- Milk – 3 tbspChocolate Mousse
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Egg yolks – 2
- Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
Note: Makes 6 servings.
Variations
There’s so much you can do to make this dessert your own!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter, cream, and chocolate for non-dairy versions.
- Sugar-Free: Use dark chocolate with no added sugar and opt for low-calorie sweeteners.
- Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mousse for extra depth, or mix in orange zest for a fruity twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: To melt the chocolate and butter smoothly.
- Stand or Hand Mixer: For whipping cream to stiff peaks.
- Saucepan: To thicken the egg and sugar mixture for the mousse.
- Mason Jars or Serving Glasses: Ideal for layering and serving this dessert.
- Baking Dish: For preparing and baking the chocolate cake.
How to Make Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars?
These mousse jars might look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to assemble. Follow these steps to create an indulgent dessert your guests will love.
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together until smooth, then set it aside to cool. Combine all the dry ingredients in one bowl, while whisking eggs, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream in another. Slowly incorporate the melted chocolate and boiling water. Pour the batter into the baking dish, bake for 15-20 minutes, and allow it to cool. Crumble the cake gently with a fork.
Step 2: Make the Dulce de Leche Syrup
Mix dulce de leche with milk until you get a silky, pourable consistency. This syrup will infuse the cake with rich caramel flavor while keeping it moist. If you’re a fan of desserts with luxurious fillings, you can also explore this Brie and Cranberry Tart for a completely different flavor profile.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
Melt chocolate and butter together. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and a splash of water in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens slightly. Combine this with the melted chocolate and refrigerate to cool. Whip heavy cream until peaks form, then gently fold it into the chilled chocolate mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Start layering by spooning some dulce de leche syrup at the base of a jar. Add a layer of cake crumbles, drizzle more syrup, and top with chocolate mousse. Repeat the process until the jar is nearly full, then finish with a dollop of whipped cream, extra dulce de leche syrup, and a sprinkle of cake crumbs.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the layers to meld together beautifully. You can also enjoy similar indulgent creations featured in desserts that offer unique twists while keeping things decadent.
Source: Pinterest
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
You’re going to love this dessert for so many reasons!
- Effortless Elegance: It’s simple but looks so refined.
- Visually Beautiful: Those layers are a feast for the eyes!
- Customizable: Tweak flavors, ingredients, or sweetness easily.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping before big events.
- Chocolate Bliss: Every bite is pure, chocolaty indulgence.
How to Serve Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars?
For an impressive touch, arrange the jars on a tray. Add garnishes like chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a handful of fresh raspberries for a pop of color. These jars make the perfect centerpiece for celebrations or an indulgent treat just for you.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s inside each serving.
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fat: 35g
Make Ahead and Storage
The great thing about these mousse jars is you can prepare them in advance!
Cover and store the jars in your fridge for up to three days. The flavors become even more delicious as they sit and meld together. To freeze, skip adding the whipped cream layer. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the jars overnight in the fridge and add the finishing touches.
Tips for Making the Recipe
After making this a few times, here are some insights to make it even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate make all the difference.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the cake batter and mousse come out perfectly smooth.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Be patient when cooling the cake and mousse to get the best texture.
- Layer with Care: Neat layers take just a little extra time but make the dessert look stunning.
These Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves chocolate or simply wants to wow their guests. Try them, and I promise you’ll be making them on repeat!
Dulce de Leche and Chocolate Mousse Jars Recipe
Ingredients
- Cake Ingredients
- Butter – 1/2 cup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Cocoa powder – 1/4 cup
- Baking soda – 1/4 tsp
- Baking powder – 1/4 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- Eggs – 2 large
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Sour cream – 1/2 cup
- Boiling water – 1/2 cup
- Dulce de Leche Syrup
- Dulce de leche – 1/2 cup
- Milk – 3 tbsp
- Chocolate Mousse
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips – 1 cup
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Egg yolks – 2
- Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Melt the butter and chocolate chips together until smooth, then set it aside to cool. Combine all the dry ingredients in one bowl, while whisking eggs, sugar, vanilla, and sour cream in another. Slowly incorporate the melted chocolate and boiling water. Pour the batter into the baking dish, bake for 15-20 minutes, and allow it to cool. Crumble the cake gently with a fork.
- Mix dulce de leche with milk until you get a silky, pourable consistency. This syrup will infuse the cake with rich caramel flavor while keeping it moist. If you’re a fan of desserts with luxurious fillings, you can also explore this Brie and Cranberry Tart for a completely different flavor profile.
- Melt chocolate and butter together. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and a splash of water in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens slightly. Combine this with the melted chocolate and refrigerate to cool. Whip heavy cream until peaks form, then gently fold it into the chilled chocolate mixture.
- Start layering by spooning some dulce de leche syrup at the base of a jar. Add a layer of cake crumbles, drizzle more syrup, and top with chocolate mousse. Repeat the process until the jar is nearly full, then finish with a dollop of whipped cream, extra dulce de leche syrup, and a sprinkle of cake crumbs.
- Refrigerate the jars for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the layers to meld together beautifully. You can also enjoy similar indulgent creations featured in desserts that offer unique twists while keeping things decadent.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate make all the difference.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: This ensures the cake batter and mousse come out perfectly smooth.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Be patient when cooling the cake and mousse to get the best texture.
- Layer with Care: Neat layers take just a little extra time but make the dessert look stunning.
