Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake. It combines a moist chocolate cake with a luscious peanut butter mousse and a glossy chocolate ganache topping for a truly decadent dessert experience.

Ingredients
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Heavy cream (for mousse)
- 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for mousse)
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack.
- Step 8: While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
- Step 9: In another bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Step 10: Add the softened cream cheese to the peanut butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Step 11: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Step 12: Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Step 13: Place one layer on a serving plate and spread half of the peanut butter mousse evenly over it.
- Step 14: Top with the second layer of cake and spread the remaining mousse over the top.
- Step 15: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
- Step 16: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers, then remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
- Step 17: Let the mixture sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 18: Pour the ganache over the top of the mousse layer, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Step 19: Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts between the mousse layers for a delightful crunch.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Use dark chocolate chips in the ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the mousse to prevent it from melting.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture. Leftover slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month, then thawed overnight in the fridge.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day ahead. Simply assemble it and refrigerate to allow the mousse to set overnight.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake Recipe
This decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate cake base with a creamy, luscious peanut butter mousse filling and a smooth semi-sweet chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for celebrations or any chocolate and peanut butter lover’s delight, this layered cake offers a harmonious blend of flavors with a light, airy texture and an indulgent finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
Peanut Butter Mousse
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese, softened
Ganache
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it onto a wire rack for further cooling.
- Whip the cream: While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form, preparing the mousse base.
- Prepare peanut butter mixture: In another bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add cream cheese: Incorporate softened cream cheese into the peanut butter mixture and blend until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until the mousse is light and fully incorporated.
- Slice cake layers: Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
- Assemble first layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the peanut butter mousse evenly over it.
- Add second layer and mousse: Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining peanut butter mousse over the surface.
- Refrigerate to set: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to firm up properly.
- Prepare ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Mix ganache: Let the chocolate and cream mixture sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Top the cake: Pour the ganache over the mousse layer, allowing it to cascade down the sides beautifully.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve, enjoying the rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before slicing and assembling to prevent the mousse from melting.
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth mixing and texture.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- For a firmer mousse, chill the mousse mixture before assembly.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and mousse consistency.
Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Peanut Butter Mousse, Layered Cake, Chocolate Ganache Cake

