A delicious layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! No baking required.
This wonderful dessert combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in three beautiful layers. It’s easy to make and always impresses guests. Best of all, you don’t need to turn on your oven!
What You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Optional: Chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces for topping
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Your Graham Cracker Crust (5 minutes)
- Get your pan ready: Use a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish
- Mix the crust: In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it looks like wet sand
- Press it down: Pour this mixture into your dish and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your clean hands
- Quick chill: Put the dish in the refrigerator for 10 minutes while you make the next layer
Helpful tip: If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can buy whole graham crackers and crush them in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer (10 minutes)
- Take out cream cheese early: Make sure your cream cheese is soft (leave it out for about 30 minutes before cooking)
- Beat until smooth: Using an electric mixer (or mixing by hand), beat together the peanut butter, soft cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently stir in the whipped topping until everything is well combined
- Spread evenly: Spoon this mixture over your chilled crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula
Helpful tip: If your cream cheese is still too firm, you can soften it quickly by cutting it into small pieces.
Step 3: Make the Rich Chocolate Top Layer (5 minutes)
- Heat the cream: Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and heat it on medium heat until you see steam rising (don’t let it boil)
- Pour over chocolate: Put the chocolate chips in a bowl and pour the hot cream over them
- Wait and stir: Let it sit for 2 full minutes, then stir gently until you have a smooth, shiny chocolate mixture
- Cool slightly: Let the chocolate mixture cool for about 5 minutes so it won’t melt the peanut butter layer
- Pour and spread: Carefully pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread gently
Helpful tip: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the chocolate won’t be quite as rich.
Step 4: Let It Set and Serve
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight
- Add toppings: Before serving, sprinkle chopped peanuts or Reese’s pieces on top if you like
- Cut and enjoy: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve cold
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serves: 12-15 people
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours minimum
- Storage: Keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Serving suggestion: Use a thin, sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This no-bake dessert is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The three layers create a beautiful presentation, and each bite gives you the perfect combination of crunchy crust, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to make something special without heating up the kitchen.
The best part? You can make this dessert a day ahead of time, which makes entertaining much easier!
Make-Ahead Tips
- This dessert actually tastes better the next day as all the flavors blend together
- You can make it up to 2 days in advance
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors
