Rich Peanut Butter Mousse Cups

I absolutely love making these Rich Peanut Butter Mousse Cups for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home. The combination of creamy peanut butter and airy mousse creates a delicately balanced dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth. I love how simple the process is while offering a luxurious result. Each layer adds its own texture and flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. You’ll find that they’re quick to whip up and serve to guests who will be asking for the recipe!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:38:40.768Z

When I first tried these mousse cups, I couldn't believe how easy they were to make. The blend of creamy peanut butter with whipped cream gives a light yet rich taste that I adore. I let my kids help mix the ingredients, and it became a fun family activity. Once we piped the mousse into cups, we couldn't wait to taste the results!

A key tip is to use room temperature cream cheese for the peanut butter layer; this makes it smooth and perfectly blendable. Chilling them for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. Each cup is a heavenly treat!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent peanut butter flavor that satisfies cravings.
Light and airy mousse texture that melts in your mouth.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.

      

Perfecting Your Mousse Texture

The key to a successful mousse is achieving the right balance between the creamy peanut butter layer and the airy whipped cream. When mixing the cream cheese with peanut butter, ensure that both ingredients are at room temperature. This will help you achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture. If using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until they become glossy and unified, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

When whipping your heavy cream, it's essential to use cold cream and a chilled bowl to facilitate maximum volume and stability. Start mixing on a low speed and gradually increase to medium-high, watching closely for stiff peaks to form. Be cautious not to overwhip; it should look fluffy with a glossy finish. If overwhipped, you can salvage it by folding in some additional unwhipped cream gently.

Another tip is to fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture gently. Use a spatula and employ a technique of folding rather than stirring to maintain the airy texture of the mousse. Aim for a marbled appearance with no visible streaks of whipped cream while ensuring the mixture remains light and fluffy.

Perfecting Presentation

Serving the mousse in clear cups or glasses not only showcases the beautiful layers but also elevates the overall dessert experience. For a more polished presentation, using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip can help you dollop or pipe the mousse with elegance. I recommend chilling the mousse for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps it set and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

When garnishing, feel free to get creative. While chocolate shavings are a classic choice, you can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an added layer of richness. Consider using flavored whipped cream, perhaps whipped with a touch of cinnamon or cocoa powder, to further enhance the dessert's visual appeal and taste complexity. Mixing in some crumbled cookies or added textures can provide an exciting contrast to the smooth mousse.

If you're planning to serve these Rich Peanut Butter Mousse Cups at an event, consider preparing the mousse a day in advance. The flavors develop wonderfully overnight, and they will save you time on the day of your gathering. Store the mousse cups covered in the fridge, and add the toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious treat:

For the Mousse

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

For the Topping

Chocolate shavings or chips
Crushed peanuts (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)

Make sure to prepare everything before starting to ensure a smooth process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mousse cups:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Make Whipped Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate it.

Assemble the Mousse Cups

Spoon the mousse into serving cups or glasses. Use a piping bag for a nicer presentation if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Once chilled, top your mousse cups with chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, and a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Serve and enjoy!

These mousse cups are best served cold, making them a refreshing dessert option!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture. It enhances the overall taste profile beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're in search of a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream and a vegan cream cheese substitute with similar textures. Just ensure the coconut cream is adequately chilled before whipping to obtain the best consistency. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter can be used similarly to peanut butter, providing a different yet enjoyable flavor profile.

For a lower sugar option, you can replace powdered sugar with a sugar alternative suitable for baking, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember to adjust based on the sweetness level of your chosen substitute; some are sweeter than traditional powdered sugar, so taste as you go to maintain the correct balance.

In case you're out of vanilla extract, feel free to experiment with other flavorings like almond extract or a splash of maple syrup for an unexpected twist. Keep in mind, though, that too much additional flavor can overwhelm the peanut butter's rich taste, so start small.

Storing and Serving

These Rich Peanut Butter Mousse Cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are covered well to prevent any undesirable fridge odors from seeping in. They are best enjoyed chilled, as this texture complements the creaminess of the peanut butter. However, avoid freezing, as the mousse may lose its luxurious texture when thawed.

If you're serving multiple people, I recommend preparing a large batch of mousse and dividing it into smaller portions for each guest. Consider offering a variety of toppings on the side, such as additional chocolate shavings, shaved coconut, or even fresh fruit like raspberries to add a pop of freshness. This allows guests to customize their dessert to their liking.

For a fun variation, consider layering it with crumbled brownies or cookie crumbs at the bottom of the cups. This not only adds new textures but also enhances the overall dessert experience, making it feel more indulgent and special on any occasion. Keep in mind the importance of ensuring these additions complement the overall flavor profile for the best results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture contrast to the mousse.

→ How long can I store these mousse cups?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly to maintain freshness.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

→ Is it necessary to chill the mousse?

Chilling helps the mousse set properly, allowing the flavors to intensify and the texture to become more enjoyable.