Delicious Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe

Welcome coffee-lovers! Today I’ve got something extra special for you – an Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe that will blow your taste buds away. If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you are going to love this one! Picture this, smooth velvety mousse with the perfect amount of coffee essence and a decadent caramel sauce in every bite, and to top it all off, a splash of Irish Whiskey for a little kick. Trust me when I say it’s just as good as it sounds.

I’m the type of person who loves waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee every morning. And while a cup of black coffee satisfies most days, every now and then, I need something more indulgent to brighten my day. This recipe ticks all the boxes – it’s rich, flavorful, caffeinated and alcohol-infused for when you really want to treat yourself or impress guests.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to put together! No fancy kitchen equipment or lengthy prep time required. So let’s grab our aprons and get right into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse
Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse

Are you a fan of rich and decadent desserts? Then you’ll love this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe! This recipe combines the bold flavors of espresso and Irish whiskey with sweet and creamy caramel to create a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of this coffee mousse in no time. Plus, the addition of unflavored gelatin ensures that the mousse has the perfect texture – light and airy, but still dense enough to hold its shape.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the complexity of flavors. The Irish whiskey adds a subtle smokiness, while the caramel sauce provides a beautiful balance of sweetness. And when combined with the richness of the coffee, these flavors come together in perfect harmony.

This recipe is versatile, too. You can serve it on its own as a decadent dessert, or use it as a filling for cakes or pastries. And if you want to take things up a notch, try drizzling some melted chocolate or salted caramel over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

So why settle for plain old chocolate mousse when you can spice things up with an Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredient List

 Dip into a heavenly Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse!
Dip into a heavenly Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse!

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s go through the required ingredients. Don’t worry too much if you don’t have everything on hand since there are some substitutions that we’ll cover later on. For this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe, you’ll need:

  • Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
  • Water: 1/4 cup and 4 cups plus 2 tbsp
  • Sugar: 1 cup and 3/4 cup
  • Instant espresso powder: 2 tsp
  • Instant coffee powder: 1 tsp
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp, melted and cooled
  • Irish whiskey: 3 tbsp
  • Heavy cream: 3 cups
  • Egg yolks: 7 large eggs
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
  • Bittersweet chocolate: 1/4 cup, chopped into small pieces

For the coffee chocolate mousse layer, you can substitute the instant espresso powder with instant coffee powder or vice versa depending on your preference. The Irish whiskey can be substituted with another type of whiskey, scotch, or cream liqueur like Baileys.

The Recipe How-To

 Savoring this perfect blend of coffee and caramel mousse.
Savoring this perfect blend of coffee and caramel mousse.

Now, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty – the actual recipe! Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Set-up

Before doing anything else, be sure to have all of the recipe ingredients on hand. Then, set up a double boiler by placing a large heatproof mixing bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Step 2: Mix the Caramel Sauce

Start by making the caramel sauce for the mousse. In a heavy saucepan, mix together 1/4 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar until well blended. Place it on medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Do NOT stir the mixture; instead, let the sugar melt and caramelize until it turns golden brown in color.

Step 3: Add Butter, Cream & Irish Whiskey

Once golden brown, remove pan from heat and add in 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring constantly with a whisk. Once fully incorporated, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of heavy cream while continuing to stir. When fully combined, mix in 3 tablespoons of Irish whiskey.

Step 4: Make Espresso Gelatin Mixture

Now, prepare the espresso gelatin mixture by mixing together 2 teaspoons each of instant espresso powder and unflavored gelatin in a bowl until well combined. Pour in 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons of hot water and stir until fully dissolved.

Step 5: Make Coffee Mousse Base

Place a mixing bowl over ice water and beat together 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of Irish Whiskey using an electric mixer until light yellow and creamy.

In another mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Slowly fold in the egg yolk mixture, followed by the espresso gelatin mixture until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Assemble Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse

Using individual serving glasses, spoon a layer of caramel sauce into each glass, followed by a layer of coffee mousse. Continue to alternate between layers of caramel sauce and coffee mousse until the glasses are full. Top with whipped cream and drizzles of caramel sauce, if desired.

Step 7: Chill and Serve!

Chill the assembled Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set properly. When ready to serve, sprinkle shaved chocolate, oatmeal tuiles or candied nuts on top for added flavor boost!

Voila! Your sweet tooth is in for a treat with this decadent dessert!

