If you’re looking for a dessert that’s pure comfort in a cup, Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is guaranteed to win hearts! Imagine billowy clouds of sweet, nutty mousse that melt on your tongue and surprise you with a satisfying little crunch from roasted peanuts. This no-bake treat is irresistibly creamy, utterly decadent, and a breeze to whip together — the kind of dessert you’ll want to bring out for every celebration, or honestly, just because it’s Tuesday. With its nostalgic peanut butter flavor and playful textures, Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is bound to become your new go-to delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dreamy mousse is a celebration of simple pantry staples coming together in the most delicious way. Each ingredient brings something special, from ultra-smooth creaminess to the iconic peanutty punch and just the right touch of sweetness.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up into soft, pillowy peaks and gives the mousse its signature lightness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Adds tang and keeps the mousse luxuriously thick and creamy.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient infuses the entire dessert with rich, nutty flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily, lending sweetness without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and enhances the nostalgic taste.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes the peanut flavor pop and balances the sweetness.
- Chopped roasted peanuts (for topping): Sprinkled on top for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Additional whipped cream (optional): A cloud-like garnish if you want to go the extra mile.
How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and that all-important pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat everything together until the mixture looks totally smooth and luxuriously creamy, without any lumps left behind. Set this delicious base aside — you’ll be amazed at how heavenly it already smells!
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Whip it until you reach stiff peaks, meaning the cream holds a pointy shape when you lift the beaters. This is what gives Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts its trademark airy, mousse-like texture, so don’t rush — light, fluffy cream is your secret ingredient!
Step 3: Fold Everything Together
Now, the magic happens. Gently scoop the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture. With a spatula, fold it in by scraping along the side and bottom of the bowl and lifting, turning the mixture over itself. The goal is to keep as much air as possible — this is what makes your mousse floaty and cloud-like. Continue folding just until everything is smoothly combined and gorgeously billowy.
Step 4: Portion and Chill
Spoon your mousse into individual serving glasses, ramekins, or whatever cute cups you have on hand. Cover and pop them in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and the mousse firm up. This chill time makes all the difference, giving Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts its perfect set texture.
Step 5: Add Crunch and Serve
When it’s time to serve, finish each portion with a generous sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts and, if you’re feeling extra, a lofty swirl of whipped cream. That’s it — the hardest part is resisting the urge to dive in before everyone’s at the table!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts
Garnishes
This mousse is absolutely made for creative toppings! Chopped roasted peanuts add the signature crunch, but you can also try mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a scatter of sea salt flakes for extra flair. That optional whipped cream crown never hurts, either — go as fancy or as homey as you feel!
Side Dishes
While Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is blissful on its own, pair it with crisp butter cookies, shortbread, or even some fresh berries for a light contrast. A tall glass of milk or a robust coffee makes it feel even more like a nostalgic peanut butter treat reimagined as a grown-up dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your mousse in mini jars for a rustic picnic vibe, or layer it parfait-style with crushed cookies or brownie chunks for serious wow factor. If you’re hosting, try piping the mousse smoothly into pretty champagne flutes or vintage teacups — presentation makes this simple mousse memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture stays dreamy, and those crunchy peanuts on top keep things interesting bite after bite.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts! Spoon into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving — it’ll have a slightly denser, more ice cream-like texture, which is heavenly in its own right.
Reheating
No actual reheating needed. Just remove your mousse from the fridge (or freezer) and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it feels very firm. Give it a gentle stir for best texture, then garnish and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! This mousse is perfect for making one or two days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add the roasted peanuts and extra whipped cream just before serving for the perfect crunchy finish.
What’s the best peanut butter for this recipe?
Creamy peanut butter yields the smoothest mousse, but you can use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. Make sure to use a peanut butter that you love, ideally one with just salt and peanuts for the purest flavor. Avoid super-oily or natural styles that separate, as they might affect the mousse’s structure.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your toppings if adding cookies or chocolate!
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
While this version isn’t dairy-free, you can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for the heavy cream to make a rich vegan mousse. The flavor will change a little, but you’ll still get that dreamy peanut butter goodness!
Can I use other nuts as a topping?
Of course! While roasted peanuts give that classic crunch, feel free to swap in toasted almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a fun twist — each one adds its own personality to Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts in your own kitchen. Each bite is thick, creamy, and just frivolous enough to make every day feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, this is one easy dessert recipe that never fails to delight. Grab those spoons and dig in!
Print
Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts. A luscious blend of peanut butter, cream cheese, and whipped cream, topped with a satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts.
Ingredients
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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Topping:
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- additional whipped cream, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mousse: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and optional whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a more textured mousse.
- For added flair, layer the mousse with crushed cookies for a parfait-style dessert.
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