If you’re searching for a dreamily creamy no-bake dessert that tastes like pure comfort, this Peanut Butter Mousse is about to become your new favorite treat. It’s luxuriously light, perfectly balanced with sweet and salty notes, and ready with minimal fuss—a go-to recipe for busy days and special gatherings alike. Layers of whipped cream, rich cream cheese, and velvety peanut butter fold together into a mousse you’ll crave again and again. Whether you dollop it into fancy glasses or sneak spoonfuls straight from the bowl, every bite delivers decadent peanutty bliss.

Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of this dessert is how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each component brings its own special touch—creaminess, sweetness, saltiness, and that unmistakable peanut butter flavor—so it’s important to use the best you’ve got for the perfect Peanut Butter Mousse!

Heavy whipping cream (cold): The chill helps it whip up into those glorious billowy peaks that make your mousse so airy.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Opt for a smooth, mainstream peanut butter for the velvety texture that’s just right for this recipe.
Cream cheese (softened): This adds tang and body, giving the mousse an irresistible richness and helping it hold its shape.
Powdered sugar: It blends in seamlessly without any grittiness, perfectly sweetening your mousse.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth.
Pinch of salt: Don’t skip this! It wakes up all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness just enough.

How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and your cold heavy cream. Whip the cream with a hand mixer on high speed until you see stiff peaks—this means the cream stands tall on the beaters and won’t slide around the bowl. Set it aside but keep it cold; this is what will give your mousse its signature lightness.

Step 2: Beat the Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese. Beat them together until the mixture is ultra-smooth with no lumps in sight. This is the luscious base for your Peanut Butter Mousse, so be sure it’s beautifully blended before moving on.

Step 3: Mix in Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt

Now, sprinkle in your powdered sugar, drizzle over the vanilla extract, and toss in that pinch of salt. Continue beating until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture looks glossy and inviting. You’ll notice the aromas start to bloom—yep, you’re almost there!

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Here comes the magic: gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture a little at a time. Use a spatula and a light touch so you don’t deflate all that precious air you whipped into the cream. By the end, your Peanut Butter Mousse will be cloudlike and ready for its final step.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and pop them into the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the texture time to set and lets the flavors meld. Even a quick chill will do wonders for the final result. When you’re ready to serve, you can gild the lily with toppings if you like!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse

Garnishes

A great finishing touch makes this dessert feel even more special. Scatter chocolate shavings for a classic duo, dollop a swirl of whipped cream, or sprinkle over crushed roasted peanuts for crunch. If you want to add color, a few raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder look beautiful too.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Mousse is so rich and indulgent, it shines best alongside something light. I love serving it with crisp apple slices or a few simple butter cookies for dipping. A bright fruit salad also contrasts the creaminess perfectly—a little acidity goes a long way.

Creative Ways to Present

This mousse loves a little dressing up! Layer it with crushed chocolate cookies for parfaits, pipe it into tiny dessert shot glasses for parties, or tuck it inside sweet tart shells for a showstopper. Even served in mason jars or scooped into chocolate cups, it’s impossible to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your Peanut Butter Mousse tightly and stash it in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to 2 days, staying just as creamy and dreamy as when you made it.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Peanut Butter Mousse! Portion into airtight containers before freezing. When you’re ready for a treat, let it thaw gently in the fridge—or enjoy it straight from the freezer like ice cream for a frosty twist.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this mousse, since it’s meant to be served chilled. If it’s been frozen, let it defrost in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir to restore its fluffiness. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature too long to protect the whipped texture.

FAQs

Does Peanut Butter Mousse work with natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but be sure to mix it very well to avoid oil separation, as it may make the mousse a bit looser. Classic creamy peanut butter yields the smoothest, most consistent results for this dessert.

Can I make Peanut Butter Mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mousse is ideal for preparing a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will hold its shape and flavor beautifully until serving time.

Is Peanut Butter Mousse gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free certified peanut butter and checking your other ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

To keep the mousse’s signature tang and texture, cream cheese works best, but mascarpone or even Greek yogurt (well strained) can stand in as a lighter alternative if needed. Just know that substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and richness.

How can I make this mousse vegan?

You can experiment with coconut cream in place of dairy cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and a plant-based peanut butter. Use a powdered sugar with no animal-derived additives, and you have a vegan-friendly treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make and share this Peanut Butter Mousse as I am—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether for family dinners or a cozy treat just for you. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with the kind of peanut buttery flavor that makes any day feel special. Give it a try and let your taste buds celebrate!

Peanut Butter Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and decadent Peanut Butter Mousse, a no-bake dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This easy-to-make mousse is filled with the rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese, creating a luscious treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mousse:

1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Beat Heavy Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Mix Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese: In another bowl, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; continue beating until well combined.
Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches until light and fluffy.
Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes, chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Top with chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, or whipped cream for extra texture and flavor.
This mousse can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American