Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse (with Chocolate Ganache!)
Description: This recipe delivers an intensely satisfying vegan dessert, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter mousse with a decadent dark chocolate ganache. It’s surprisingly simple to make and relies on silken tofu for its smooth, airy texture, making it a healthier and plant-based alternative to traditional mousse.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, this mousse will become a fast favorite. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and requires no baking. The silken tofu provides a base that is surprisingly undetectable in flavor, allowing the peanut butter to shine. The dark chocolate ganache adds a layer of sophisticated indulgence, balancing the sweetness of the mousse. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free (check your chocolate chips!), and easily adaptable to your preferred sweetness level. This is a guilt-free treat that’s perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion.
Introduction
This Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache is a testament to how delicious and satisfying plant-based desserts can be. The recipe utilizes the magic of silken tofu, a versatile ingredient that provides a luxuriously smooth texture without adding any distinct flavor. This allows the star ingredients – creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate – to truly shine.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a beloved classic for a reason. The salty, nutty notes of peanut butter perfectly complement the bittersweet depth of dark chocolate, creating a harmonious and irresistible flavor profile. This mousse captures that iconic pairing in a light, airy, and incredibly satisfying dessert.
Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, this recipe is a winner. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without the guilt. The recipe is easy to adapt, allowing you to customize the sweetness level and adjust the peanut butter to your liking. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such an elegant and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Mousse
- 350 grams silken tofu (well-drained)
- 3-4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons agave syrup (or maple syrup, or powdered sugar, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 1 pinch salt
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 100 grams 70% dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 400g can full-fat coconut milk (only the solidified creamy part at the top – refrigerate the can for at least an hour to separate the cream)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Mousse Base
Begin by ensuring your silken tofu is well-drained. Gently remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the best possible mousse texture. Add the drained silken tofu to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend the Mousse Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, agave syrup (or your chosen sweetener), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender along with the tofu. Start with the lower end of the range for the peanut butter and sweetener, as you can always add more later.
Step 3: Achieve Mousse Perfection
Blend the ingredients on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This may take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The goal is a perfectly homogenous and airy mixture.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the mousse mixture and adjust the peanut butter and sweetener to your preference. If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, add another tablespoon of peanut butter and blend again. If you want it sweeter, add a little more agave syrup (or other sweetener) until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Remember to blend after each addition to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Prepare the Mousse for Chilling
Spoon the prepared peanut butter mousse into ramekins or small glass jars. Divide the mousse evenly between the number of servings you wish to make. Cover the ramekins or jars with plastic wrap or lids to prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the mousse. Place the covered ramekins in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Begin by preparing your coconut cream. If you haven’t already, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk for at least an hour (or even overnight) to allow the cream to separate from the watery liquid. Carefully scoop out the thick, solidified coconut cream from the top of the can, leaving the watery liquid behind. We want mostly the solid cream but a little bit of the watery liquid is okay too!
Step 7: Melt the Chocolate
Melt the dark chocolate using one of two methods:
- Microwave: Place the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Combine Chocolate and Coconut Cream
Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the thick coconut cream to the melted chocolate. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully combined. The ganache should be a rich, dark brown color and have a silky texture.
Step 9: Assemble the Mousse
Remove the ramekins or jars of peanut butter mousse from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the mousse in each ramekin, ensuring the mousse is completely covered with a layer of chocolate.
Step 10: Chill and Set
Return the ramekins or jars to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the ganache to firm up, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy mousse.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the mousse is set, remove it from the refrigerator. You can enjoy it as is or add some optional toppings for extra flair. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped peanuts, a drizzle of peanut butter, or a few fresh berries. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy peanut butter mousse and rich chocolate ganache!
COOKING Rating:
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a dessert or snack.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sea salt, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter.
- Serve with fresh berries for added freshness and color.
- Pair with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips:
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in the ganache.
- Refrigerating the coconut milk overnight ensures maximum separation of the cream.
- Don’t over-blend the mousse, as it can become too liquid.
- Adjust the sweetness and peanut butter levels to your personal preference.
- For a smoother ganache, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after combining the chocolate and coconut cream.
