Ingredients
For the chocolate layer:
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
For the peanut butter layer:
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the topping (optional):
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¼ cup crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers
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2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
Equipment Needed
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Medium microwave-safe bowl
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Large mixing bowl
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Electric mixer (hand or stand)
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Rubber spatula
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4 individual dessert glasses or one large serving bowl
Method
1. Make the chocolate layer
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Place the chocolate chips and ½ cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
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Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy (about 1–1½ minutes total).
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Set aside to cool slightly while you make the peanut butter layer.
2. Make the peanut butter layer
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whip the 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
3. Layer the dessert
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Spoon or pipe a layer of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of each glass or serving bowl.
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Add a layer of the peanut butter mousse on top.
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Repeat with another layer of chocolate, then another layer of peanut butter mousse.
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End with a peanut butter mousse layer on top.
4. Add toppings
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Sprinkle the top with crushed chocolate cookies, mini chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts.
5. Chill and serve
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Serve cold.
Storage
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Refrigerator – cover each glass with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer – not recommended, as the creamy texture will change upon thawing.
Variations
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Cookies and cream heaven – replace the chocolate layer with crushed Oreos folded into whipped cream.
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Berry heaven – use layers of lemon curd, fresh berries, and vanilla whipped cream.
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Salted caramel heaven – add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce between layers.
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Coconut heaven – use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and add toasted coconut flakes.
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Mint chocolate heaven – add ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract to the chocolate layer.
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Low-sugar version – use sugar-free chocolate chips, powdered erythritol, and natural peanut butter.
Tips for Best Results
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Use room temperature cream cheese – cold cream cheese will be lumpy and hard to blend smoothly.
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Whip the cream to stiff peaks – soft peaks will not hold the layers properly.
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Do not overmix when folding – overmixing deflates the whipped cream and makes the mousse dense.
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Chill thoroughly – the layers need time to set. Do not rush this step.
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Use good quality chocolate – it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
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Make in individual glasses – this creates a beautiful presentation and makes serving easy.
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Let the chocolate layer cool slightly – adding hot chocolate to the glass can melt the mousse layers.