Substitutions and Variations

 Nothing tops a luscious treat like Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse.
Nothing tops a luscious treat like Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse.

Listen, I’m all about making recipes your own. So let’s talk about some substitutions and variations for this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse recipe that you’re going to love.

First off, instead of using instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder, you can substitute them with 2 shots of hot espresso or strong brewed coffee. It’ll add a real kick of flavor to your mousse, trust me.

If you’re not a fan of whiskey, ah come on now, but okay, fine. You can swap out the Irish whiskey for another variety of whiskey or liqueur that you like. Maybe try something with a little spice or warmth for those chilly nights.

Now, for the caramel sauce, you can opt to buy store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. But listen, nothing beats homemade caramel sauce made with a little elbow grease and love.

And if you want to elevate this dessert even more (yes it’s possible), swap out the whipped cream for some Baileys cream or Irish cream whipped cream. Slightly sweeter and oh so indulgent.

Lastly, if you want to go for a full-on Irish coffee experience, top the mousse with some shaved dark chocolate and a sprinkle of Irish oatmeal tuiles. And listen folks, if you’re feeling extra fancy-schmancy, serve alongside some salted caramel or a shot of espresso martini cocktail.

Remember folks, make it your own and have fun with it!

Serving and Pairing

 Indulge in the velvety texture of this meringue cloud.
Indulge in the velvety texture of this meringue cloud.

Once your Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse is ready, it’s time to think about serving and pairing options. This decadent dessert is perfect for a dinner party or after-dinner treat.

For a classy presentation, you can serve it in individual glasses or ramekins and top each one with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra special touch, you can even sprinkle some shaved dark chocolate or candied coffee bits on top.

As for pairing, the obvious choice is, of course, an Irish coffee. The flavors in the mousse complement the creamy and boozy nature of the classic cocktail perfectly. If you’d like to mix it up, you could also try pairing this dessert with a scotch whiskey coffee cocktail or any other coffee-based cocktail.

Another great pairing option is a simple cup of hot coffee or espresso. The rich flavors in the mousse balance out the bitterness of the coffee, making for a delicious finish to a meal. You could also pair it with an Irish oatmeal tuile for added texture and crunch.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, you could serve this mousse alongside a chocolate mousse cake or salted caramel dessert for an extra indulgent feast.

Overall, this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse recipe is versatile enough to be paired with various cocktails and desserts – so go ahead and get creative!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 Take a sip of coffee bliss with each spoonful of this mousse.
Take a sip of coffee bliss with each spoonful of this mousse.

One of the great things about this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it an ideal dessert for dinner parties or holiday celebrations. To make ahead, simply prepare the recipe as instructed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When it’s time to serve, remove the mousse from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before topping with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings.

If you have any leftover Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse (which is unlikely), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, I highly recommend enjoying it fresh, as the texture and flavor will start to deteriorate over time.

To reheat any leftovers or to enjoy this mousse warm, simply remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave small portions on medium heat for about 10 seconds or until just warmed through.

No matter how you choose to store or reheat this delicious dessert, one thing is certain: it’s always best enjoyed with a cup of rich, hot coffee or sip of your favorite whiskey for an all-around delightful experience.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Caramel and coffee, the perfect pair in this duet of flavor.
Caramel and coffee, the perfect pair in this duet of flavor.

When it comes to making Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse, getting the perfect texture and flavor can be a delicate task. Here are some important tips to help you achieve the best possible results:

1. Whipped Cream: Use heavy cream that’s been chilled in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before whipping. A great tip is to use a metal bowl that has been placed in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to add extra volume to your whipped cream.

2. Gelatin: Bloom unflavored gelatin in cold water for five minutes before using it. This will ensure that it dissolves properly when added to hot liquids.

3. Espresso Powder: To add an intense coffee flavor to your mousse, use instant espresso powder instead of regular instant coffee powder.

4. Sugar: Stir the sugar constantly while heating it with water when making caramel sauce to prevent it from burning.

5. Irish Whiskey: Use a good quality Irish whiskey that you enjoy drinking on its own, as this will give your mousse depth and complexity. I recommend using 3-4 tablespoons per recipe.

6. Chocolate: For a richer and creamier texture, use bittersweet chocolate instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate.

