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Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 138 reviews

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse Brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base with a light and creamy peanut butter mousse topping. Perfectly balanced between indulgent chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors, they offer a decadent treat with a silky texture and a deliciously smooth finish.

Ingredients

Brownie Base

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) salt

Peanut Butter Mousse Topping

  • 3/4 cup (180g) creamy peanut butter
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Toppings (Optional)

  • Chopped peanut butter cups or mini chocolate chips
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan and Ingredients: Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the brownies out later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the chocolate and ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst until smooth and fully combined.
  3. Mix Sugars: Whisk both granulated and light brown sugars into the melted butter and chocolate mixture until the batter becomes glossy and well combined.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, thoroughly incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will thicken and look shiny.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
  6. Fold Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry mix into the wet batter until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–28 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour before frosting.
  9. Make the Peanut Butter Mousse: In a large bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
  10. Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, approximately 2–3 minutes.
  11. Fold Whipped Cream into Peanut Butter: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula until the mousse is light and airy, taking care not to overmix.
  12. Top the Brownies with Mousse: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter mousse evenly across the surface using an offset spatula for smooth coverage.
  13. Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups, mini chocolate chips, or flaky sea salt over the mousse if desired for added texture and flavor.
  14. Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the mousse to set. For cleaner slices, chill longer or overnight.
  15. Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat edges. Enjoy the brownies cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a fudgy brownie texture.
  • The mousse should be light; fold whipped cream gently to avoid deflating it.
  • Chilling time can be extended overnight to improve slicing and flavor melding.
  • Optional toppings add texture and extra indulgence but can be omitted for simplicity.
  • Use an offset spatula for smooth and even mousse layering.