Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Printable version)

Creamy peanut butter and chocolate pudding layered over a cookie crust with whipped topping. No baking required.

# What you'll need:

→ Cookie Crust

01 - 7 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (about 28 cookies), crushed into fine crumbs
02 - 2.5 tbsp 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 and Garnish

09 - 1 cup frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
10 - 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, melted for drizzling (optional)
11 - Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.
02 - In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and sifted powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until uniformly combined. Spread the mixture 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 mixture thickens and reaches a spreadable consistency. Pour and spread the pudding evenly over the peanut butter filling layer.
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.
05 - Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until all layers are firmly set and the dessert holds its shape when sliced.
06 - Using a sharp knife, cut into squares. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No oven required, which means your kitchen stays cool and you stay sane during summer gatherings.
  • Every single person who has tasted this at my table has asked for the recipe before leaving.
  • The contrast between the dense peanut butter middle and the silky chocolate pudding on top is genuinely addictive.
02 -
  • Do not rush the chilling step, because cutting too early gives you a delicious but messy pile instead of neat layered squares.
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut for the cleanest slices you have ever seen.
03 -
  • If you want gluten free, simply swap in gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies and double check your pudding mix label.
  • The peanut butter layer spreads much more easily if you let the cream cheese sit out until it is truly soft, not just barely room temperature.

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