Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Print Version)
No-bake layered dessert with creamy peanut butter, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping over a cookie crust.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Crust
01 - 7 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (about 28 cookies), finely crushed
02 - 2.6 oz unsalted butter, melted
→ Peanut Butter Filling
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
05 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
06 - 1 cup frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
→ Chocolate Pudding Layer
07 - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
08 - 1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
→ Topping & Garnish
09 - 1 cup frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
10 - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)
11 - Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, for garnish
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish to form an even, compact layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.
02 - Using an electric hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and sifted powdered sugar together in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
03 - Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk in a separate bowl for approximately 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Pour the pudding over the peanut butter layer, spreading it into an even coating with a spatula.
04 - Spread the remaining 1 cup of thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Drizzle with the melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips if desired.
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, or until all layers are firmly set and the dessert holds its shape when sliced.
06 - Remove from the refrigerator and cut into 8 even squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neatest presentation. Serve chilled.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Zero baking required, which means you can make this in a dorm kitchen or at 2am without waking anyone.
- The contrast between the salty peanut butter layer and silky chocolate pudding keeps people coming back for a second square before they finish the first.
02 -
- Patience matters here because cutting into it before the three hour chill turns your beautiful layers into a muddy pile.
- Run your knife under hot water and dry it between each slice for those clean bakery style squares you see in photos.
03 -
- Use a potato masher or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to crush cookies inside a zip top bag for fast, even crumbs with no mess.
- Homemade whipped cream replaces the store bought topping beautifully if you prefer a more real dairy flavor and slightly denser texture.