Fluffy No-Bake Caramel Custard Mousse

Caramel custard draws from classic French crème caramel, where amber sugar melts into silky milk. This fluffy no-bake mousse lightens that tradition with bloomed gelatin and whipped cream for an airy, spoonable finish.

Serves 6 · 30 min prep · 15 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 310 cal
• 5g protein
• 28g carbs
• 20g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
• 3 tbsp cold water for blooming
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt for finish

Instructions

1. 1Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over the cold water in a small bowl and letting it sit until fully absorbed and spongy.
2. 2Cook the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until it becomes a rich amber caramel with a slight bitter edge.
3. 3Carefully whisk in the milk; the caramel will seize then melt back into a smooth sauce as it reheats.
4. 4In a separate bowl whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt into a smooth slurry.
5. 5Temper the yolk mixture by slowly adding a ladle of the hot caramel milk while whisking, then pour everything back into the saucepan.
6. 6Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens to a pudding consistency and coats the spoon, about 4 to 5 minutes; remove from heat.
7. 7Stir the bloomed gelatin into the hot custard until completely dissolved and no grains remain, then transfer to a bowl and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally so a skin does not form.
8. 8Whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar to soft-medium peaks that hold their shape but still look silky.
9. 9Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cooled caramel custard to lighten it, then fold in the remaining cream in two additions until no white streaks remain and the mousse is airy.
10. 10Spoon or pipe the mousse into six serving glasses or a shared bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours until softly set yet spoonable.
11. 11Just before serving, finish each portion with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt and an optional extra drizzle of leftover caramel if desired to highlight the bitter-sweet contrast.