If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe. Imagine layers of creamy peanut butter cheesecake, smooth chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping all resting on a crunchy Oreo cookie crust — no oven required! It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless, making it perfect for any gathering or even a cozy night in. The magic lies in its multi-textured layers that come together to create a luscious, sliceable treat that tastes just like your favorite peanut butter cup, but better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a delightful celebration of simple, everyday ingredients that each play an essential role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the crunchy cookie crust to the silky peanut butter cheesecake layer, every component harmonizes to create a dessert worth savoring.
- Oreo cookies (24 cookies): Provides the fudgy, crunchy base with just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
- Unsalted butter (5 tbsp): Helps bind the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust a solid but tender foundation.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds creamy richness and a slight tanginess that balances the peanut butter’s sweetness.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering decadent, nutty flavor and indulgent creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the peanut butter layer evenly without grit, maintaining smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- Whipped topping (3¼ cups): Keeps the layers light, airy, and luscious, ensuring the dessert isn’t too dense.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box): Creates the silky, chocolate layer that perfectly contrasts the peanut butter cheesecake.
- Cold milk (1¾ cups): Used to whisk with pudding mix, setting the chocolate layer firmly.
- Mini chocolate chips (¼ cup, optional): Adds delightful bursts of chocolate crunch if you like extra texture.
- Chopped peanut butter cups (optional): Adds an indulgent, playful touch on top.
- Chocolate drizzle (optional): Heightens the chocolate peanut butter experience and makes the dessert look stunning.
How to Make Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Perfect Cookie Crust
Start by crushing those Oreo cookies finely, either with a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and pounding gently with a rolling pin. By crushing them finely, you ensure the crust binds well and has a consistent texture. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until everything resembles wet sand, then press this mixture into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan. Chilling the crust while you prepare the next layers helps it firm up, making slicing much easier later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer
Next, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. Adding the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla creates that rich, creamy filling bursting with nutty flavor. Folding in the whipped topping at the end lightens the mix, giving you a fluffy, luscious layer that balances decadence and airiness. Spread it evenly over your chilled cookie crust for a perfectly smooth base for the chocolate layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Silky Chocolate Pudding Layer
Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix vigorously with cold milk for a full two minutes until thickened. Letting it sit for a few more minutes ensures it sets properly and will hold its shape when layered. Carefully spoon the pudding over the peanut butter cheesecake layer, spreading gently with a spatula to maintain neat, even layers. This layer adds a rich, chocolatey counterpoint to the nutty base beneath it.
Step 4: Add the Final Whipped Topping Layer and Chill
Spread the last layer of whipped topping generously over the chocolate pudding. This top layer not only adds a light, creamy finish but also offers a canvas for any garnishes you want to add. Sprinkling mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of chocolate on top instantly ups the wow factor. Cover your dessert and refrigerate it for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight, to let the flavors meld and the layers set beautifully for clean slicing.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Your Masterpiece
Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift out the entire block of Peanut Butter Lasagna if you lined your pan. Cut into neat squares and serve cold for the ultimate cool, creamy, and crunchy bite. Trust me, this is one dessert that earns rave reviews every single time!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can truly transform your Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Mini chocolate chips or crushed peanut butter cups add texture and mini bursts of flavor that surprise with every bite. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce creates a visually irresistible finish that also tastes incredible.
Side Dishes
This dessert is quite rich on its own, so pairing it with something light is a good idea. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries provide a lovely tart contrast. For an extra special occasion, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side adds creaminess and temperature contrast, turning this into a full-on indulgence experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to add a personal touch? Serve the Peanut Butter Lasagna in individual clear glasses or jars for a charming layered parfait effect. This works beautifully for parties and makes portion control simple. Alternatively, use fun cookie cutters to create festive shapes from the chilled dessert, perfect for holidays or themed gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert that only gets better as those flavors meld and the layers firm up even more over time.
Freezing
This dessert can be frozen if you want to prepare it far in advance. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture—avoid microwaving as it will ruin the delicate layered consistency.
Reheating
Because this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, it’s best served cold straight from the refrigerator. Reheating isn’t recommended since the creamy layers can lose their texture and the dessert won’t hold its shape.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture and peanut pieces in the cheesecake layer, which some people find delightful. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly less smooth.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dessert?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based versions. Try vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. The pudding mix should be checked for suitability or replaced with a homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Can I use a different cookie crust?
Definitely! While Oreos are classic and delicious, you could try chocolate graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or even peanut butter cookies crushed for a fun twist. Make sure the crust can hold together well once mixed with butter.
How long does it take to set before serving?
For best results, refrigerate your Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe for at least four hours, though overnight is ideal. This ensures all layers set firmly and flavors meld beautifully.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger pan—like a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep the layering order and the chilling time the same. You’ll want to make sure your layers are even for perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible goodness of Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels fancy without any fuss, combining beloved flavors into a show-stopping layered masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe promises delight in every bite. Go ahead and make it soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Peanut Butter Lasagna: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 9-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Lasagna is a decadent, no-bake layered dessert combining a crunchy Oreo cookie crust with creamy peanut butter cheesecake, smooth chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Resembling the flavors of a peanut butter cup in a sliceable dessert form, it’s perfect for make-ahead parties and chilled enjoyment.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
- 24 Oreo cookies (about 2 cups crushed, filling included)
- 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (360 ml) whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1¾ cups (420 ml) cold milk
Topping
- 1½ cups (360 ml) whipped topping (or whipped cream)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chopped peanut butter cups (optional)
- Chocolate drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust: Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper, if desired for easy removal. Chill the crust for 10 minutes while preparing the next layer.
- Make the peanut butter layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is creamy and thick. Gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the layer light and fluffy. Spread this peanut butter cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Add the chocolate pudding layer: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to firm up further. Carefully spread the firm pudding layer over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Top and chill: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or drizzle chocolate on top for added decoration and flavor. Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow for clean, firm slices.
- Slice and serve: Using the parchment paper, lift the dessert out of the pan if lined, then slice into squares. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For easiest removal and clean slices, line your pan with parchment paper before pressing in the crust.
- Use whipped topping or fresh homemade whipped cream according to your preference for each layer.
- The dessert can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Customize toppings as you like – mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter cups, or a chocolate drizzle all work well.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth peanut butter layer without lumps.
- This dessert is best served chilled to maintain its layered structure and creamy texture.
