Name: Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch for a Dreamy Summer Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 410 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (Can use all granulated sugar if preferred.); 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (No substitutions needed.); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (Try pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.); 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Coconut oil or margarine works as a substitute.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Switch to almond extract for a unique touch.); 1/4 cup Amaretto Liqueur (Use water plus 1 teaspoon of almond extract if avoiding alcohol.); 1 tablespoon Gelatin (Agar-agar is a vegetarian option.); 3 cups Ripe Peaches (Ensure they are ripe for the best taste.); 2 cups Heavy Cream (Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.)

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The moment summer hits, I find myself daydreaming about the sun-soaked days filled with juicy peaches, and my absolute favorite way to capture that bliss is through a Creamy Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch. This easy dessert combines the fresh taste of ripe peaches with the delightfully rich hint of Amaretto, while the crunchy cinnamon topping adds a playful contrast to its creamy texture. Perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual barbecue or a sophisticated dinner party, this treat is bound to dazzle your guests. Plus, it can be prepped ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy those precious moments with family and friends. Could there be a better way to celebrate the sweetness of summer? Let’s dive into making this luscious mousse together!

Why is this Peach Mousse a summer must?

Irresistible Creaminess: The combination of ripe peaches and heavy cream creates a smooth, decadent mousse that melts in your mouth.

Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this dessert is accessible for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices alike.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at any gathering, and watch as your friends and family rave about this delightful treat—they’ll be asking for the recipe!

Versatile Flavor: Add your twist by experimenting with other fruits, like strawberries, or using different liqueurs like Frangelico for a unique spin.

Perfectly Textured: The crunchy cinnamon topping adds a satisfying contrast to the mousse, making each bite a delightful experience.

Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare it a day in advance, just like with my Cookie Butter Cinnamon or Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls, allowing you to savor every moment with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch Ingredients

• Get ready to savor a delightful summer dessert!

For the Cinnamon Crunch

Dark Brown Sugar – Provides rich sweetness and depth; can use all granulated sugar if preferred.
Granulated Sugar – A standard sweetening agent to enhance flavors; no substitutions needed.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spiciness to the crunch; try pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
Unsalted Butter – Binds the crunch together with fat and flavor; coconut oil or margarine works as a substitute.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of both the mousse and crunch; switch to almond extract for a unique touch.

For the Peach Mousse

Amaretto Liqueur – Flavor enhancer that gives the mousse a unique almond note; use water plus 1 teaspoon of almond extract if avoiding alcohol.
Gelatin – Provides structure to the mousse and helps it set; agar-agar is a vegetarian option.
Ripe Peaches – The star ingredient, contributing freshness and flavor; ensure they are ripe for the best taste.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the mousse; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

This Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful summer treat that’s easy to whip up. Enjoy every rich bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking the cinnamon crunch. This step sets the stage for the crunchy delight that will top your luscious Peach Mousse.

Step 2: Mix Crunch Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Blend these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Once mixed, set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients for the cinnamon crunch topping.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Melt unsalted butter and stir in vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour this buttery mixture over the sugar and cinnamon blend, mixing until a thick paste forms. This combination will create the delightful crunch that complements your Peach Mousse beautifully.

Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Crunch
Spread the mixture evenly in the lined baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft. Keep an eye on it to achieve a golden color that indicates it’s ready. Once done, allow it to cool completely before breaking it into chunks.

Step 5: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over the Amaretto liqueur or water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it swells and absorbs the liquid. This crucial step ensures your Peach Mousse will have a perfect texture once set.

Step 6: Prepare the Peach Purée
For the mousse, bring a pot of water to a boil. Submerge ripe peaches for about 30 seconds to loosen their skins, then peel. Remove the stones and puree the flesh in a blender until smooth. This fresh peach purée is the star of your decadent mousse.

Step 7: Combine Sugar and Gelatin
Stir granulated sugar into the peach purée while it’s still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely. Then, mix in the bloomed gelatin until fully incorporated. Refrigerate the peach mixture for up to a few hours until it thickens slightly, creating a rich base for the mousse.

Step 8: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until medium peaks form. Be cautious not to over-whip, as this could affect the texture. This step creates the airy lightness in your Peach Mousse, making it smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Fold in the Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled peach mixture, ensuring an even and airy consistency. This careful folding is essential to maintain the light texture of the mousse, allowing each spoonful to be as dreamy as possible.

Step 10: Chill the Mousse
Divide the Peach Mousse evenly into individual serving glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until set. This chilling time allows flavors to meld and ensures a delightful dessert experience.

Step 11: Add the Crunch
Before serving, top each glass of Peach Mousse with the cooled cinnamon crunch. This crunchy layer will enhance the creamy texture, bringing an exciting contrast to each bite and making your dessert both beautiful and irresistible.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cinnamon crunch up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispy texture. For the mousse, you can make it the day before and refrigerate, allowing it to set for at least 6 hours or overnight. Simply bloom the gelatin and mix it with the peach purée ahead of time, but avoid folding in the whipped cream until you’re ready to serve. Top each glass with the cinnamon crunch just before serving for that delightful contrast. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of this make-ahead dessert, ensuring you can spend more time with loved ones!

Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!

