Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows; 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) softened unsalted butter or at room temp; 9 oz best-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate or a blend of both; chopped into small pieces; 1/4 cup hot water from a recently boiled kettle; 2 cups heavy cream (half of the whipped cream will be used for the peanut butter mousse); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup peanut butter chips; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream from the store or homemade (for topping); Chocolate sprinkles (for topping); Chocolate peanut butter cups (for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe balances the intense, velvety chocolate with the nutty sweetness of peanut butter in a light and airy mousse form. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, requires no baking, and offers a beautiful layered dessert that impresses guests. Plus, the combination of marshmallows and cream makes it irresistibly smooth and fluffy.

ingredients

For the chocolate mousse:

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) softened unsalted butter or at room temp
9 oz best-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate or a blend of both; chopped into small pieces
1/4 cup hot water from a recently boiled kettle
2 cups heavy cream* (half of the whipped cream will be used for the peanut butter mousse)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the peanut butter mousse:

1 cup peanut butter chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the toppings:

whipped cream from the store (preferred for piping designs) or homemade whipped cream
chocolate sprinkles
chocolate peanut butter cups

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

For the chocolate mousse:

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat, combine mini marshmallows, softened butter, chopped chocolate, and hot water. Whisk occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and cool almost completely (about 15 minutes).
Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until thick peaks form (5-8 minutes). Remove half of this whipped cream and chill for the peanut butter mousse.
Fold the remaining whipped cream gently into the cooled chocolate mixture until smooth and cohesive. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

For the peanut butter mousse:

Remove the reserved whipped cream from the fridge and bring to room temperature.
Microwave the peanut butter chips and 3/4 cup heavy cream in 15-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the chips soften.
Whisk in creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool to barely lukewarm.
Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and cohesive. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

To assemble the parfaits:

Use pastry bags or ziplock bags with tips to pipe alternating layers of chocolate and peanut butter mousse into serving glasses.
Continue layering until glasses are filled to your preference.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a chocolate peanut butter cup for garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: At least 2 hours total (1 hour each mousse)

Variations

Swap peanut butter chips for crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Use dark chocolate only or milk chocolate to adjust sweetness.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mousse for a salted peanut butter version.
Incorporate crushed pretzels or cookies between layers for crunch.
Replace peanut butter chips with white chocolate chips for a white chocolate mousse layer.

storage/reheating

Store the mousse parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mousse is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If made in advance, assemble just before serving for the freshest look.

FAQs

How long does the mousse keep in the refrigerator?

The mousse stays fresh for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container or covered parfait glasses.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives.

What if I don’t have peanut butter chips?

You can melt regular peanut butter with a bit of powdered sugar or use creamy peanut butter directly.

Can I prepare the mousse without a mixer?

Whipping heavy cream without a mixer is difficult; a hand whisk can be used but expect it to take much longer and require more effort.

Can I freeze this mousse?

Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the whipped cream and mousse layers.

Can I make this mousse in advance?

Yes, mousse can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Assemble parfaits shortly before serving.

What chocolate works best for this mousse?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate of good quality works best for a rich flavor.

Can I substitute peanut butter for almond or other nut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter can be used but will change the flavor profile.

How do I get smooth mousse without lumps?

Ensure chocolate and marshmallows are fully melted and mixtures are cooled before folding in whipped cream gently.

Is this mousse suitable for kids?

Yes, this mousse contains no alcohol and is safe for children, though it contains dairy and nuts.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse is a decadent yet airy dessert perfect for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. With layers of silky chocolate and peanut butter mousse, topped with whipped cream and chocolate garnishes, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Easy to prepare with no baking required, this dessert is a fantastic choice for special occasions or whenever you want an indulgent treat.