Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache

The creamy, velvety texture of the peanut butter mousse is a true indulgence. As soon as you take your first spoonful, the richness of the peanut butter melds perfectly with the airy sweetness of the mousse. It’s like a soft, dreamlike cloud with just the right amount of peanutty goodness, making each bite feel like a little piece of heaven. But then, just when you think it can’t get any better, the silky chocolate ganache comes into play. The bittersweet chocolate cuts through the mousse’s richness, creating the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s like the best of both worlds, combining the warmth and comfort of peanut butter with the decadent, luxurious depth of chocolate.

For me, making this dessert is a bit like a cozy ritual. I love the process of carefully whipping the mousse to get that perfect, light texture—it’s almost meditative. And when I pour the ganache over, watching it slowly spread across the mousse, it’s so satisfying. The contrast of the two layers is stunning, and the moment you dip your spoon in, it’s like unlocking the perfect bite. This dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment to treat yourself. And the best part? It keeps getting better with every bite.

The magic of this dessert lies in the quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache so irresistible. Let’s break down the key ingredients that come together to create this indulgent treat.

Key Ingredients

Peanut Butter: The star of the mousse, peanut butter brings a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture that forms the base of the dessert. The smoothness it provides gives the mousse its melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the salty undertones balance out the sweetness in the ganache.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the mousse its light, airy texture. Whipped to perfection, heavy cream adds volume and softness, making the mousse feel luxuriously smooth on your tongue.

Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is the secret to achieving the perfect level of sweetness without affecting the mousse’s delicate texture. It dissolves easily, helping the mousse stay light and fluffy while giving it that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter, providing a slight contrast to the sweetness. It also contributes to the mousse’s smooth, creamy texture, helping it hold its shape.

Dark Chocolate: For the ganache, dark chocolate brings a rich, slightly bitter edge that complements the sweetness of the mousse perfectly. Its smooth, glossy finish also adds a decadent touch, making every bite feel like a little indulgence.

Butter: The butter in the ganache provides a silky, smooth finish and adds richness to the chocolate. It helps the ganache achieve its beautiful, glossy texture and makes it easier to pour over the mousse in a perfect layer.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth to both the mousse and ganache. It adds a comforting aroma and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dessert without overpowering the other ingredients.

Each of these ingredients plays a pivotal role, coming together to create the irresistible layers of this dessert. From the smooth, fluffy mousse to the rich ganache topping, the combination is nothing short of magic!

How to Make Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache

STEP 1: Prepare the Mousse Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter, 8 oz of cream cheese (softened), and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be well combined with no lumps, creating a rich, peanutty base for your mousse.

STEP 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, pour 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your mixer. The whipped cream should be light and fluffy, not too runny or too firm. Set it aside.

STEP 3: Fold the Whipped Cream Into the Peanut Butter Mixture
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and gently incorporate the whipped cream in stages, being careful not to deflate the whipped texture. This will give your mousse that light, airy texture. Keep folding until it’s well combined and smooth.

STEP 4: Chill the Mousse
Spoon the mousse mixture into serving cups or a large bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula, then cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours, or until it firms up slightly and chills thoroughly. The cold helps the mousse set and intensifies its flavor.

STEP 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the mousse is chilling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat, then stir in 4 oz of dark chocolate (chopped into small pieces) and 2 tbsp of butter. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens a bit but is still pourable.

STEP 6: Pour the Ganache Over the Mousse
Once the mousse has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. Spoon the cooled ganache over the mousse, spreading it evenly across the top with a spoon or spatula. The ganache should cover the mousse in a smooth, glossy layer, adding a perfect contrast to the creamy peanut butter base.

STEP 7: Chill Again
Return the dessert to the fridge for another 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the ganache to set and firm up. This final chilling step gives you that perfect, decadent finish when you take your first bite.

STEP 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the mousse and ganache are set, it’s time to dig in! Serve as-is, or garnish with chopped peanuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few shavings of extra chocolate for a little extra flair. Every bite will be a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and rich flavors that’s sure to impress!

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache

1. Top with Chopped Peanuts for Crunch
A sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts on top not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the peanut flavor. It’s like adding a little extra love to each bite, bringing a beautiful contrast to the creamy mousse and rich ganache. Plus, it looks gorgeous!

2. Serve with a Side of Fresh Berries
Pairing this decadent dessert with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries creates a refreshing balance. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the mousse, giving you that sweet-and-sour harmony we all crave.

3. Mini Portions for an Elegant Touch
For an extra elegant presentation, serve the mousse in mini jars or shot glasses. Not only does it look super cute, but these individual portions are perfect for parties. You can even get creative with the layers, adding a swirl of ganache through the mousse for an eye-catching effect.

How to Store Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache

To keep your Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache fresh and delicious, storing it properly is key. The best way to maintain that light, fluffy texture and glossy ganache is by covering it tightly and keeping it in the fridge. Once you’ve made the mousse and ganache, make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover the serving dish with plastic wrap. This prevents any air from drying it out and helps preserve the flavors.

If you’re planning to keep leftovers for a few days, it’s important to remember that the mousse is at its best within 2-3 days of making it. After that, it can lose some of its creamy texture, so enjoy it while it’s still fresh! You can also keep the mousse and ganache separate for a longer shelf life, storing the mousse in one container and the ganache in another. Just pour the ganache on top right before serving to keep that perfect contrast.

Lastly, if you have some mousse left after a gathering, you can freeze it for a future treat. Just scoop the mousse into individual portions or an airtight container, and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and it’ll still be just as delicious—though the ganache might need a quick touch-up if it separates a little.

Conclusion

And there you have it! This Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache is truly a dessert that’s made to impress. From the creamy, peanut-buttery mousse to the rich, velvety chocolate ganache, every bite is a little moment of indulgence. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a special celebration, or even just when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Whether you choose to garnish it with chopped peanuts, fresh berries, or serve it in cute little jars, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this dessert.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe as much as I do—each step is a joy, and I promise you, the end result will not disappoint. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Any questions, feedback, or comments? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here to chat about all things delicious. Happy cooking, and most importantly, happy indulging!

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Creamy peanut butter mousse melts in your mouth, offering a rich, nutty sweetness, perfectly balanced with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache topping. Each bite is a luscious, dreamy combination of flavors that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 1 cup peanut butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¹⁄₂ cup milk chocolate chips

• ¹⁄₄ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
2. Set the whipped cream aside in the fridge to keep it cool.
3. In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
4. Add 1 cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese and continue beating until well combined.
5. Add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and beat again until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
6. Gently fold in the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in thirds, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
7. Once the whipped cream is fully incorporated, transfer the mousse mixture into a serving dish or individual cups.
8. Place the mousse in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
9. While the mousse is chilling, prepare the chocolate ganache.
10. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer, but not boil.
11. Remove the saucepan from heat and add 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
12. Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
13. Let the ganache cool for a few minutes, but do not let it harden.
14. Once the mousse is set, pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the mousse layer.
15. Spread the ganache evenly with a spatula, covering the mousse completely.
16. Place the dessert back in the fridge to allow the ganache to set for about 30 minutes.
17. Once the ganache has set, serve the peanut butter mousse with chocolate ganache chilled, and enjoy!

Note

• Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form to ensure the mousse has a light and airy texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother consistency.
• For a smoother ganache, make sure to stir gently after adding the chocolate chips and butter.
• Avoid overmixing when folding in the whipped cream to maintain its airy texture.
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the mousse to prevent it from melting the mousse layer.

Keywords: peanut butter mousse recipe, chocolate ganache topping, easy peanut butter mousse, peanut butter chocolate dessert, creamy peanut butter ganache