If you’re craving something irresistibly creamy, satisfyingly rich, and decadent enough to steal the show at any gathering, Peanut Butter Mousse is truly the dessert of dreams. Imagine the silkiest mousse, lovingly whipped with real creamy peanut butter, a hint of vanilla, and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert to impress friends or treat yourself — plus, it’s incredibly simple to whip up! This Peanut Butter Mousse is all about indulgence without fuss, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every fluffy, peanutty bite.

Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter Mousse is how it transforms a few everyday staples into a truly show-stopping treat. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building the luscious mousse base to adding those signature nutty notes. Here’s how each one shapes the flavor and texture:

Heavy whipping cream: Whipped until airy, this gives the mousse its signature lightness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and a subtle tang, making every spoonful incredibly smooth and creamy.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Go for a silky, unsweetened peanut butter for bold peanut flavor and luscious body.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves effortlessly into the mousse, sweetening without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens and rounds out the flavors, taking the mousse from tasty to truly special.
Pinch of salt: A small amount makes the peanut butter pop—and keeps the dessert from tasting too sweet.
Optional toppings (whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts): These add crunch, contrast, and lovely finishing touches.

How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream

Start by pouring the cold heavy whipping cream into a large, clean mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This will give your Peanut Butter Mousse its luxurious, cloud-like texture. Set the whipped cream aside for now—you’ll need it in just a bit.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

In a separate mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Beat it until completely smooth and lump-free. This is important—smooth cream cheese is the key to a velvety-smooth mousse. You can use the same beaters (no need to wash them yet) for convenience!

Step 3: Blend in Peanut Butter and Flavorings

Add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the cream cheese. Beat everything together until fully incorporated, scraping the sides as you go. The result should be a silky, peanut-perfumed mixture that smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Now for the magic step! Gently scoop half of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture and carefully fold it in using a spatula or large spoon. Once it’s mostly blended, add the remaining whipped cream and fold until absolutely no streaks remain. Be gentle—over-mixing can deflate your mousse, and we want to keep every bit of that airy fluff.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Spoon or pipe the finished mousse into serving glasses or bowls, smoothing the tops if you like. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to firm up and the flavors to meld. Chilling also makes it easier to add toppings just before serving.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse

Garnishes

Topping your Peanut Butter Mousse isn’t just for looks—it adds irresistible contrast and excitement. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scattering of chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts each adds a burst of flavor and texture. You can even mix and match for an over-the-top finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your mousse with crisp butter cookies, petite shortbread, or even sliced fresh strawberries and bananas. These simple sides offer a refreshing counterpoint to the mousse’s rich creaminess and are perfect for scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Peanut Butter Mousse in parfait glasses with crushed cookies or brownie bites for a quick trifle. If you’re feeling playful, pipe it into mini tart shells or chocolate cups. For a kids’ table, spoon it into mason jars and let everyone add their own toppings “bar-style.” The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Peanut Butter Mousse left, simply cover each dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and velvety in the fridge for up to three days—though it’s a rare feat for leftovers to last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions of the mousse in tightly sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture stays surprisingly light—almost like an ice cream-mousse hybrid. Just be sure to add any garnishes after thawing, for the best look and crunch.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your mousse has been frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator until creamy again. A gentle stir will bring back that signature smooth, fluffy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Chunky peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Mousse a bit of crunch and some delightful bits of roasted nut throughout. Just keep in mind that the mousse won’t be as silky-smooth, but it will be just as delicious—plus, extra texture never hurts.

Is there a non-dairy version of Peanut Butter Mousse?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a non-dairy alternative like vegan cream cheese, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and be sure your peanut butter and powdered sugar are plant-based. The results are surprisingly light and just as satisfying, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs.

Can I make Peanut Butter Mousse in advance for a party?

Peanut Butter Mousse is a superstar when it comes to planning ahead. Make it up to two days before your event, then chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Add toppings just before enjoying for the best presentation and crunch.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter works, but be sure to stir it very well first so the oil is fully incorporated and your mousse doesn’t become runny. Natural peanut butter will give you a deeper, more roasted flavor but might result in a slightly looser mousse—still absolutely scrumptious!

How can I lighten up the mousse?

You can substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter texture. Using light cream cheese also works, though the mousse may not be quite as rich. Feel free to experiment with proportions until you find your new favorite!

Final Thoughts

Few desserts win hearts faster than Peanut Butter Mousse, with its lush, creamy texture and bold peanut butter flavor. Everyone who sneaks a spoonful falls instantly under its spell. If you’re looking for something easy, elegant, and utterly unforgettable, give this recipe a whirl—you just might spark a new dessert tradition!

Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent creaminess of this Peanut Butter Mousse that’s a perfect blend of rich peanut butter, creamy cheese, and fluffy whipped cream. This no-bake dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the mousse:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
¾ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings
Crushed peanuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Prepare the peanut butter mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in two additions until fully combined.
Chill and serve: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes, chill for at least 1 hour, and top with whipped cream, chocolate, or peanuts if desired.

Notes

For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt.
This mousse works well as a filling for pies or parfaits.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American