Creamy Peanut Butter Mousse Cups are an indulgent, no-bake dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with a light, airy mousse texture. Silky, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, these dessert cups are a delightful treat for peanut butter lovers. The mousse is smooth and creamy, yet light enough to feel like a sophisticated dessert rather than overly heavy.

Perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these mousse cups can be made ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. Garnished with chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate, they not only taste amazing but look elegant and inviting on any dessert table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, indulgent, and easy to make, yet it doesn’t feel heavy. The mousse has a luscious, airy texture that melts in your mouth, paired with the deep, nutty flavor of peanut butter.

It’s a dessert that feels luxurious but requires minimal effort. I also love that it can be customized with chocolate, caramel, or even a layer of cookie crumbs for added texture.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

Rich yet light: Creamy texture without being overly heavy.
No-bake convenience: Perfect for hot days or when you don’t want to use the oven.
Elegant presentation: Perfect for serving at dinner parties or special occasions.
Peanut butter heaven: Deep, nutty flavor paired with subtle sweetness.
Versatile: Can be layered with chocolate, caramel, or cookie crumbs for extra indulgence.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 mousse cups
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Dessert
Course: Dessert / Sweet Treat

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup cream cheese, softened
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings: chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream

Simple Cooking Directions

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Gently fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture until fully combined.
Spoon mousse into serving cups.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with chocolate shavings, peanuts, or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 – Whip the Cream

In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.

Step 2 – Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture

In another bowl, beat peanut butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 3 – Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches.
Use a spatula to fold carefully to maintain the airy texture.

Step 4 – Portion into Cups

Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or glasses.
Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or a piping bag for a neat finish.

Step 5 – Chill

Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours to set.
Chilling helps the mousse firm up and develop flavors.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, chocolate drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serve chilled.

How to Serve

Serve as an individual dessert cup for dinner parties.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, or casual sweet treats.
Pair with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.

Recipe Tips

Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother texture.
Fold the whipped cream gently to maintain the mousse’s airy lightness.
Chill for at least 2 hours for best consistency.
Taste and adjust sweetness depending on your preference; add more powdered sugar if desired.
Make ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse: Fold in ¼ cup melted chocolate.
Caramel Peanut Butter Mousse: Drizzle caramel sauce over mousse before chilling.
Vegan Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
Layered Mousse Cups: Alternate layers of chocolate mousse and peanut butter mousse.
Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers, cookies, or granola at the bottom of cups.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become grainy upon thawing.
Serving: Keep chilled until ready to serve; garnish just before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand whisk
Spatula for folding
Serving cups or glasses
Piping bag (optional for neat presentation)

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mousse and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days before serving.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
It’s best to use creamy peanut butter for a smooth mousse, but you can fold in a small amount of crunchy peanut butter for texture.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use vegan cream cheese.

Q: Can I make mini mousse cups?
Absolutely! Use small shot glasses or mini dessert cups for bite-sized servings.

Q: Can I adjust sweetness?
Yes, adjust powdered sugar to taste. You can also drizzle with chocolate or caramel for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Creamy Peanut Butter Mousse Cups are a decadent, airy, and flavorful dessert that highlights the rich, nutty taste of peanut butter. With a smooth and fluffy texture, easy preparation, and elegant presentation, these mousse cups are perfect for both casual treats and special occasions. Indulgent yet light, they are guaranteed to delight peanut butter lovers and impress guests alike.