Dulce de Leche Mousse Recipe

Get ready to fall deeply in love with Dulce de Leche Mousse—a creamy, dreamy dessert that delivers sheer magic in every spoonful. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a treat that’s cloud-light, decadently sweet, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re pulling out all the stops for guests or indulging in a little weeknight self-care, this mousse will quickly become your new go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe something so indulgent could come together from such simple, everyday ingredients! Each one is essential: the heavy cream gives the mousse its lightness, the cream cheese adds tang and body, and the star—dulce de leche—brings deep caramel richness and gorgeous color.

• Heavy cream (with at least 33% fat): The secret to that dreamy, fluffy mousse—you want it well-chilled for optimum whipping results!
• Cream cheese, full-fat: This adds structure and a gentle tang, balancing the sweetness while keeping things creamy. Opt for the regular bricks, not spreadable tubs, for best results.
• Ready-made dulce de leche: This thick, caramel-like spread infuses every layer with authentic Latin American flavor and a toasty, butterscotch warmth.

Variations

One of the best things about Dulce de Leche Mousse is how easy it is to make it your own. With a few tweaks, you can tailor this silky treat to suit your mood, dietary preferences, or whatever you have hiding in your pantry!

• Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of melted dark chocolate or chocolate chips for a chocolate-caramel masterpiece.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of toasted pecans or hazelnuts for extra crunch and an earthy contrast to the sweet mousse.
• Fresh & Fruity: Top with fresh sliced bananas, strawberries, or mango for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
• Lighter Option: Try replacing half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier, slightly lighter version.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream

Start with super cold heavy cream—pour it into a chilled bowl and whip it with a hand mixer until it forms stiff, billowy peaks. This only takes a few minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape without drooping. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese and Dulce de Leche

In a separate bowl, add your full-fat cream cheese (at room temperature is best) plus half of the dulce de leche. Beat together with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy, but don’t overmix—just until it’s silky and lump-free. Overbeating can make the mixture too runny, so a light touch works wonders here!

Step 3: Gently Fold in the Whipped Cream

Now, for that luscious mousse texture, add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture in two batches. Gently fold it in with a spatula, moving in slow, sweeping motions to keep everything light and airy. Patience is key—try not to deflate all those lovely whipped bubbles.

Step 4: Soften and Layer the Remaining Dulce de Leche

Place the reserved dulce de leche in a small bowl and give it a quick whisk to loosen it up—this makes it easier to drizzle and layer. Spoon a thick, luscious dollop (about 2 tablespoons) into the bottom of each glass for an irresistible caramel surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Carefully add the mousse on top of the dulce de leche layer, then finish with an extra drizzle of dulce de leche for that irresistible glossy look. Serve immediately, or chill for up to a few hours so the flavors can meld—and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Dulce de Leche Mousse

Garnishes

Take your Dulce de Leche Mousse to the next level with a flourish! Top with chocolate shavings, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or chopped toasted nuts for crunch and contrast. If you want extra elegance, finish with a swirl of whipped cream or a single mint leaf—it’s all about adding a little drama to each glass.

Side Dishes

This mousse shines as a standalone dessert, but if you’re serving a big meal, consider pairing it with fresh berries, thin almond cookies, or even espresso shots—each bite of mousse is so creamy, a crisp side or robust coffee is the perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just settle for plain bowls! Serve Dulce de Leche Mousse in mini mason jars, elegant martini glasses, or even small espresso cups for portion-controlled treats. Try layering with crushed cookies or fruit for parfait-style desserts—each spoonful becomes a miniature celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, store your Dulce de Leche Mousse covered in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend individual portions for best texture, but a single large bowl works too—just make sure it’s well sealed to keep things ultra-fresh.

Freezing

While mousse doesn’t always freeze perfectly due to its airy texture, you can freeze it in tightly sealed containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge—some separation is normal, so whip gently before serving or enjoy it partially frozen for a semi-freddo twist!

Reheating

Dulce de Leche Mousse is meant to be served cold, so skip reheating entirely. If chilled mousse feels too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating to soften the texture and intensify the caramel aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Few desserts deliver so much joy with so little effort—Dulce de Leche Mousse is truly a sweet treat worth savoring. Give it a place at your next celebration or sneak a jar for yourself—you’ll be amazed by just how dreamy and special every bite can be!

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