Peanut Butter Lasagna

Peanut Butter Lasagna is an indulgent, no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy cookie crust, creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This decadent dish is a perfect treat for peanut butter lovers and makes a stunning addition to potlucks, parties, or any sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No baking required – ideal for summer or quick prep
  • Creamy, rich, and full of chocolate-peanut butter flavor
  • Easy to make ahead for events and gatherings
  • Kid- and adult-approved
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chocolate sandwich cookies or Nutter Butter cookies, crushed
  • Melted butter
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cold milk
  • Instant chocolate pudding mix
  • Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • Optional toppings: mini peanut butter cups, crushed cookies, chocolate syrup, melted peanut butter

Directions

  1. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Place in the fridge to set.
  2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in a portion of the whipped topping until creamy. Spread over the chilled crust.
  3. Make the Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Add Whipped Topping: Top with remaining whipped topping and smooth it out.
  5. Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed cookies, drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup, and add chopped peanut butter cups if desired.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
  7. Serve: Cut into squares and serve cold.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 12
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

  • Use different cookies: Try graham crackers, Oreos, or Biscoff cookies for the crust
  • Add a banana layer: Sliced bananas between the peanut butter and pudding layers for a fun twist
  • Switch up the pudding: Use vanilla, butterscotch, or peanut butter pudding
  • Nutty topping: Add chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch
  • Mini version: Make individual servings in cups or jars

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
  • Reheating: Not needed – this dessert is served chilled

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better when made a day ahead and chilled overnight.

What type of peanut butter should I use?

Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream may not hold up as well for long-term storage.

Is it okay to use sugar-free pudding?

Yes, sugar-free instant pudding works fine in this recipe.

Can I add a layer of bananas or fruit?

Absolutely. Sliced bananas or strawberries add a fresh twist between layers.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?

Place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until fine.

Can I use almond butter instead?

Yes, almond butter or other nut butters can be substituted for peanut butter.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Be sure each layer is fully set or chilled before adding the next, and spread gently.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free cookies and verify other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I serve this frozen?

You can freeze and serve partially thawed for a firmer, ice cream-like texture.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Lasagna is a rich and creamy no-bake dessert that layers everything you love about chocolate and peanut butter into one irresistible treat. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a guaranteed hit for gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

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Peanut Butter Lasagna

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A no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy peanut butter, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and a crunchy cookie crust—perfect for peanut butter lovers.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (14.3 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
  • 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 3/4 cups cold milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form a crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Spread remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
  5. Top with chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set, before serving.

Notes

  • Use a food processor to finely crush cookies for a more uniform crust.
  • Can be made a day in advance—flavors improve overnight.
  • Swap chocolate pudding for vanilla or banana for variation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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