Peanut butter mousse is one of those desserts that sounds fancy but is actually incredibly easy to make! It's rich, creamy, and packs a punch of that delicious peanut butter flavor we all know and love! Whether you’re whipping it up for a special occasion or just because, this mousse is sure to impress!
If you love peanut butter, be sure to check out my 3 ingredient peanut butter milkshake or my frozen peanut butter hot chocolate too!
Calling all peanut butter lovers! Gather 'round, you are going to love this homemade peanut butter mousse! It's so easy to make, and it so, so good! No gelatin needed and obviously, it's a no bake dessert and no bake treat just like my 3 ingredient chocolate mousse! This would be delicious on a buffet table with a no bake banana pudding and peanut butter cheesecake dip!
Sometimes we’ll top it with a bit of homemade whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter sauce or chocolate sauce if we’re feeling extra fancy. The kids love helping out with these little finishing touches, and it turns a simple dessert into a mini celebration! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that it’s become our go-to treat whenever we’re craving something sweet.
Ingredients to Make Peanut Butter Mousse
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this deliciously creamy peanut butter mousse.
- Peanut butter. Make sure it’s a smooth peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter will make this a chunky mousse. Natural peanut butter will work too!
- Heavy cream. Also known as double cream. This is what will give your mousse that light, airy texture. We are basically making homemade whipped cream for this recipe.
- Powdered sugar. This helps sweeten the mousse without making it grainy. Do not use granulated sugar, it really needs to be powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar.
- Cream cheese. For a little added tang and to make this mousse not too sweet.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Peanut Butter Mousse
Step 1: Combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, room temperature cream cheese, and salt. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. You can use a hand mixer to make quick work of mixing the ingredients. Set that aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Soft peaks mean that when you lift the beater, the cream holds its shape but still slightly droops.
Step 3: Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture with a rubber spatula. This lightens up the peanut butter mixture, making it easier to fold in the rest of the cream without deflating it. After the first addition, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until everything is mixed together and the mousse is smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Once everything is mixed, transfer the mousse into serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Lynn's Tip!
Garnish your peanut butter mousse in small cups or glasses and top with crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter for an extra treat!
Tips and Tricks
- A hand mixer or a stand mixer will work well to mix the heavy cream into soft peaks. It's helpful to freeze the bowl for 5-10 minutes too if you have some time.
- When folding the whipped cream with the peanut butter mixture, take your time and fold gently. You don't want to deflate the soft peaks when mixing everything together.
- If you love homemade mousse, make sure to check out my apple cinnamon mousse too!
How To Serve Peanut Butter Mousse
There are so many ways to serve this delicious mousse!
The simplest way to serve peanut butter mousse is in individual cups or bowls. After chilling, just scoop or pipe the mousse into small serving dishes and enjoy as is. You can use wine glasses or small mason jars, and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
Make a parfait! Create a layered dessert by alternating layers of peanut butter mousse with crushed cookies, like graham crackers or chocolate wafers, in a glass. It would be very similar to an icebox cake like my pumpkin spice icebox cake.
As a pie! Pour the mousse into a pre-baked pie crust, such as a graham cracker or chocolate crust, and chill until firm. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of softened peanut butter for an extra indulgent treat.
Make it a dip! Peanut butter mousse can double as a dip for fresh fruits like apple slices, strawberries, or even pretzels. It’s a fun way to enjoy this creamy mousse and makes for a great party snack or a quick after-school treat.
As a cake filling! Use peanut butter mousse as a filling for cakes or cupcakes. Simply spread a layer of the mousse between cake layers or pipe it onto cupcakes for a yummy icing!
Storage Instructions
Peanut butter mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. For best results, enjoy it within the first couple of days, since the mousse is at its peak freshness during that time.
This mousse doesn't defrost well, so if you would like to freeze it, it's best to make it into ice cream or popsicles. Fill your favorite popsicle mold with this peanut butter mousse for a delicious snack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that the texture might be slightly different. Natural peanut butter tends to be less smooth and a bit runnier, so your mousse might not be as thick. Just make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before using it.
It's similar, but a little different. Peanut butter fluff usually has gelatin and whipped cream in it. This mousse only has sugar, peanut butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream in it.
The key to a light and airy mousse is whipping the cream well and gently folding it into the peanut butter mixture. Avoid over-mixing too, as this can deflate the whipped cream and result in a denser mousse.
Peanut Butter Mousse
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar
- ½ cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 4 oz Cream cheese softened to room temperature
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl and a hand mixer, add the heavy cream. On low speed, mix the heavy cream until soft peaks form. To check if the soft peaks are formed, lift the cream out of the bowl and it should droop slightly off the beaters.
- In a separate bowl, add the peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar. On medium speed, whip the mixture until smooth. Set that aside.
- Add a spoonful of the whipped cream at a time to the peanut butter mixture. With a large rubber spatula, fold in the rest of the whipped cream until all the whipped cream is incorporated into the peanut butter.
Notes
- Allow the mousse to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This will let the flavors meld together.
- You can serve this in individual cups, as a cake filling, in a no bake pie tart, or on it's own.
- Top this peanut butter mousse with melted peanut butter, crushed peanuts, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or just plain.
Leave a Reply