Peanut Butter Mousse Bars are a rich and creamy no-bake dessert layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy peanut butter mousse, and optional toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle. These indulgent bars are perfect for peanut butter lovers and make an excellent treat for parties or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Silky smooth peanut butter mousse with a light, airy texture
- No baking required, perfect for warm-weather desserts
- Easy to make ahead and great for entertaining
- Can be topped with chocolate, nuts, or whipped cream
- Satisfying and rich without being too heavy
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Butter, melted
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips (optional garnish)
Directions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into a parchment-lined baking dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to form the mousse.
- Spread mousse evenly over the chilled crust.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Top with whipped cream and garnishes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 9–12 bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Add a chocolate ganache layer for a peanut butter cup flavor
- Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for the crust
- Swirl in some jam for a PB&J twist
- Make it dairy-free using vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Not applicable; these bars are served chilled.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but it must be well-stirred and smooth for the best texture.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, freeze individual bars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, the crust and filling require no baking.
Can I use a different crust?
Yes, try a cookie crust or brownie base for variation.
How do I know when they’re set?
The mousse should be firm to the touch and hold its shape when sliced.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, they’re perfect for making a day in advance.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan works well.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, a layer of chocolate ganache or chips works beautifully.
What can I top it with?
Whipped cream, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different and less rich.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Mousse Bars are the ultimate creamy dessert for anyone who loves peanut butter. With a light mousse filling and a satisfying crust, these chilled bars are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Print
Peanut Butter Mousse Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peanut Butter Mousse Bars are a decadent no-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust and a light, creamy peanut butter mousse, topped with whipped cream or chocolate for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish to form a crust. Chill while preparing the mousse.
- In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the mousse evenly over the chilled crust.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Top with whipped cream and garnishes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache for a peanut butter cup effect.
- Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for a richer crust.
- Swirl in jam for a PB&J variation.
- Make it dairy-free with vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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