This small-batch Peanut Butter Mousse serves two and is a quick, no-bake dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. It comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients and chills into a light, creamy treat that feels special. Top it with fresh whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and a chocolate wafer for an elegant finish without the fuss.
If you like, make homemade chocolate wafer cookies to crown the mousse—chocolate and peanut butter are a classic pairing that elevates this simple dessert.
Ingredients
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples. I prefer crunchy peanut butter, but smooth works just as well. For best results, have the cream cheese softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the peanut butter. If needed, warm it for 30–45 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to work with.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, soft
- ½ cup crunchy or smooth peanut butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute)
- Fresh whipped cream, for topping
- Chocolate wafer cookies, for topping (optional)
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
Scroll to the recipe section below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
Method
This mousse is best made with a stand mixer, but a hand mixer will also do the job. The process is simple: cream the base ingredients, add powdered sugar, and whip in the heavy cream until light and airy. It will thicken as it chills.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla on medium speed until smooth and combined. Scrape the bowl once and mix briefly again.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix on low until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer running on low, drizzle in the heavy cream. Once the mixture looks combined, increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl once or twice as needed.
- Spoon or pipe the mousse into two 8-ounce jars or dessert cups. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours to allow the mousse to set and thicken.
- Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and a chocolate wafer cookie if desired.
Serve the mousse chilled in small jars or cups for a charming presentation—perfect for a date night, a small celebration, or whenever you want a single-serving dessert that feels indulgent.
Notes & Tips
Make sure the cream cheese is truly soft so it blends seamlessly with the peanut butter. A quick 30–45 second burst in the microwave usually does the trick.
For a light whipped cream topping, whip ½ cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative) with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until soft peaks form.
Substitutions
To make this dairy-free, use a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free heavy cream substitute. These swaps work well in this no-bake mousse without changing the texture much.
Use crunchy or smooth peanut butter according to your preference. Both give delicious results—crunchy adds a bit of texture, while smooth creates a silkier mousse.
Recipe Card
Yield: 2 (8-ounce) cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes • Chill Time: 2 hours • Total Time: about 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, soft
- ½ cup peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream or dairy-free heavy cream substitute
- Whipped cream, chocolate wafers, and chopped peanuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Slowly add cream, then whip on medium-high until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Divide into two jars or cups and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to set.
- Top with whipped cream, a chocolate wafer, and chopped peanuts before serving.
Nutrition (per serving, estimate)
Calories: 518 • Total Fat: 40 g • Saturated Fat: 16 g • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g • Cholesterol: 64 mg • Sodium: 320 mg • Carbohydrates: 33 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 23 g • Protein: 11 g
If you make this recipe, leave a comment or a review on the page and share a photo of your mousse. Enjoy this quick, creamy peanut butter dessert any time you crave something sweet and comforting.