Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cups

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cups are a decadent dessert featuring silky, airy chocolate and peanut butter mousse nestled inside a crisp chocolate cup or layered in small dessert glasses. Every bite brings together the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate — a duo that dessert lovers simply can’t resist.

These mini mousse cups are elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight indulgence. They’re perfectly portioned, visually stunning, and taste like something from a fine patisserie!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds — smooth, airy mousse and the comforting, nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and chocolate. The texture contrast between the velvety mousse and the crisp chocolate shell is pure perfection.

It’s also a no-bake recipe, meaning you can prepare it without turning on the oven — ideal for any time of year. Plus, you can make it ahead for parties, which makes entertaining stress-free.

Each cup feels indulgent yet balanced, not overly sweet, and every spoonful just melts in your mouth. It’s truly a dessert that makes everyone smile!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dessert is a must-try because:

• It’s decadent yet surprisingly easy to make.
• Combines two classic flavors — chocolate and peanut butter — that are universally loved.
• No baking required! Perfect for busy days or hot weather.
• Great for parties, holidays, or romantic dinners.
• Customizable — you can make it in chocolate cups, jars, or glasses.

Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to dessert for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 mousse cups
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cups (Optional if using glass cups):

• 1 ½ cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 250 g)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (for shine)

For the Peanut Butter Mousse:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Mousse:

• ¾ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (divided)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Crushed peanuts or peanut butter cups
• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream
• Sea salt flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Melt chocolate and make the cups (or use small glasses).
2. Prepare the peanut butter mousse by whipping and folding.
3. Prepare the chocolate mousse and chill slightly.
4. Layer both mousses in cups.
5. Chill for 1 hour, garnish, and serve chilled.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cups (Optional)

1. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
2. Brush or spoon a layer of melted chocolate inside silicone cupcake molds or paper liners.
3. Chill for 10 minutes, then repeat with a second layer to ensure sturdiness.
4. Chill again for 20 minutes until fully set.
5. Carefully peel away the liners — you’ll have beautiful edible chocolate cups!

(If you prefer, skip this step and layer the mousse in small glasses or jars.)

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mousse

1. In a bowl, beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches until fluffy and well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator while making the chocolate mousse.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

1. Melt chocolate and butter together (microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler).
2. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
3. Whip ½ cup of the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled melted chocolate until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Mousse Cups

1. In each chocolate cup (or dessert glass), spoon a layer of chocolate mousse followed by a layer of peanut butter mousse.
2. Repeat if desired for a layered look.
3. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, or mini peanut butter cups.
• Serve chilled for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.

How to Serve

Serve these Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cups:

• Cold, straight from the fridge for the perfect texture.
• In mini dessert glasses, ramekins, or edible chocolate cups.
• As part of a dessert platter or buffet.

They’re perfect for romantic dinners, parties, or anytime you want a luxurious dessert that looks fancy but is secretly easy to make!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use good quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Make sure whipped cream is cold for best volume and texture.
• Don’t overfold mousse mixtures — it should stay light and airy.
• Chill the mousse cups for at least 1 hour before serving to set perfectly.
• You can prepare them a day ahead — flavors actually improve overnight.

Variations

1. Nutella Mousse Cups: Replace peanut butter with Nutella for a hazelnut twist.
2. Vegan Option: Use dairy-free whipped topping, coconut cream, and vegan chocolate.
3. Salted Caramel Mousse Cups: Add a layer of salted caramel sauce between the mousses.
4. Crunchy Base: Add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers at the bottom.
5. Espresso Touch: Mix a teaspoon of instant coffee in chocolate mousse for mocha flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store mousse cups covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze them (without whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Do Not Refreeze after thawing — texture will change.

Special Equipment Needed

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone cupcake molds or dessert glasses
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

FAQ

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture contrast — just ensure it mixes smoothly.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mousse a day in advance, store in the fridge, and garnish just before serving.

Q3: My mousse is too runny — what went wrong?
Your whipped cream may not have been beaten enough, or the chocolate may have been too warm when folding. Chill it and whip again slightly.

Q4: Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes, use sugar-free chocolate and powdered sweetener instead of sugar.

Q5: Do I need gelatin to set the mousse?
No — the whipped cream provides enough structure for a soft, creamy set texture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cups are pure dessert bliss — rich, smooth, and irresistibly creamy. The classic duo of chocolate and peanut butter shines in every spoonful, making this dessert both comforting and luxurious.