If you’re looking for a rich, creamy dessert, this peanut butter mousse parfait with chocolate drizzle is the recipe for you.
Parfaits are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. While classic parfaits often feature colorful fruits layered with sweet whipped cream, sometimes you crave something richer and more indulgent. Enter the Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait with Chocolate Drizzle—a decadent dessert that brings together the bold flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in perfect harmony. The creamy peanut butter mousse, layered with velvety whipped cream and topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle, is sure to satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth.
Peanut butter and chocolate were just made to go together! Then if you add some whipped cream, you get heaven.
Mastering the Perfect Whipped Cream
Achieving the ideal whipped cream is all about technique and patience. Whether you’re using an electric mixer or a wire whisk, here are some tips to ensure your whipped cream turns out light and fluffy every time:
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your cream is very cold (not frozen) and has been kept chilled. For best results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for at least 15-30 minutes. Cold tools help the cream whip up faster and hold its shape longer.
- Whipping Time: If you’re using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, start on a low speed until the cream begins to thicken, then gradually increase the speed. It should take about 2-3 minutes to reach soft peaks (where the cream holds its shape but is still slightly soft). Continue whipping for another 1-2 minutes until you reach stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn your cream into butter.
- By Hand: If you’re using a wire whisk, expect a workout! Whipping by hand can take 5-10 minutes, so be patient and whisk in a circular motion to incorporate air evenly.
Understanding Whipping Cream vs. Heavy Cream
One question often arises is the difference between whipping cream and heavy cream. The answer lies in the butterfat content:
- Whipping Cream: Contains about 30% butterfat, making it lighter and easier to whip but less stable than heavy cream.
- Heavy Cream (or Heavy Whipping Cream) contains between 36% and 40% butterfat, resulting in a richer, more stable whipped cream that holds its shape longer and doubles in volume when whipped.
For this recipe, I recommend using heavy whipping cream for the best results.
What is the best way to chop nuts?
My favorite way to place the measured amount of nuts into a zipper baggie, close tightly and then crush with a heavy kitchen tool like a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
You can also use a food processor, but make sure you don’t grind too long or you’ll end up with nut butter.
What does “fold” mean in cooking and baking?
To “fold” is gradually, gently and slowly combining a lighter (such as whipped egg whites or cream) mixture or dry ingredients into a heavier and thicker batter. The goal is to preserve the airiness and volume of the lighter mixture.
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To fold, use a spatula to carefully cut through the center of the mixtures, scoop from the bottom, and turn the heavier mixture over the top. The gentle “folding” motion ensures the batter will not deflate when combined with all the ingredients. Rotate the bowl slightly with each fold, repeating until the ingredients are just combined. This method ensures that your final product remains light and fluffy.
Tips for Melting Chocolate
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll have smooth, glossy chocolate ready for drizzling:
- Preparation: If you’re using a chocolate bar, chop it into small, even pieces with a serrated knife. This ensures the chocolate melts evenly. If you’re using chocolate chips, you can skip this step.
- Microwave Method: Place the chocolate pieces or chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir with a spatula. Continue microwaving in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until most of the chocolate is melted. The residual heat will melt the remaining pieces as you stir.
- Avoid Seizing: Ensure your bowl is completely dry, as even a drop of water can cause the chocolate to seize, turning it into a grainy mess. If your chocolate does seize, you can often save it by adding a teaspoon of warm water, cream, or butter and stirring vigorously until smooth.
- Keeping It Smooth: To prevent your melted chocolate from hardening, keep it in a warm spot, such as near the stove or on a warming plate. You can also add a small amount of cream or a tablespoon of honey after melting to keep it smooth and pourable.
What is the difference between a hand mixer and an immersion blender?
A hand mixer and an immersion blender serve different purposes in the kitchen. A hand mixer is primarily used for mixing and whipping tasks, like making cake batter, whipping cream, or beating egg whites. It typically comes with various attachments like beaters or whisks.
An immersion blender, on the other hand, is designed for blending and pureeing directly in the bowl or pot, making it ideal for soups, smoothies, and sauces. While a hand mixer excels at incorporating air for light, fluffy textures, an immersion blender is better for creating smooth, uniform mixtures.
I have used my immersion blender to make whipped cream. It works best in a medium bowl with high sides so that I can make sure the blades are reaching all of the cream.
Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait with Chocolate Drizzle
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Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 c powdered sugar
- 1 tsp real vanilla extract divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese room temperature
- 3/4 cup peanut butter room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz. semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Chop the chocolate and roasted peanuts separately. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine half a teaspoon of vanilla, and cold 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 the remaining vanilla, peanut butter, soft 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 chips 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.
- Take out the parfait glasses from the refrigerator. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the peanut butter mousse, then drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle on chopped peanuts.
The bottom line
If you’ve never made a parfait before, this Peanut Butter Mousse Parfait with Chocolate Drizzle is a fantastic place to start. It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that’s both affordable and crowd-pleasing. With just a few simple ingredients and a hand mixer or immersion blender, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. So go ahead, indulge a little—because life is just better with peanut butter and chocolate!
