
This velvety peanut butter mousse always wins over dessert lovers with its rich flavor and fluffy texture. When you crave something comforting yet special and you want the reward without a fuss this no bake mousse does the trick. It is perfect for those days when you want to impress guests but do not want to turn on the oven.
I gave this mousse a try when I needed a quick dessert for a last minute family dinner and it quickly became the most requested treat at our gatherings. There is never a spoonful left in the bowl.
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: smooth creamy texture enhances the mousse select a good quality peanut butter with no added sugar for pure flavor
- Cream cheese: softened ensures a silky finish use full fat for best results leave it out to soften at room temperature before starting
- Powdered sugar: melts right in for sweetness and smoothness sift if clumpy to avoid lumps in your mousse
- Heavy cream: gives the mousse its signature airy body always chill your cream well before whipping for maximum volume
- Vanilla extract: brings in warmth and balances the richness go for pure extract for true flavor
Check all your ingredients for freshness especially the dairy to get the best taste and texture in your mousse.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl combine peanut butter cream cheese powdered sugar and vanilla extract Beat them together until smooth and fluffy then set aside This creates the rich and creamy base
- Whip the Cream:
- In a cold separate mixing bowl whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer Whip until stiff peaks form which means the cream will hold its shape firmly but look light and billowy This step is crucial for the mousse’s texture
- Lighten the Base:
- Add a quarter of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture Gently beat it through to loosen up the thick base Folding in just a small amount first helps blend the two textures smoothly
- Fold in the Rest:
- Add half of the remaining whipped cream and gently fold it in Take your time to avoid deflating the cream Repeat with the rest of the whipped cream using a spatula and mixing just until there are no streaks left
- Transfer and Chill:
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving jars or glass cups If you want beautiful swirls use a piping bag with a decorative tip You can enjoy it right away for a soft set or chill for at least 30 minutes to let it firm up and meld the flavors

My favorite part is swirling in the whipped cream and watching the mousse come together so silky and airy My youngest always sneaks a spoonful before the jars even make it to the fridge There is something about peanut butter desserts that brings everyone to the table
Storage Tips
Keep your mousse tightly covered in the fridge It tastes best within two or three days Leftovers stay creamy so you can make it ahead for parties I do not recommend freezing as the texture can become grainy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap almond butter for peanut butter if allergies are a concern Mascarpone cheese can be used in place of cream cheese for a more delicate flavor Dairy free cream cheese and coconut cream make this dessert vegan friendly with a slightly different but equally delicious taste
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mousse simply in glass jars with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top For a fancier look add a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings Fresh berries on the side balance the richness nicely For casual snacking try it as a decadent dip with pretzel sticks
A Little Peanut Butter History
Peanut butter mousse recipes first became popular in American households as a quick fix for sweet cravings during the rise of convenience cooking in the twentieth century This dessert pays tribute to the time when peanut butter started making its way into surprising new creations

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Creamy peanut butter gives a smoother texture, but crunchy can be used if you prefer added texture in each bite.
- → Is it necessary to chill the mousse before serving?
Chilling firms up the mousse and enhances its texture, but it can be enjoyed right after piping if you like it softer.
- → What type of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat, softened cream cheese for the creamiest result and best structure in the mousse.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared and refrigerated up to one day in advance. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.
- → Is it possible to use a sugar substitute?
Powdered sugar substitutes can be used for a less sweet option, though texture may change slightly.