Indulge in a luscious, no-bake treat that will wow every dessert lover: Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache. This dreamy dessert layers creamy, rich peanut butter mousse with an irresistibly decadent vegan chocolate ganache, making it perfect for anything from weeknight cravings to elegant dinner parties. Not only is it simple to prepare, but each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey perfection—completely dairy-free and gluten-free, so everyone at your table can join in the fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache such a gem is that it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each pulling its weight to create incredible depth of flavor and stunningly smooth textures. Let’s explore what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for a natural, creamy variety for the best flavor and effortless blending.
- Coconut Cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk): This gives the mousse its cloud-like lightness and a lovely subtle coconut undertone.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds smooth, instant sweetness while keeping the mousse airy and velvety.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and elevates the peanut butter for a gourmet finish.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Just a splash for a gentle tang that brightens up each bite.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances complexity and makes the peanut butter pop.
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: The star of the ganache, these melt into pure chocolate bliss.
- Coconut Milk (or any plant-based milk): Keeps the ganache silky while complementing the mousse base.
- Maple Syrup: Provides a gentle, nuanced sweetness that marries beautifully with the chocolate.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache
Step 1: Blend the Peanut Butter Mousse Base
Start by bringing together the peanut butter, coconut cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, that tiny splash of lemon juice (if you’re going for tang!), and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. This combination will form the luxurious heart of your mousse, so be generous with your whisking or beating until everything is completely smooth and inviting.
Step 2: Whip it Smooth and Adjust
Give your mousse base a good mix using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk. This step is all about achieving that signature mousse texture: light and creamy, with just the right billowy scoop. Pause to taste it—feel free to add a touch more powdered sugar to suit your preferred sweetness.
Step 3: Chill the Mousse
Once the mousse is perfectly silky, spoon it into your favorite serving cups or bowls. Let them chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This cooling time helps the mousse develop just the right body for that picture-perfect, creamy spoonful.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
While your mousse is doing its thing in the fridge, it’s time to create the chocolatey magic! Gently warm your plant-based milk in a small saucepan over low heat. When it’s warm (but not simmering), add the dairy-free chocolate chips and whisk gently until you have a glossy, creamy ganache.
Step 5: Sweeten and Cool the Ganache
Stir in the maple syrup to infuse the ganache with a subtle, aromatic sweetness. Then, let the mixture cool just a bit before moving on—this helps it thicken slightly and makes for a dreamy, silky pour.
Step 6: Layer Ganache Over the Chilled Mousse
Spoon or drizzle the slightly cooled ganache over each serving of mousse. This luscious layer of chocolate will set beautifully in the fridge, creating that signature two-tone look and bringing rich cocoa flavor to every bite.
Step 7: Set and Serve
Return your assembled Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache to the fridge for an additional 30 minutes. Once the ganache has set, grab a spoon—it’s time to enjoy dessert bliss!
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache
Garnishes
Upgrade your Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache by showering it with crunchy chopped peanuts, roasted cacao nibs, or delicate shavings of dairy-free chocolate. A little sprinkle of sea salt on top is a flavor-boosting finishing touch that takes this dessert right over the top. If you love contrasting textures, crushed vegan cookies or pretzel pieces make wonderful toppings too.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs perfectly with fresh fruit like juicy raspberries or sliced bananas, which add brightness and color to every cup. For a dramatic presentation, serve alongside crisp almond biscotti or cinnamon-spiced vegan shortbread. Each bite of mousse is delicious on its own, but playing with textures and flavors alongside makes the experience extra memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache in elegant mini glasses or jars—layer the mousse and ganache for a striking look. Alternatively, use small mason jars for rustic charm, or pipe the mousse into chocolate shells if you’re feeling fancy. Individual tartlets with a crunchy cookie crust are another fun and show-stopping way to share this treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mousse (if you have any!) stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply cover the cups or bowls tightly with plastic wrap or reusable food covers to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache for up to one month. For best results, freeze the mousse and ganache in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight for a treat that’s just as lovely as the day you made it.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake dessert, reheating isn’t necessary—or recommended! If your mousse or ganache layers feel too firm after chilling, simply let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter gives a classic, nostalgic flavor, almond or cashew butter can step in for a uniquely delicious twist. Just be sure to use a creamy, unsweetened nut butter for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this mousse refined sugar-free?
You sure can. Swap the powdered sugar for a powdered monk fruit sweetener, coconut sugar, or your favorite plant-based sugar substitute. Keep in mind this may slightly affect the color and texture, so adjust to taste.
What if my ganache is too thick or too runny?
If your chocolate ganache thickens too much, gently warm it with an extra splash of plant-based milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it cool a bit more or add a few more chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
Do I have to chill the mousse for the full two hours?
Chilling for two hours helps your Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache set to the ideal consistency, but if you’re in a hurry, even 45 minutes to an hour of chilling will give you a satisfying mousse, just a bit softer.
Can I make this dessert ahead for a party?
Definitely! This mousse actually gets even better as it sits, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and garnish right before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache in your own kitchen! With its creamy, satisfying layers and wildly simple prep, it’s sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation. Share it with friends or savor it solo—either way, it’s indulgence everyone deserves.
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Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with a luscious Chocolate Ganache. A perfect blend of nutty flavors and rich chocolate, this dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the mousse:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (from a can of full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for tanginess)
- Pinch of salt
For the chocolate ganache:
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut butter mousse: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Chill the mousse: Transfer the mousse to serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat coconut milk in a saucepan, add chocolate chips, stir until melted. Mix in maple syrup.
- Drizzle ganache over mousse: Let cool slightly before pouring over the chilled mousse.
- Set the ganache: Refrigerate the mousse with ganache for 30 minutes to allow it to set.
- Serve: Enjoy your vegan peanut butter mousse with chocolate ganache chilled.
Beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Adjust sweetness with more powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with chopped peanuts or crushed cookies.
- Substitute any plant-based sweetener for powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
