Vegan Peanut Butter Treat

Featured in Sweet Treats You'll Actually Make Twice.

This 6-ingredient mousse blends peanut butter with vegan cream cheese for a soft, airy dessert. Add chocolate on top if desired. Takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:17 GMT
A jar dessert layered with peanut butter mousse and chocolate, topped with nuts and chopped chocolate. Pin it
A jar dessert layered with peanut butter mousse and chocolate, topped with nuts and chopped chocolate. | cookbybook.com

Looking for my top tip to beat the heat? This silky Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse does the trick! It's become my favorite sweet treat when I want to wow guests without heating up the kitchen. Using just six simple ingredients, it transforms into the most airy, velvety dessert you'll ever try. And that optional chocolate topping? Absolutely divine! Even my friends who usually avoid plant-based foods can't stop asking for seconds.

The Surprising Magic Behind This Mousse

What makes this mousse so special is how the zingy vegan cream cheese works wonderfully with the rich peanut butter. I'm thrilled it calls for ready-made vegan whipped cream—no fussy coconut cream steps needed! Whenever I bring this to parties, everyone wants to know how I made it, particularly when I add that luscious chocolate layer on top. It's now my go-to treat for any warm-weather get-together!

Simple Ingredients You'll Need

  • Vegan Whipped Cream: I swear by So Delicious coconut whipped cream—it never lets me down!
  • Vegan Cream Cheese: Pick whatever brand you like—they all work great in this!
  • Peanut Butter: Stick with natural, unsweetened varieties for better taste control.
  • Maple Syrup: The authentic stuff really brings out amazing flavors.
  • Vanilla Extract: A tiny bit elevates the whole dessert.
  • Salt: Don't skip this—it really brings out that peanut butter taste!

Creating Your Dreamy Dessert

Getting Started
Dump everything in your mixer at once! I get a kick out of seeing it all blend—pure kitchen science at work.
Beating It Up
Don't rush this part—a full five minutes of mixing will give you incredibly fluffy mousse clouds!
Chocolate Layer
And that ganache! Just three things mixed together create the smoothest chocolate topping ever.
Putting It Together
Let your artistic side shine—I prefer clear glass containers to showcase those beautiful layers!

Ways To Dress It Up

Now for the fun part—decorating! That chocolate layer isn't just tasty, it makes your dessert look totally photo-worthy. I usually add a dollop of extra whipped cream, some grated chocolate, and a handful of crushed peanuts for some crunch. Sometimes I go all out with extra melted chocolate drizzled on top because... well, why wouldn't you?

The Beauty Of This Simple Treat

This mousse takes just minutes to whip up and you don't need to turn on your oven! That's why it's my secret weapon for summer hosting. Mixing peanut butter with cream cheese creates this amazing richness that still feels light. And you can make it fancy or simple depending on what you need it for.

Insider Tricks I've Learned

After making tons of these, I've picked up some handy tips! The type of vegan whipped cream really matters in this recipe. Don't cut corners on the mixing time—you need those full five minutes for the perfect texture. And if you're going the DIY route with whipped coconut milk, remember to stick your can in the fridge overnight first!

Storage Smarts

Your mousse will stay good in the fridge for up to three days—assuming it doesn't disappear before then! I like making small individual servings in tiny jars for grab-and-go treats. If you're prepping ahead for company, store the toppings separately and add them right before serving. This way it'll look amazing every single time!

You Won't Regret Trying This

This mousse has come to my rescue so many times when I needed something quick but impressive. It works for everything from backyard cookouts to fancy dinner parties. Most people don't even realize it's vegan unless I tell them! With its smooth texture and deep peanut butter taste, everyone always asks me to make it again.

A close-up of a glass jar filled with creamy dessert topped with whipped cream, chopped chocolate, and almonds, with pieces of chocolate scattered around. Pin it
A close-up of a glass jar filled with creamy dessert topped with whipped cream, chopped chocolate, and almonds, with pieces of chocolate scattered around. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can it be prepared early?
Totally! Make it up to a day before. Keep it chilled in the fridge. Spoon it into jars when it’s soft for easy serving. Freshly made is tastiest though.
→ What vegan whipped cream is best?
Any chilled store-bought vegan whipped cream works great. Cool it well first to help it whip and hold its soft texture.
→ Do I need to add ganache?
Not at all, it’s optional! The ganache brings bold chocolate flavor and texture variety, but the mousse is yummy on its own too.
→ Is there a maple syrup alternative?
Swap it with agave syrup, date syrup, or similar runny sweeteners. They need the same liquid consistency to keep the texture right.
→ Why include vegan cream cheese?
It helps add thickness and richness while staying dairy-free. Soften it before mixing for a smooth finish.

Peanut Butter Treat

A simple, soft peanut mousse that’s vegan and quick to make. Add the optional chocolate topping if you like. No waiting, ready in 15 minutes!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (Makes 4 to 6 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Softened vegan cream cheese (1/3 cup).
02 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter.
03 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
04 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
05 A pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon).
06 Vegan whipped cream (1 1/2 cups, plus more to garnish).
07 1/4 cup of cacao powder.
08 Ganache maple syrup (1/4 cup).
09 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil.
10 Ganache vanilla (1/2 teaspoon).
11 A tiny pinch of ganache salt.
12 Chocolate curls for garnishing.
13 Chopped peanuts for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Blend the cream cheese, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt together until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 02

On medium, whip the vegan whipped cream into the mixture for about 5 minutes till it gets fluffy and light.

Step 03

Mix melted coconut oil, cacao, maple syrup, vanilla, and a small pinch of salt until it’s glossy and smooth.

Step 04

Spoon mousse into jars, layering with the chocolate ganache (optional). Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and any toppings you like.

Notes

  1. You can prepare this 24 hours ahead.
  2. Portion it before popping it in the fridge for best results.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains peanuts.
  • Includes tree nuts (coconut).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 696
  • Total Fat: 55.5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40.5 g
  • Protein: 16.8 g