Parfaits are eye-catching as they are delicious.
Colorful fruits are layered on fluffy and sweet whipped cream, resulting in a feast for the eyes and the palate.
But if you’re looking for a richer and more flavorful dessert, then this peanut butter mousse parfait with chocolate is for you.
The bold flavor and richness of peanut butter mousse and chocolate serve as a delicious contrast to the lightness of cream.
Peanut butter and chocolate were just made to go together!
Then if you happen to add some whipped cream we are all in heaven.
That depends on whether you’re using an electric mixer or a wire whisk.
If you’re using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, it would take several seconds for heavy cream to become frothy and thick.
Medium peaks form after a minute or so of whipping.
Continue whipping cream until you see stiff peaks at the tip of the whisk attachment when you lift the mixer (around 5 minutes).
Be careful not to overwhip the cream.
Whipping heavy cream, however, takes longer if you’re using an ordinary wire whisk.
It takes a lot of elbow grease, but it’s possible if you’re patient.
Keep in mind that cream must be kept inside the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before you whip it.
The whisk attachment and the metal or glass bowl you’re going to use should also be kept inside the freezer for a couple of hours or more until you use them.
Keeping the cream and your tools as cool as possible helps whip the cream especially if you live in a humid region.
Check out this site for in-depth tips.
What is the difference between whipping cream and heavy whipping cream?
The difference between whipping cream and heavy whipping cream (or heavy cream) is in their butterfat content.
Butterfat is a type of natural fat that is present in milk and dairy products.
This gives dairy products their natural richness, texture, and body.
Whipping cream has 30% butterfat content, while heavy whipping cream has 36 to 40% butterfat content.
You can easily double the volume of heavy cream when you whip it, but it would take a while before you can achieve this if you use regular whipping cream.
Heavy whipping cream is also more stable compared to your ordinary whipping cream. (source)
What is the best way to chop nuts?
You can use a chef’s knife to chop peanuts, almonds, chestnuts, pecans, and other nuts.
Using a chef’s knife to chop nuts allows you to control their size.
You can also use a food processor, but make sure you don’t grind it too long or you’ll end up with nut butter.
What does “fold” mean in cooking and baking?
To “fold” is to gradually combine a lighter (such as whipped egg whites or cream) mixture or dry ingredients into a heavier and thicker mixture or batter.
The gentle “folding” motion ensures that the batter will not deflate when you mix all the ingredients.
Folding is done by placing a portion of the lighter mixture or dry ingredients on top of the heavier mixture and combining them by gently cutting the spatula through the mixture and lifting it.
The slow and gentle mixing process is repeated until everything is incorporated.
Tips for melting chocolate in a microwave
Cut the chocolate bar into small chunks using a knife. A mid-sized serrated knife is perfect for the job.
If you’re using chocolate chips, then skip this step.
You need a microwave-safe measuring cup or glass bowl to melt chocolate.
You can also use a ceramic bowl or mug for this task, but a microwave-safe glass bowl or cup is still ideal.
Make sure that the bowl does not have water or grease in it as moisture and fat can affect the appearance of the melted chocolate.
Do not cover the glass bowl or measuring cup as the lid will only trap moisture inside.
Microwaving times vary depending on the type and amount of chocolate you have, as well as the microwave you’re using.
As a general rule, you can melt the chocolate by microwaving it on high for 30 seconds.
Using oven mitts or tea towels, remove the bowl from the microwave.
Stir the chocolate using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Microwave the chocolate again for another 20 to 30 seconds.
Take it out, stir it again, and put the bowl back inside the microwave.
Repeat the process until only small chunks of chocolate remain.
Stir until everything is melted, and the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
Do not wait until all the chocolate is melted as it will become dry and taste burnt.
Melting chocolate in a microwave is ideal if you’re pressed for time.
But keep in mind that this method is trickier than using a bain-marie or double boiler.
Read more tips at BBC Food.
How do you keep melted chocolate from hardening?
No one likes melting chocolate only to discover that it has hardened before the party started.
We sure didn’t want that for our Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait.
To ensure that your chocolate is silky, smooth, and pourable, make sure to use either a double boiler or a microwave when melting it.
If you’re using a double boiler, do not let even a single drop of water get into the chocolate.
A single drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize and form clumps.
Mind the temperature!
Keep in mind that melted chocolate will harden in room temperature.
To prevent melted chocolate from hardening, place the bowl somewhere toasty, such as a warm kitchen or a large pan which contains hot water.
Have a thermometer always handy if you want to perfect the art of melting chocolate.
The ideal temperature for dark chocolate should never go beyond 136 F.
If you’re using milk chocolate, keep in mind that the ideal temperature is between 113 and 122 F.
Whisking in heavy cream, honey, or light corn syrup after melting the chocolate in a microwave or double-broiler can also prevent it from hardening.
These ingredients also give it additional gloss and flavor.
What is the difference between a hand mixer and an immersion blender?
Although hand mixers and immersion blenders are both hand-held kitchen devices with variable speeds, there is a lot of difference between the two.
Hand mixers are portable kitchen appliances that come with different attachments.
They are used to mix ingredients quickly and easily.
A hand mixer is typically used to mix cake and cookie batter, whip cream and egg whites, or even mash potatoes.
It is a cheap but useful appliance that is found in many bakers’ kitchens.
Hand mixers are fantastic kitchen appliances, but there are some things that only an immersion blender can do.
An immersion blender is a food processor that functions as a regular blender.
It cuts, purees, and whips ingredients, but only in small batches.
You can use it to make smoothies and soups.
You can also use an immersion blender to whip cream. It is light, portable, and easy to use.
But the immersion blender was designed to be used to process small batches of ingredients, and that’s where it falls short.
Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait with Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy whipped cream
- 1/4 cup honey, preferably local, divided
- 1 tsp real vanilla extract, divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup natural sugar-free peanut butter, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate and roasted peanuts separately. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of honey, half a teaspoon of vanilla, and heavy whipped cream. Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to whip the ingredients for around 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber or silicone spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl now and then to make sure that everything is incorporated. Set it aside.
- In another large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, peanut butter, cream cheese, and salt. Use an immersion blender or hand mixer to blend the ingredients for around 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture is ready if it’s light and fluffy.
- Take 2/3 of the whipped cream mixture and fold it in the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Gently mix until thoroughly combined. Place mixture in four parfait glasses (or mason jars), and set aside in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or more. Set aside the remainder of the whipped cream.
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave for 30 seconds on high heat. Stir, then microwave for another 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat the process until you see only small chunks of chocolate.Add the remaining tablespoon of honey, and stir until everything is melted and glossy. Set aside.
- Take out the parfait glasses from the refrigerator. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the peanut butter mousse, then add some melted chocolate and chopped peanuts.
If you’ve never made a parfait before, then I hope this recipe and our guide will inspire you to try it out for your next party.
It’s easy, affordable, and delicious.
Plus, you only need a hand mixer or an immersion blender to make the perfect parfait.
So, what’s not to like about this peanut butter mousse parfait with chocolate?