Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Print version)
No-bake peanut butter and chocolate layered dessert with cookie crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping.
# What you need:
→ Crust
01 - 200 g (about 20 cookies) chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
02 - 75 g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
→ Peanut Butter Layer
03 - 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 120 g (1/2 cup) creamy peanut butter
05 - 100 g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, sifted
06 - 240 ml (1 cup) frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
→ Chocolate Pudding Layer
07 - 1 package (100 g/3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
08 - 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) cold whole milk
→ Topping
09 - 240 ml (1 cup) frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
10 - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, melted for drizzling (optional)
11 - Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a medium bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for approximately 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread the pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
04 - Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. If desired, drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish.
05 - Cover the 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 - Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled dessert into squares. Serve immediately while still cold.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the crunchy cookie crust and the silky peanut butter mousse is genuinely addictive, and once you taste it you will understand why people scrape the pan clean.
- Everything assembles in about twenty five minutes, which means you can build it in the morning and forget about it until dessert time.
02 -
- If you rush the chilling time the layers will slide into each other when you cut, and all that beautiful definition disappears into a muddy mess.
- Softening the cream cheese fully before mixing is the difference between a silky layer and one peppered with stubborn lumps.
03 -
- Homemade whipped cream can replace the whipped topping for a richer flavor, but stabilize it with a teaspoon of powdered sugar so it holds its shape overnight.
- Freezing individual squares on a parchment lined tray for one hour before serving turns this into an incredible ice cream like treat.