Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts Recipe

Get ready to meet your new dessert obsession: Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts. This recipe is a dream come true for peanut butter lovers, delivering an irresistibly creamy, fluffy mousse crowned with a layer of salty-sweet, crunchy roasted peanuts. On top of its rich and smooth flavor, this no-bake treat comes together in under fifteen minutes, then chills into a perfectly scoopable cloud of peanutty bliss. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just need a little afternoon pick-me-up, Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is guaranteed to hit the spot with every silky, nutty spoonful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts so delightful is its short-and-sweet ingredient list. Each component is carefully chosen to lend a specific texture, richness, or pop of flavor — and together, they form a mousse that’s creamy, light, and crunchy in all the right ways.

• Heavy cream: This is the secret to a dreamy, fluffy mousse with that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
• Creamy peanut butter: Choose your favorite brand for a smooth and deeply nutty foundation that gives the mousse its rich flavor.
• Powdered sugar: Lends a light touch of sweetness without making the mousse grainy or heavy.
• Vanilla extract: Just a dash brings everything together and adds a lovely aromatic warmth.
• Crunchy roasted peanuts: Chopped for a fantastic contrast, these add irresistible crunch to each bite, enhancing both flavor and texture.
• Pinch of salt: A little salt goes a long way, accentuating the peanut butter’s natural richness and helping balance the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by pouring the cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer (or some elbow grease and a whisk), whip the cream until you reach soft peaks. Soft peaks hold their shape but still droop just a bit, ensuring your mousse is airy without being stiff. This whipped cream base is what gives Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts its luscious lightness.

Step 2: Blend the Peanut Butter Mixture

Grab a separate bowl for this step. Combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. At this point, you’ll notice a heavenly aroma — a little preview of what’s to come!

Step 3: Fold Everything Together

Now comes the magic. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, working in three batches. Start by adding a scoop of whipped cream to lighten up the peanut butter, then carefully fold in the rest using a spatula. You want to keep as much of the air in the whipped cream as possible for that signature mousse texture. The result should be a pale, fluffy, and slightly swirly Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts base.

Step 4: Add the Crunch and Chill

Spoon your mousse into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Sprinkle the top generously with chopped roasted peanuts for a crunchy topping. For extra texture, you can also fold a handful of peanuts directly into the mousse itself. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the mousse to set.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation and flavor of Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts by topping it with a few extra chopped peanuts, a swirl of melted chocolate, or even chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance. If you want even more color and crunch, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream right before serving.

Side Dishes

This mousse already shines on its own, but you can pair it with a simple side like fresh berries or sliced bananas for a light contrast. For a more indulgent spread, serve with buttery shortbread cookies or classic graham crackers that guests can use to scoop up the mousse.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, pipe the mousse into mini dessert glasses for individual servings, or layer it in a trifle dish with crumbled cookies and more peanuts. You can even use Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts as a filling for profiteroles or as a topping for brownies and cakes at your next celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just cover each dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent the mousse from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this mousse! Spoon the mousse (without nuts on top) into airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and sprinkle the crunchy peanut topping just before eating.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts — in fact, it’s best served cold! If it sits out at room temperature for too long and softens, just give it a little whisk and pop it back in the fridge to firm it up.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this mousse?

You can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind it might be a bit runnier and less sweet than commercial brands. If you go this route, stir the peanut butter thoroughly and consider adding an extra teaspoon of powdered sugar to balance the flavors and texture.

Is Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts gluten-free?

Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check your peanut butter and vanilla extract labels to confirm they’re gluten-free if serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What’s the best way to get soft peaks when whipping heavy cream?

For perfect soft peaks, start with very cold cream and a chilled bowl. Whip on medium speed just until the cream holds gentle peaks that curl over when you lift the beater — this prevents overwhipping and keeps your Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts extra light.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts is even better after a few hours in the fridge. Prep it the day before you need it and garnish just before serving — it’s a wonderful make-ahead dessert for parties.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

No problem! You can whip the cream by hand using a sturdy whisk and some patience. Just make sure to use a large, cold bowl, and whip until you reach soft peaks. The mousse may take a bit longer to make, but the results will be just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful and satisfying about a spoonful of Peanut Butter Mousse with Crunchy Peanuts — it’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with peanutty goodness. Whether you share it with friends, family, or just sneak a bite straight from the fridge, I hope this recipe brings a little extra happiness (and crunch!) to your day. Give it a try, and let your sweet tooth celebrate!

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