Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna is a rich no-bake dessert layered with a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, fluffy peanut butter cheesecake filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups finish the dessert with even more chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
Because this dessert never needs the oven, it makes an especially convenient choice for parties, holidays, potlucks, and warm-weather gatherings. You can also prepare it the night before and let the refrigerator do the final work.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture until light and fluffy.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled chocolate cookie crust.
- Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold whole milk for approximately 2 minutes, until thick and creamy.
- Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the pudding. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups and add optional melted peanut butter and chocolate syrup.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, until completely chilled and set.
- Cut the chilled dessert into squares and serve cold.
Notes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna tastes best after several hours of chilling. That resting time helps the individual layers become firm enough to slice while allowing the chocolate, peanut butter, and cream cheese flavors to come together.
I first started making layered no-bake desserts when I needed something I could completely finish before guests arrived. This one quickly became a favorite because each layer brings something different. The chocolate cookie base provides crunch, while the peanut butter layer tastes creamy and almost cheesecake-like. Then the chocolate pudding adds another soft, rich layer before the whipped topping lightens everything up. I usually prepare it the evening before serving because an overnight chill makes cutting neat squares much easier. I also save the chopped peanut butter cups for the top, where they add enough texture to make every slice feel a little more special.
Making the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Combine the Cookie Crumbs and Butter
Start with 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs.
Place the crumbs in a medium mixing bowl and pour in ½ cup melted unsalted butter.
Stir until the butter evenly moistens all the crumbs. The mixture should resemble damp sand and hold together when pressed.
Transfer the chocolate mixture to a 9×13-inch dish.
Use the bottom of a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to press the crumbs firmly and evenly across the bottom.
A firmly packed base gives Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna a more stable foundation and makes individual squares easier to serve.
Chill the Crust Until Firm
Place the prepared crust in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
Chilling allows the butter to firm again and helps hold the cookie crumbs together.
Meanwhile, you can prepare the peanut butter filling.
There’s no need to bake the crust. In fact, keeping every component no-bake is one of the reasons this dessert works so well for make-ahead entertaining.
Before adding the next layer, check that the crust feels cool and relatively firm.
When spreading the peanut butter filling later, use gentle pressure. That way, you won’t disturb the chilled chocolate cookie base underneath.
Preparing the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer
Beat the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter
Place 8 ounces softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Softened cream cheese blends much more easily than cold cream cheese. Therefore, bringing it to a workable temperature before mixing helps create a smoother filling.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so the cream cheese and peanut butter combine evenly.
This mixture creates the rich cheesecake-style center of Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna.
Fold in the Whipped Topping
Add 8 ounces thawed whipped topping to the peanut butter mixture.
Instead of beating aggressively, gently fold the whipped topping into the peanut butter base.
Continue folding until no large streaks remain and the filling looks light and fluffy.
Next, remove the chilled chocolate crust from the refrigerator.
Spoon the peanut butter filling over the crust in several portions. Then gently spread it into an even layer from edge to edge.
Using several spoonfuls rather than placing all the filling in one spot makes spreading easier and helps protect the cookie crust.
Once the peanut butter layer looks even, move on to the chocolate pudding.
Adding the Chocolate Pudding and Topping
Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer
Pour 3 cups cold whole milk into a clean mixing bowl.
Add two 3.9-ounce boxes instant chocolate pudding mix.
Whisk for approximately 2 minutes, or until the pudding becomes thick and creamy.
Cold milk helps instant pudding develop its proper consistency.
Once thickened, spoon the chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer.
Spread it carefully into an even layer.
The combination of chocolate pudding and fluffy peanut butter filling gives Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna its signature chocolate-peanut butter contrast.
Finish With Whipped Topping and Candy
Spread the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding.
Next, sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the surface.
Add ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups.
For an optional finishing touch, drizzle 2 tablespoons melted peanut butter over the top. You can also add approximately 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup if desired.
Keep the drizzle light so the dessert remains easy to slice.
At this stage, all four main components are complete: chocolate cookie crust, peanut butter cheesecake filling, chocolate pudding, and fluffy topping.
However, the dessert still needs plenty of chilling time before serving.
Chilling and Serving Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna
Refrigerate Until Completely Set
Cover the 9×13-inch dish and place it in the refrigerator.
Chill Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna for at least 4 to 6 hours.
However, an overnight chill works especially well when your schedule allows it.
The refrigerator firms the crust and creamy layers, which makes the dessert easier to portion.
Avoid rushing this stage. Although every component is ready to eat immediately, the assembled dessert needs time to become properly chilled and set.
Keeping it cold also preserves the fluffy texture of the whipped topping and peanut butter filling.
Slice and Serve Cold
When you’re ready to serve, remove the dish from the refrigerator.
Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares.
For cleaner-looking portions, wipe the knife between cuts.
Use a flat dessert spatula to lift each square from the pan.
Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna directly from the refrigerator while all the layers remain cold and firm.
Each serving should reveal the dark chocolate cookie crust, pale peanut butter layer, chocolate pudding, and white whipped topping.
The mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups add texture to the creamy layers, while the optional peanut butter and chocolate drizzles make the finished dessert even more decadent.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed, for the peanut butter layer
- 2 boxes (3.9 ounces each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed, for the top
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups
- 2 tablespoons melted peanut butter, optional
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, optional
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gently fold 8 ounces whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture until light and fluffy.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled chocolate cookie crust.
- Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups cold whole milk for approximately 2 minutes, until thick and creamy.
- Spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread the remaining 8 ounces whipped topping over the pudding. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups, then add optional melted peanut butter and chocolate syrup.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Cut into squares and serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna chill?
Chill the assembled dessert for at least 4 to 6 hours. However, refrigerating it overnight gives the layers additional time to firm and makes the dessert particularly convenient for preparing ahead.
Do I need to bake the chocolate cookie crust?
No. This recipe uses a completely no-bake crust. Melted butter holds the chocolate cookie crumbs together after they chill in the refrigerator.
Why should the cream cheese be softened?
Soft cream cheese blends more smoothly with the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Cold cream cheese can be more difficult to mix into a consistently creamy filling.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna the night before?
Yes. In fact, this dessert works especially well as a make-ahead recipe. Assemble it, cover the dish, and refrigerate it overnight before slicing and serving.
How can I get cleaner slices?
Keep the dessert thoroughly chilled, use a sharp knife, and wipe the blade between cuts. A flat dessert spatula also helps lift the layered squares from the dish.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna combines several classic dessert flavors and textures without requiring any baking.
A buttery chocolate cookie crust supports a fluffy filling made with cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipped topping. Creamy chocolate pudding forms the next layer, while another blanket of whipped topping completes the dessert.
Mini chocolate chips and chopped peanut butter cups add a final burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor. You can also drizzle the top with melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup.
After several hours in the refrigerator, Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna becomes a chilled, creamy, make-ahead dessert that’s ideal for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter.