- If your ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of coconut milk (or other plant-based milk) at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per serving)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on sweetener and peanut butter used)
Protein: Approximately 10-15g
Sodium: Approximately 150-250mg
Conclusion
This Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse with Chocolate Ganache is a delightful dessert that proves vegan eating can be both delicious and indulgent. The creamy, peanut buttery mousse paired with the rich, dark chocolate ganache is a perfect flavor combination that will satisfy any sweet craving. The recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and is adaptable to your personal taste preferences. Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply looking for a healthier dessert option, this mousse is a fantastic choice that is sure to impress. So, go ahead and treat yourself to this guilt-free indulgence!
Q&A
Q1: Can I use regular tofu instead of silken tofu?
A: No, silken tofu is crucial for the smooth and creamy texture of the mousse. Regular tofu has a firmer texture and won’t blend as easily, resulting in a grainy mousse. Silken tofu is specially processed to be incredibly soft and smooth, making it the perfect base for this dessert.
Q2: Can I substitute the agave syrup with a different sweetener?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute agave syrup with other liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or brown rice syrup. You can also use powdered sugar (ensure it’s vegan if that’s important) for a different texture. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary depending on the sweetener you choose, so adjust accordingly to your taste preferences.
Q3: What if my chocolate ganache is too thick or too thin?
A: If your ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of coconut milk (or other plant-based milk) at a time, whisking continuously, until it reaches the desired consistency. If your ganache is too thin, you can try refrigerating it for a little longer to allow it to set up slightly. If it’s still too thin after chilling, you can melt a small amount of extra dark chocolate and whisk it in to thicken it up.
Q4: Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
A: Yes, this mousse can be made ahead of time. In fact, it benefits from chilling in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld together and the ganache to set. You can prepare the mousse and ganache up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add any desired toppings right before serving.
Q5: I’m allergic to peanuts. Can I use a different nut butter?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter of your choice. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor of the mousse will change depending on the nut butter you use, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to choose a smooth nut butter for the best texture.
Vegan Peanut Butter Mousse (with Chocolate Ganache!)
Ingredients
- For the Peanut Butter Mousse
- 350 grams silken tofu well-drained
- 3-4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons agave syrup or maple syrup, or powdered sugar, to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 1 pinch salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache
- 100 grams 70% dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 400 g can full-fat coconut milk only the solidified creamy part at the top – refrigerate the can for at least an hour to separate the cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Mousse Base
- Begin by ensuring your silken tofu is well-drained. Gently remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the best possible mousse texture. Add the drained silken tofu to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Step 2: Blend the Mousse Ingredients
- Add the peanut butter, agave syrup (or your chosen sweetener), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender along with the tofu. Start with the lower end of the range for the peanut butter and sweetener, as you can always add more later.
- Step 3: Achieve Mousse Perfection
- Blend the ingredients on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This may take a minute or two, depending on the power of your blender. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The goal is a perfectly homogenous and airy mixture.
- Step 4: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the mousse mixture and adjust the peanut butter and sweetener to your preference. If you prefer a stronger peanut butter flavor, add another tablespoon of peanut butter and blend again. If you want it sweeter, add a little more agave syrup (or other sweetener) until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Remember to blend after each addition to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Prepare the Mousse for Chilling
- Spoon the prepared peanut butter mousse into ramekins or small glass jars. Divide the mousse evenly between the number of servings you wish to make. Cover the ramekins or jars with plastic wrap or lids to prevent a skin from forming on the surface of the mousse. Place the covered ramekins in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
- Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Begin by preparing your coconut cream. If you haven’t already, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk for at least an hour (or even overnight) to allow the cream to separate from the watery liquid. Carefully scoop out the thick, solidified coconut cream from the top of the can, leaving the watery liquid behind. We want mostly the solid cream but a little bit of the watery liquid is okay too!
- Step 7: Melt the Chocolate
- Melt the dark chocolate using one of two methods:
- Microwave: Place the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- Double Boiler: Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir occasionally until melted and smooth.
- Step 8: Combine Chocolate and Coconut Cream
- Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the thick coconut cream to the melted chocolate. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully combined. The ganache should be a rich, dark brown color and have a silky texture.
- Step 9: Assemble the Mousse
- Remove the ramekins or jars of peanut butter mousse from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the mousse in each ramekin, ensuring the mousse is completely covered with a layer of chocolate.
- Step 10: Chill and Set
- Return the ramekins or jars to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the ganache to firm up, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy mousse.
- Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the mousse is set, remove it from the refrigerator. You can enjoy it as is or add some optional toppings for extra flair. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped peanuts, a drizzle of peanut butter, or a few fresh berries. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy peanut butter mousse and rich chocolate ganache!
