Introduction
If you’re a fan of creamy peanut butter and delicious cookies, you’re in for a treat! This dessert combines the crunchiness of crushed Oreo cookies with a rich peanut butter mousse filling, all topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these dessert cups are easy to make and sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs (with cream)
– ¼ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Chocolate sauce for drizzling
– 28 Reese’s peanut butter minis
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
No cooking required
Total Time
20 minutes, plus chilling time
Yield
Makes 14 dessert cups
These delightful dessert cups are not only quick to prepare but also offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted and cooled butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated. Add 2 teaspoons of the buttered crumbs to each cup. Use a spoon or an extra cup to press down the crumbs firmly.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
Using a stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment or a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother blend. Add the peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture and continue mixing until smooth. Pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Mix for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped.
Assemble the Dessert Cups:
Transfer the peanut butter filling to a disposable piping bag or a gallon-size ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the peanut butter filling on top of the cookie crumbs, filling each cup about ¾ full. Drizzle chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern over the peanut butter filling. Place one Reese’s peanut butter mini on top of each cup.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the cups and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dessert cups will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Notes
Crushing Oreos:
For a finer crumb consistency, crush the Oreo cookies in a blender or food processor. Ensure you crush the entire cookie, including the filling.
Setting Up:
Line up the plastic cups on a flat, firm surface like a tray or cookie sheet for easier transfer to and from the fridge.
Cookie Variations:
Feel free to use different flavors of Oreo cookies, such as chocolate creme, birthday cake, or peanut butter Oreos, to pair with the peanut butter mousse mixture. Gluten-free Oreo cookies can also be substituted.
Cook Techniques
Crushing Cookies
To achieve a fine consistency when crushing Oreo cookies, use a food processor or blender. This method ensures the crumbs are evenly sized and mix well with the melted butter for a cohesive crust.
Mixing Cream Cheese
For a smooth filling, ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer on medium speed, and beat until completely smooth.
Piping Technique
When transferring the peanut butter filling to a piping bag, make sure to cut a small corner of a ziplock bag or use a disposable piping bag. Pipe the filling in a steady circular motion from the outside to the center to achieve an even layer on the cookie crust.
Drizzling Chocolate
To create a professional-looking drizzle of chocolate sauce, use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle. Zigzag the sauce over the filling, allowing for an attractive pattern.
Chilling Time
Refrigerate the assembled dessert cups for at least 1 hour before serving. This step helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavors.
Storing Dessert Cups
These dessert cups can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute Oreo cookies with other cookies like chocolate wafers or ginger snaps to create a unique crust flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream.
How can I make this dessert healthier?
To make a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and opt for a sugar substitute in place of powdered sugar.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the cups a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
What if I can’t find Reese’s miniatures?
You can substitute with chocolate candies or any peanut butter-filled chocolates available.
Conclusion
This delectable dessert combines rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, creating a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. With a simple assembly process and the option to customize ingredients, these dessert cups are perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a party or as a home indulgence, they are sure to be a hit.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Variation
Replace the Oreo crust with crushed chocolate chip cookies for a classic twist. Add mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for an extra chocolatey bite.
Mint Oreo Delight
Use mint-flavored Oreos instead of regular ones to create a refreshing mint chocolate peanut butter dessert. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top.
Banana Cream Twist
Layer in sliced bananas between the cookie crust and peanut butter filling for a banana cream pie-inspired dessert. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an added flavor profile.
Nutty Banana Crunch
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor. You can also use a nut-based cookie for the crust.
Vegan Alternative
Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. This is a great option for vegan friends while maintaining delicious flavor profiles.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Mix in some chocolate hazelnut spread with the peanut butter for a unique chocolate-nut flavor combination. Top with hazelnuts for a pleasing crunch.
