This Peanut Butter Mousse is a creamy, rich dessert that comes together in less than 10 minutes! This recipe does not use cool whip, opting for freshly whipped cream and cream cheese to achieve a silky texture and decadent flavor.
Peanut butter fans, get ready, because this is the easy, make-ahead dessert of your dreams! This rich, creamy peanut butter mousse takes just a few minutes to whip together and is absolutely packed with peanut butter flavor. It's the kind of simple recipe that feels a little fancy without actually being fancy, which is honestly the best kind of dessert if you ask me.
You can eat it straight out of the mixing bowl with a spoon (no judgment here) or pipe it into cute little serving jars if you want to make it look extra special. Either way, it's a total crowd-pleaser. Kids love it, adults love it, and because it's so quick and easy, you'll love having it up your sleeve for last-minute dinners, potlucks, or anytime you just need a little peanut butter pick-me-up.
If you're looking for a no-bake treat that's big on flavor but low on effort, this one needs to be in your go-to dessert lineup. Trust me - you're going to be looking for excuses to make it!
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Why you will love this easy peanut butter mousse.
Ridiculously easy - Comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Major peanut butter flavor - Rich, creamy, and packed with that irresistible peanut buttery goodness.
No baking required - Perfect for when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
Kid and adult approved - A guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter who you're serving.
Flexible presentation - Eat it straight from the bowl (no shame!) or pipe it into jars for a fancier vibe.
Make-ahead friendly - Whip it up in advance and pull it out when you're ready to impress.
Perfect for any occasion - Whether it's a casual weeknight treat, a dinner party dessert, or a sweet little gift, this mousse fits the bill.
More dessert recipes for you to enjoy.
Equipment
For this peanut butter mousse you will need:
- Mixing bowls: These Pyrex glass mixing bowls are my absolute favorite!
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment OR large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer: I love using my Kitchenaid Mixer but I've also made this recipe with my Kitchenaid Electric Hand Mixer and it works just as well.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Heavy whipping cream: I am personally not a big fan of cool whip because it tastes very artificial to me. However, in warmer weather it does hold up exceptionally well. If you prefer you can replace the whipped cream with cool whip. It's just not my personal preference.
- Smooth Peanut Butter: My favorite peanut butter to use in this recipe (and in general life) is Justins Honey Peanut Butter. Justins is made with pretty clean ingredients. It also tends to be a little less sweet than some of the more common brands like Jiffy or Peter Pan. In which case, if you do use a sweeter brand of peanut butter you may want to adjust the amount of powdered sugar added to taste.
- Powdered sugar: A note on the sweetness of this recipe. Different peanut butters have different levels of sweetness. Maybe start with ¾th's cup and then if you feel it's not sweet enough add the additional ¼th cup.
- Sour cream: I recommend using full fat.
- Cream cheese: I recommend using full fat.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Oreos or similar cookies (optional): If serving in little jars I like to crush up some cookies and sprinkle them in before piping the mousse for added texture.
- Peanut Butter Cups: I think topping this mousse with mini peanut butter cups looks adorable but feel free to omit. You could also serve with half a large peanut butter cup on top of each jar.
- Extra whipped cream (optional): Garnish with a little whipped cream if desired.
Step-by-Step Photos
Recipe FAQs
I like using Justins Honey Peanut Butter for this recipe because it's sweet without being too sweet. However, feel free to use your favorite brand.
Just keep in mind that you may want to adjust the sugar level in accordance with how sweet your peanut butter is.
Yes, this is a great recipe to make in advance and can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Keep in mind that the mousse sets quite firm in the fridge. So if you're planning to pipe it you'll need to let it soften for 30-45 minutes at room temperature before doing so.
You can freeze this mousse for up to 3 months but keep in mind that the texture will change even after you thaw it. That being said, it's also delicious served frozen, kind of like a peanut butter ice cream.
It's perfectly sweet but not cloying. The peanut butter gives it a rich, salty balance that keeps it from being over the top. If you prefer things really sweet, you can add an extra spoonful of powdered sugar to taste.
Serving Suggestions
This mousse is so good it can be eaten out of the mixing bowl with a spoon and people will love it.
If you want to go a fancier route I recommend crushing up some Oreos or other similar cookie and sprinkling it into 4 oz serving jars. Then pipe the mousse in and top with whipped cream, mini peanut butter cups and crushed peanuts if desired.
This peanut butter mousse is also great served in pie form. Check out my No Bake Oreo Peanut Butter Pie.
Made this creamy peanut butter mousse recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Peanut Butter Mousse
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- stand mixer with paddle attachment OR electric hand mixer
- serving jars (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened I recommend using full fat.
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter See notes below.
- 1 cup powdered sugar Can be adjusted based on peanut butter sweetness level. See notes below.
- ⅓ cup sour cream I recommend using full fat.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For serving (optional)
- crushed Oreos or similar cookie About 1-2 teaspoon per 4 oz jar.
- crushed peanuts
- whipped cream
- mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Beat on medium high until stiff peaks form. Pour the whipped cream into a separate bowl and set aside until later.
- In the same large bowl you removed the whipped cream from add the peanut butter and softened cream cheese. Beat together on medium high speed for a couple minutes until well combined and almost creamy.Then add the sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium high speed for a couple minutes until creamy.
- Add the whipped cream back to the bowl and beat on low speed for a minute or two until completely combined. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Spoon into bowls and serve. Or you can add 1-2 teaspoon of crushed cookies into the bottom of each jar. Then pipe or spoon in peanut butter mousse and top with whipped cream, crushed peanuts and peanut butter cups if desired. Enjoy!
Lauren
Looks delicious, but typo, please correct...
How many servings?
It says ZERO...
Julie
If you love peanut butter, you have to try this! The mousse is so airy and light. I'll be making this again!
Lora
This peanut butter mousse looks rich, creamy, and comes together fast. The whipped cream and cream cheese make it extra smooth and decadent.
Roja
Peanut butter mousse is delicious I have made it as our dessert so good.
Diane
Loved this. Especially that it was no bake.
jamjarkitchen
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Lathiya
I found my new favorite dessert. The mouse is so light and airy. Perfect to serve for any party.