If you adore everything peanut butter and crave a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortlessly delightful, then this Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a cloud-like mousse that melts in your mouth, layered with creamy peanut butter and dotted with crunchy roasted peanuts providing that perfect textural contrast. It’s rich, it’s silky, and it offers just the right balance of sweetness and savory notes to satisfy your peanut butter obsession. Whether you’re making it for a casual snack or impressing friends with a no-fuss dessert, this recipe truly shines and feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a key role in building the perfect mousse texture and taste. These essentials blend creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements that together create the magic of this dish.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipping this to stiff peaks gives the mousse its airy, fluffy body that makes every bite feel light as a feather.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, adding luscious peanut flavor and richness that anchors the dessert.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds a subtle tang and firmness that balances the sweetness while keeping the mousse silky.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the mousse evenly without graininess, providing that smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract: A tiny splash elevates all the flavors and provides depth to the peanut butter’s warmth.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Mixing these in and using them as garnish gives you delightful crunchy pops that contrast the mousse’s softness.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Perfect if you use unsalted peanut butter, enhancing and balancing the sweetness wonderfully.
How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream to Stiff Peaks
Start by pouring chilled heavy cream into a clean bowl and beat it until stiff peaks form. This step is critical because the whipped cream brings lightness and volume to your mousse, creating a fluffy texture that’s irresistible when paired with the peanut butter richness.
Step 2: Cream Together Peanut Butter, Cream Cheese, Sugar, and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, beat creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and smooth. If your peanut butter is unsalted, add a small pinch of salt here; it will brighten the flavors and prevent the mousse from tasting flat.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream Gently
Carefully fold half of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until everything is beautifully incorporated. This gentle folding keeps the mousse airy and prevents it from deflating. The key here is patience—light, deliberate motions will maintain the fluffiness you desire.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Peanuts
Finally, fold in the chopped roasted peanuts to add a satisfying crunch throughout the mousse. These bursts of texture create a fun lift, making each spoonful exciting and moreish.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. The chilling allows the mousse to set beautifully. Right before serving, sprinkle extra chopped peanuts on top for an inviting finish that tells everyone what tasty surprises lie beneath.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a lovely way to make your dessert feel even more special. Beyond extra chopped peanuts, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate to complement the peanut butter flavor. A small fresh mint leaf on top can add a refreshing color pop and subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits like sliced bananas or strawberries, whose bright acidity balances the richness. For a heartier treat, serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies or chocolate biscotti, giving texture contrast and a little extra indulgence to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate presentation, try layering the peanut butter mousse with chocolate ganache or crushed cookies in clear parfait glasses. You could even pipe the mousse using a pastry bag with a star tip for a sophisticated swirl effect. These little touches turn a simple recipe into a showstopper perfect for gatherings or date nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This peanut butter mousse keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered. Make sure to store it in airtight containers or cover your serving dishes tightly with plastic wrap to preserve the mousse’s delicate texture and freshness.
Freezing
While this mousse is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Scoop the mousse into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room to expand. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and give it a gentle stir to bring back some of the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary for this dessert since it is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. Simply remove from the fridge or freezer and allow it to soften slightly before enjoying to get that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter tends to be less creamy and more oily, which might affect the mousse’s texture. If you use natural peanut butter, stir it well before measuring and consider adding a pinch of salt to balance flavor.
Is it possible to make this mousse vegan?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cream cheese. Be sure to use a powdered sugar brand that is vegan-friendly to keep the dessert plant-based.
How long does the mousse take to set properly?
Chilling the mousse for at least 1 hour is important to allow it to firm up while keeping its airy texture. For even better results, chilling for up to 3 hours or overnight makes the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! The recipe scales well. Just be sure to whip the cream separately in manageable batches if your mixing bowl isn’t large enough, to maintain that fluffy texture.
What can I add to make this mousse more decadent?
To amp up decadence, fold in mini chocolate chips, or layer the peanut butter mousse with a rich chocolate ganache or caramel sauce. A sprinkle of sea salt on top really intensifies the peanut butter flavor too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make it. Its balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory will quickly make it a staple in your dessert rotation. So why not dive in and treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious, no-bake indulgence? I promise it’s a peanut butter dream come true you’ll be sharing again and again.
Print
Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is a luscious, no-bake dessert combining creamy peanut butter and whipped cream for a light yet rich treat. Enhanced with cream cheese for smoothness and sprinkled with roasted peanuts for satisfying crunch, it’s perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking an easy, elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Mousse Base
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, if using unsalted peanut butter)
Crunch & Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Extra chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form; set this whipped cream aside for folding later.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In another bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your peanut butter is unsalted, add a small pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula, carefully preserving the airiness. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Add Crunchy Peanuts: Fold in the chopped roasted peanuts to add texture and crunch throughout the mousse.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish each mousse portion with extra chopped roasted peanuts to add a final crunchy touch.
Notes
- This mousse is rich and satisfying, ideal for peanut butter fans craving a creamy dessert.
- For extra indulgence, layer the mousse with chocolate ganache or crumbled cookies.
- Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.
