For the crust:
32 Oreo cookies, finely processed into crumbs
5⅓ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Small pinch of salt
For the crunch:
½ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped
½ cup mini chocolate chips
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon espresso powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of ground nutmeg
For the filling:
2 cups heavy cream
1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons whole milk
¼ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped
For the topping:
½ cup heavy cream
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
⅓ cup salted peanuts, finely chopped
To make the crust, preheat oven to 350º. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and set it on a baking sheet. Combine the Oreo crumbs, melted butter and salt in a medium bowl. Toss with a fork to moisten all the crumbs, then press into the bottom and sides of the prepared springform pan. Freeze the crust for 10 minutes, then bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
To make the crunch, combine the peanuts, chocolate chips, sugar, espresso powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small bowl. Set aside.
To prepare the filling, whip the heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until it holds medium peaks. Beat in ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar and continue whipping until medium-firm peaks form. Transfer to a medium bowl and refrigerate until needed.
Wipe out the mixer bowl (no need to wash) and replace the whisk with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese and remaining 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the peanut butter, milk and peanuts and continue beating until combined.
Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in about ¼ of the whipped cream just to lighten the mixture. Stir in the crunch, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream. Scrape the mousse into the crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, making sure to cover with plastic wrap as soon as the mousse feels firm.
To finish the torte, place the chocolate in a small bowl. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan and pour over the chocolate. Allow to sit for about 2 minutes, then gently stir with a rubber spatula until smooth. Pour the ganache over the torte, using an offset spatula to smooth it. Sprinkle the peanuts over the top and chill for at least 20 minutes or until the ganache has set. Once the ganache is firm, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.