Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Printable Version)
No-bake peanut butter and chocolate layered dessert with a crunchy cookie crust and whipped topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Crust
01 - 7 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), finely crushed
02 - 2 oz unsalted butter, melted
→ Peanut Butter Filling
03 - 8.8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 6.3 oz creamy peanut butter
05 - 3.5 oz powdered sugar
06 - 2/3 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
→ Chocolate Ganache Layer
07 - 4.2 oz semisweet chocolate chips
08 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
→ Topping
09 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whipped topping, thawed
10 - 1 oz chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
11 - Chocolate shavings (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch square or round springform pan. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until evenly incorporated. Spread the filling in an even layer over the chilled cookie crust.
03 - Place the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fully combined. Let the ganache cool for a few minutes, then pour it evenly over the peanut butter layer.
04 - Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to set properly.
05 - Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the set chocolate layer. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.
06 - Cut into squares or wedges with a sharp knife. Serve well chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Zero oven time means you can make this even in the hottest weather without breaking a sweat.
- The combination of that crunchy cookie base with the silky peanut butter and chocolate layers is genuinely addictive.
02 -
- If you rush the chilling time the layers will slide apart when you try to slice it, so patience really is the secret ingredient here.
- Warm your cream cheese properly because I once tried to cheat with a microwave and ended up with a lumpy mess that still tasted fine but looked absolutely tragic.
03 -
- Line your pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges so you can lift the whole dessert out for cleaner slicing and a more impressive presentation.
- The secret to visibly distinct layers is making sure each one is fully chilled before adding the next, so do not skip that freezer step for the crust.