If you have a sweet tooth and love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, the Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. This no-bake treat layers rich peanut butter cream, velvety chocolate pudding, and a crunchy cookie crust into a luscious, creamy delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or an indulgent weekend treat, this dessert brings together simple ingredients in a beautiful way that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward enjoying this irresistible peanut butter and chocolate marvel. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crunchy cookie base to the smooth fillings, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- 16 oz package Nutter Butter sandwich cookies: Provides a sturdy and nutty crust that’s full of peanut flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter (melted): Binds the crushed cookies together into a firm, buttery crust.
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Adds a silky tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show lending richness and a smooth, nutty depth.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter layer just right without being overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 Tbsp milk: Lightens the peanut butter mixture, making it luscious and spreadable.
- 2 packets (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix: For a quick, creamy chocolate layer that’s delightfully rich.
- 3 cups milk: Required to prepare the chocolate pudding.
- 8 oz tub whipped topping: Brings airy sweetness and a cloud-like texture to the top layers.
How to Make Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Start by crushing the Nutter Butter cookies finely—using a food processor is ideal, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin work well too. Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a firm crust. This layer adds delightful crunch and sets the foundation for all the creamy goodness to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, continuing to beat until everything is well combined and silky. Spread this luscious peanut butter cream over the cookie crust in an even layer. This step is where the rich, nutty flavor truly shines and gives the dessert its creamy heart.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Chocolate Pudding
Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mixes with the 3 cups of milk until thickened and smooth, which takes just a few minutes. Gently spread this pudding layer over the peanut butter cream, creating a visually stunning contrast of colors and flavors. This chocolate pudding layer adds a cool, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping and Chill
Finally, spread the whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer to add a light, fluffy finish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. Chilling lets the layers set perfectly and allows all the flavors to meld into a harmonious, dreamy dessert.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe even more irresistible, consider sprinkling chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. These little touches not only add texture but also enhance the presentation, turning it into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and sweet, so pairing it with a light, fresh fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee can offer a nice balance. The fruity side cuts through the richness, while the coffee complements the peanut butter and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive party dessert, serve individual portions in clear cups or mason jars to showcase the layered beauty. You can also cut it into neat squares and place each piece on a decorative plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed cookies for a café-style treat at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Lasagna keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dessert later, the Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its creamy texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply allow frozen portions to thaw completely in the fridge before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to the creamy peanut butter layer, which some people love. Just be sure to mix it well for an even consistency.
Is there a way to make this dessert nut-free?
Since peanut butter is the star ingredient, the dish wouldn’t have the same flavor without it. However, you could try substituting sunflower seed butter to keep the creamy texture while avoiding nuts.
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant mix?
Yes! Homemade chocolate pudding can add a fresher taste, but be sure it sets firmly before layering to maintain the structure of your Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe.
How long should I chill the dessert before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 hours is recommended to allow layers to fully set. Overnight chilling is even better for a firmer texture and enhanced flavor melding.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
You can if you use gluten-free sandwich cookies instead of Nutter Butter. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe and delicious alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe is the kind of dessert that brings smiles and happy sighs from everyone who tries it. Its layers of creamy peanut butter, luscious chocolate pudding, and crunchy cookie crust create a delightful dance of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion that calls for something sweet and special.
Print
Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time of at least 4 hours
- Yield: 9 to 9 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Lasagna is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring a crunchy Nutter Butter cookie crust, creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, and luscious chocolate pudding layers topped with whipped topping. This indulgent treat combines rich flavors and textures, perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (16 oz) package Nutter Butter sandwich cookies
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the Nutter Butter sandwich cookies finely, either in a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the peanut butter filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until smooth and creamy. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the cookie crust layer.
- Prepare the pudding layer: Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mixes with the 3 cups of milk in a bowl until the pudding is set, about 2 minutes. Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Add whipped topping and chill: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before slicing into 9 or more squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the peanut butter layer.
- Crush cookies finely for the best crust texture and binding.
- This dessert should be kept refrigerated and is best served chilled.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling roughly chopped Nutter Butter cookies or peanuts on top of the whipped topping before serving.