Berry Delight: Swap ripe peaches for fresh strawberries or blueberries for a colorful and juicy variation. This fruity change adds a burst of tartness, making each bite even more refreshing.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the cinnamon crunch for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The nuttiness beautifully complements the creamy mousse.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a dairy-free version. This swap will infuse a lovely tropical flavor into your mousse.
Spiced Up: Replace cinnamon with cardamom in the crunch for a warm, aromatic twist. This unique spice can elevate the entire dessert experience, making it exotic and exciting.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest into the peach purée for a bright, citrusy kick. This can enhance the overall flavor profile and make the dessert feel even more summery.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for an indulgent finish. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the fruity mousse, creating a heavenly combination.
Frangelico Fusion: Swap Amaretto for Frangelico for a hazelnut flavor in the mousse. This delightful adjustment can add a unique depth to the dessert that your guests will love.
Single Serving: Halve the ingredients for a quick single-serving treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the commitment of a larger dessert!

Enjoy these variations as you create your custom Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch, and don’t forget to share your delicious experiments with family and friends!

What to Serve with Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch

Elevate your dreamy summer dessert with delightful accompaniments that will enhance every spoonful of this luscious treat.

Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries offers a refreshing contrast that brightens the flavors of the mousse. Garnishing the mousse with fresh berries creates a vibrant and elegant presentation.
Mint Infused Iced Tea: Brew a batch of mint-infused iced tea to complement the creamy peach flavor with its refreshing herbal notes. This drink is perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day.
Almond Biscotti: The crunch of almond biscotti echoes the cinnamon crunch topping and adds a satisfying texture. For a cozy treat, enjoy them together with a cup of coffee or tea.
Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop of vanilla whipped cream amplifies the mousse’s creaminess and enhances its flavors without overpowering it. The extra layer of texture brings a delightful experience with every bite.
Lemon Sorbet: The tangy flavor of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and balances the sweetness of the mousse beautifully. It’s a perfect prelude to the creamy dessert, keeping your taste buds excited.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For an indulgent twist, serve chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside the mousse. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with peaches, adding unparalleled decadence to your summer dessert.
Savory Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a unique savory contrast. The creaminess of the cheese beautifully complements the fruity flavors of the mousse.
Sparkling Wine: For a celebratory touch, offer a glass of sparkling wine. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Store and Freeze Peach Mousse

Fridge: Store Peach Mousse in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy it chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Freezer: While freezing is possible, it is not recommended as it may affect the creamy texture. If needed, freeze for up to 1 month, but expect some changes when thawed.

Cinnamon Crunch: Keep the cinnamon crunch topping in a separate, airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This prevents it from becoming soggy and maintains its delightful crunch.

Reheating: There’s no need to reheat the mousse, but if you’ve frozen it, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy this Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch for a refreshing summer treat!

Expert Tips for Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch

Select Ripe Peaches: Use only ripe peaches for the mousse, as their sweetness and juiciness are essential to achieving the best flavor in your Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch.
Don’t Over-Whip: When whipping the cream, stop at medium peaks to maintain airiness. Over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture, affecting the creaminess of the mousse.
Allow for Chilling: For the ultimate texture, chill the mousse long enough—at least 6 hours or overnight—letting it set properly for a delightful experience.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cinnamon crunch while baking. It’s done when the edges are golden and the center is soft; this prevents it from becoming too hard.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with flavors! Substitute different fruits or liqueurs to create your own signature spin on this summer dessert.

Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the perfect ripe peaches for the mousse?
Absolutely! Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they’re ripe. Avoid peaches with dark spots all over or a hard texture; these may be underripe or overly ripe. When peaches are perfectly ripe, their fragrance will fill the air, promising sweet goodness in every bite!

How long can I store the Peach Mousse?
You can store Peach Mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend enjoying it chilled, as this enhances its creamy texture. Just remember to keep the cinnamon crunch topping separate to maintain its buttery crunch; it can stay fresh in a cool container at room temperature for about a week.

Can I freeze the Peach Mousse?
While it’s better enjoyed fresh, freezing Peach Mousse is possible. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. However, be aware that thawing may alter the creamy texture. If you choose to freeze it, transfer the mousse to an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and gently re-mix for the best results.

What should I do if my mousse doesn’t set properly?
If your mousse hasn’t set as you expected, don’t panic! This can happen if the gelatin wasn’t bloomed properly or if the mixture wasn’t chilled long enough. To correct this, gently warm the mousse over low heat until it’s just liquid again. Re-bloom more gelatin (1 teaspoon) in a bit of warm water and mix it in when it’s warm. Chill it again for several hours, and it should set beautifully.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this recipe?
Indeed! This Peach Mousse contains dairy and gelatin, which may not be suitable for pets or individuals with lactose intolerance. Plus, the inclusion of Amaretto means it has alcohol, which is not safe for pets. For those with nut allergies, ensure that alternative ingredients like almond extract (if used as a substitute) are avoided or replaced properly. Always check labels to ensure safety for everyone involved!

Can I make this mousse without gelatin?
Absolutely! If you want to make a vegetarian version of your Peach Mousse with Cinnamon Crunch, substitute gelatin with agar-agar. To do this, dissolve 1 tablespoon of agar-agar in 1 cup of boiling water, then allow it to cool down slightly before mixing it with your peach puree. Follow the same chilling method as you would with gelatin for perfect results!