7. Serving Time: Allow your mousse to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving. This will give it enough time to set properly and achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

8. Garnishing: Shave some dark chocolate over each cup of mousse and top with candied oatmeal tuiles or whipped cream for an elegant touch.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a scrumptious Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse that’s sure to impress your family, guests, or yourself!

FAQ

Before we jump to the conclusion, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe. These queries will help you in preparing and serving the recipe with perfection. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into the FAQ section.

How do you keep cream from sinking in Irish coffee?

To make your coffee creamy and delectable, grab the cold cream and give it a quick whisk. Slowly and gently pour it over the back of a spoon so it doesn’t sink into the coffee. Lastly, add a sprinkle of grated nutmeg for an extra touch of flavor. Remember to serve it right away for maximum taste!

What makes a good mousse?

When it comes to preparing a delicious chocolate mousse, it’s important to achieve a texture that’s fluffy and smooth without being overly rich. To ensure the perfect consistency, it’s recommended that you let your chocolate mousse chill in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hours before serving. However, before indulging in this sweet treat, be sure to allow it to warm up to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Are you supposed to mix an Irish coffee?

If you’re looking for a warming and indulgent beverage with a bit of a buzz, an Irish coffee might just hit the spot. This coffee-based cocktail blends rich and smooth hot coffee with a splash of Irish whiskey and sweet sugar. The resulting mixture is then topped with a layer of creamy foam, making for a decadent and satisfying sip. To make this drink, start by heating up a glass, then combine the coffee, whiskey, and sugar before giving it all a good stir. Finally, finish things off by adding a dollop of creamy foam on top.

How do you serve Irish coffee?

To create a delicious Irish coffee, start by filling a pre-warmed glass with piping hot coffee until it is roughly 75% full. Stir in a generous amount of brown sugar and give it a good mix until it completely dissolves. Gently pour in a splash of Irish whiskey for a kick of flavor. To finish it off, top the drink with a light layer of whipped heavy cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe is a must-try for all coffee and dessert enthusiasts. With its rich flavors of coffee, Irish cream, and caramel sauce, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for substitutions and variations to cater to individual tastes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with a variety of desserts, cocktails or enjoyed on its own. So why not give it a try? I assure you, this recipe will become a new favorite among your friends and family.

Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse

Irish Coffee Caramel Mousse Recipe

An impressive ending to a meal, this mousse blends a rich caramel mousse with the flavors of Irish coffee. This recipe is originally from a 1995 Bon Appetit and is simply yummy!
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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Irish
Calories 435.8 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup sugar, plus
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 6 tablespoons water
  • 2 cups chilled whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder or 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 cup bailey original irish cream

Instructions
 

  • Stir sugar and 1/4 c water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves.
  • Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup turns a deep amber color, brushing down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped into water and swirling pan occasionally.
  • Add 1/2 cup cream and 2 tablespoons butter (mixture will bubble vigorously) and stir until caramel melts; continue boiling for 2 minutes.
  • Spoon 2 tablespoons caramel into small saucepan and set aside at room temperature.
  • Stir Irish whiskey into remaining caramel in medium saucepan.
  • Pour into a bowl and set aside at room temperature.
  • Stir 2 tablespoons water and espresso powder in another small saucepan until espresso dissolves; sprinkle with the gelatin and let stand 10 minutes to soften.
  • Stir gelatin mixture over low heat until melted.
  • Stir gelatin mixture into caramel in bowl.
  • Place bowl over a large bowl filled with ice and water.
  • Let stand until caramel mixture is cool but not set, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
  • Using electric mixer, beat 1 1/2 cups cream in medium bowl to soft peaks.
  • Fold 2 cups whipped cream into caramel mixture in bowl.
  • Divide caramel mousse among 6 balloon-shaped wineglasses.
  • Add Baileys to remaining whipped cream and continue beating until stiff.
  • Whipped cream mixture can now be either piped atop mousse or swirled on top with a spoon.
  • Cover and chill until mousse sets, at least 3 hours (Can be prepared up to one day ahead; keep refrigerated).
  • Rewarm reserved 2 T of caramel over low heat; drizzle over desserts and serve.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 133gCalories: 435.8kcalCarbohydrates: 31.8gProtein: 2.2gFat: 33.2gSaturated Fat: 20.7gCholesterol: 118.9mgSodium: 32.2mgSugar: 29.3g
Keyword < 60 Mins, Dessert, Refrigerator, Stove Top
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