If you’re looking for a dessert that combines creamy, dreamy texture with the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts, you are in for a treat! Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is pure comfort in a cup: lush, fluffy mousse meets nutty richness, crowned with a sprinkle of toasty, salty peanuts. This recipe transforms just a handful of pantry staples into a showstopping sweet finale, and trust me, every bite delivers a perfect contrast of flavor and texture. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, you’ll want to make this delightful mousse again and again.

Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts couldn’t be simpler, and each one is carefully chosen to play its part. Every element brings something unique—silky, tangy, sweet, or crunchy—creating a mousse that’s perfectly balanced from the first spoonful to the last.

Heavy Whipping Cream: This whips up into fluffy peaks, making your mousse airy and light as a cloud.
Cream Cheese (softened): Adds a subtle tang and supports the mousse’s thick, creamy structure for spoonable perfection.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The undeniable star, it brings decadent peanut flavor along with wonderful creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Delivers a sweet touch and dissolves effortlessly, keeping the mousse silky without any grittiness.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with a warm, cozy aroma and depth.
Chopped Roasted Peanuts (plus more for garnish): Stirred in for delightful bits of crunch and used on top for finishing flair.
Pinch of Salt: Enhances the peanut butter’s flavor and makes the sweetness pop.

How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by pouring the cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for creating that fluffy, cloudlike texture that sets Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts apart. Set the whipped cream aside for the moment—you’ll need it soon!

Step 2: Blend Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter

In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter. Beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and has no lumps. It helps to have the cream cheese at room temperature so everything blends together evenly, creating a decadent and velvety base for your mousse.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Next, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and that very important pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture. Beat again until everything is fully incorporated, turning the base fluffy and slightly lighter in color. The salt subtly lifts the other flavors, while the vanilla brings a comforting aroma that makes this dessert extra inviting.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Now, use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter base. Take your time here! By folding carefully rather than stirring, you’ll keep things airy and mousse-like. Aim for a smooth, uniform mixture with no white streaks, but don’t overmix. This is when your Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts really starts to look irresistible.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Peanuts

Sprinkle in the chopped roasted peanuts, folding them gently into the mousse. These bits of crunch stand out deliciously against the creamy background, bringing excitement to every bite. If you like extra crunch, feel free to add a little more to suit your preference.

Step 6: Chill for Perfection

Spoon the finished mousse into individual cups or bowls, smoothing the tops if you want a polished look. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set. Chilling not only firms up the mousse but also allows the flavors to mingle and deepen—absolutely worth the wait!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle each cup with additional chopped peanuts. You can even drizzle with a little melted chocolate or add a layer of crushed graham crackers if you’re feeling fancy. Now comes the best part: dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts

Garnishes

This mousse is wonderful with a simple handful of extra chopped roasted peanuts on top, highlighting its signature crunch. For even more wow factor, drizzle some warm melted chocolate over each serving or dust lightly with cocoa powder for a grown-up touch. A dollop of whipped cream adds another layer of decadence and looks picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is bold and rich, so it pairs well with light, fresh sides. Try serving it alongside a bowl of mixed berries, which add a juicy, tangy contrast. A crisp butter cookie or two on the side offers a lovely texture balance. For a casual gathering, set out mini graham crackers for dipping or spooning.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination lead the way! Spoon the mousse into elegant glasses for a dinner party or shot glasses for a pass-around treat at a party. It also makes a fantastic dessert parfait: alternate layers of mousse with crushed graham crackers and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a playful (and delicious) twist. For a retro vibe, serve it in vintage teacups adorned with edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts, simply cover the cups or bowls tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor. The mousse stays creamy and the peanut crunch holds up beautifully when stored this way.

Freezing

Need to plan even further ahead? You can freeze this mousse! Spoon it into an airtight container or individual freezer-safe cups. It’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—just be aware that some texture changes may occur, and it’s best enjoyed fresh when possible.

Reheating

Thankfully, there’s no reheating required with Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts. Just serve it straight from the fridge! If yours has been frozen, let it thaw gently in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! If you love even more texture, swapping in crunchy peanut butter works great. You may want to reduce the amount of additional chopped peanuts, depending on your crunchy quota.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for friends or family with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your specific brands of cream cheese and peanuts to be certain.

Can I make this mousse dairy-free?

With the right substitutions, yes. Look for dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based whipped topping alternatives. While the flavor and texture may vary a bit from the original, it’s still delicious and satisfying!

How can I make this treat look extra special for guests?

Dress up Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts by piping it into fancy glasses, swirling in melted chocolate, or sprinkling the top with crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Fresh berries or a caramel drizzle also add a lovely touch for entertaining.

Can this mousse be made ahead of time?

It certainly can! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to really meld and the texture to become even more luscious. Just keep it chilled and garnish right before serving for the freshest crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a dessert that is rich, nutty, and full of texture, do yourself a favor and whip up a batch of Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts. It’s quick, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be thrilled to have such a showstopping treat in your recipe collection!

Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the heavenly combination of creamy peanut butter mousse with a delightful crunch of chopped peanuts in this easy-to-make dessert. This no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus more for garnish)
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Beat the heavy whipping cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Mix cream cheese and peanut butter: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth.
Add sugar and flavorings: Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue mixing until well combined and fluffy.
Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain.
Add crunch: Fold in the chopped peanuts for crunch.
Chill and serve: Spoon the mousse into serving cups, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and garnish with additional chopped peanuts before serving.