If you are a fan of peanut butter in all its creamy, dreamy glory, then you are going to absolutely adore this Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy peanut butter sandwich cookies, smooth cream cheese, luscious pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, all layered together to create a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is addictive. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a rich peanut buttery flavor that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a simple treat, this recipe will become your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but each component plays an essential role in building those incredible layers of flavor and texture. From the crunchy base to the creamy middle and the sweet, fluffy topping, everything comes together to make perfection.
- Peanut butter sandwich cookies (16 ounces, about 22 cookies): These form the crunchy and flavorful base that’s loaded with peanut buttery goodness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer and ensures a smooth texture.
- Whipped topping (3 cups total, divided): Adds lightness and volume throughout the dessert.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces): Provides a silky, flavorful layer that sets nicely in the fridge.
- Whole milk (1.5 cups): Hydrates the pudding mix for the perfect creamy consistency.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup plus 0.5 cup melted): The star ingredient that infuses every layer with that rich, iconic peanut butter flavor.
- Peanut butter chips (0.5 cup): For a fun, melty topping that adds bursts of peanut butter flavor and texture.
- Reserved whole peanut butter cookies (8, chopped): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch glass baking dish to make sure your dessert won’t stick. This simple step ensures a smooth release once it’s time to serve and makes cleanup easier!
Step 2: Create the Cookie Base
Arrange a single even layer of peanut butter sandwich cookies across the bottom of your prepared dish. These cookies form the foundational crunch and intense peanut butter flavor that every bite builds upon. Save the remaining cookies for the topping – they’ll add extra texture and charm later.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
Blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of the whipped topping until the mixture is ultra smooth and creamy. This luscious layer adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances the richness ahead perfectly.
Step 4: Chill the Cream Cheese Layer
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base – smoothing it out carefully to create an even layer. Pop the dish in the freezer for 15 minutes to help it set firm enough for the next layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Pudding Layer
In a bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk until you start to see it thicken to that irresistible silky consistency. This will be the luscious and velvety part of your dessert that melts in your mouth.
Step 6: Add Peanut Butter and Whipped Topping
Gently fold creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of the whipped topping into the thickened pudding using a whisk or a hand mixer. Combining these ingredients this way ensures the layer is both creamy and fluffy, building on the dessert’s decadent texture.
Step 7: Layer the Peanut Butter Pudding
Spread this peanut butter pudding mixture smoothly over the chilled cream cheese layer—careful not to disturb it. Return to the freezer for another 15 minutes to help everything set beautifully.
Step 8: Add the Final Touches
Now it’s time for that beautiful finishing layer! Gently spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping on top, creating a light and airy crowning glory. Sprinkle peanut butter chips and the reserved chopped cookies all over, then drizzle with the melted peanut butter for an irresistible peanut butter drizzle.
Step 9: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the entire Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes before serving. This perfect chill time ensures every layer sets well and the textures meld together into the perfect treat.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe
Garnishes
While the peanut butter chips and chopped cookies topping are gorgeous and delicious as-is, you can add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the look and taste even further. Fresh banana slices or a drizzle of honey can also add a lovely fresh sweetness or contrast.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or simply a cup of hot coffee or tea. The rich peanut butter flavor is balanced beautifully by the brightness of berries or citrus on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe in individual clear glasses or parfait cups to show off its beautiful layers. For parties, cut into neat squares and use decorative parchment paper cups for easy serving. You can even create mini versions in small mason jars for a cute, portable dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld even more after resting, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dessert freezes well! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or cold, so reheating is not recommended. Simply allow it to thaw properly if frozen, and serve it cold for that perfect creamy peanut butter experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peanut butter sandwich cookies?
Definitely! If you can’t find peanut butter sandwich cookies, try using chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers for a different but still delicious base. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix?
You can substitute with homemade vanilla pudding or another instant pudding flavor, but vanilla works best to complement the peanut butter. Just make sure it’s thick enough to set properly.
Is it okay to use natural peanut butter?
Natural peanut butter tends to be less creamy and more oily, which may affect the texture of the layers. If you use it, stir well before measuring and consider adding a bit less to maintain the right consistency.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, pudding mix, and milk alternatives, you can create a similar layered delight that’s friendly for dairy-free diets. Just ensure the substitutes have similar textures.
How long does the dessert need to chill before serving?
To get the best texture and flavor, chilling for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is recommended. If you’re short on time, 15 minutes in the freezer works as a quick fix.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try the Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a special treat every single time. It’s easy enough to make on a weekday but fancy enough to impress guests. The layers come together in perfect harmony, delivering rich peanut butter flavor, creamy textures, and delightful crunch. Once you’ve tasted this, it’s going to be your new favorite dessert to share and enjoy again and again!
Print
Peanut Butter Layered Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (time to chill and set layers)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Layered Delight is a no-bake, multi-layered dessert featuring crunchy peanut butter sandwich cookies, creamy layers of cream cheese and whipped topping, a rich peanut butter pudding mix, and a decadent peanut butter chip topping. Perfectly chilled and slightly frozen before serving, this treat delivers a luscious peanut butter experience with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 16 ounces peanut butter sandwich cookies (approximately 22 cookies)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
Peanut Butter Pudding Layer
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup whipped topping
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 0.5 cup peanut butter chips
- 8 reserved whole peanut butter cookies, chopped
- 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and set aside.
- Base Layer: Arrange a single layer of peanut butter sandwich cookies evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish; reserve remaining cookies for topping.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie base, then chill in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
- Prepare Pudding Layer: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk until it begins to thicken.
- Combine Peanut Butter & Whipped Topping: Fold creamy peanut butter and 1 cup whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a whisk or hand mixer until fully incorporated.
- Spread Pudding Layer: Spread the peanut butter mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer and return to the freezer for an additional 15 minutes to firm up.
- Add Final Toppings: Gently layer the remaining 2 cups whipped topping on top, then sprinkle with peanut butter chips, chopped reserved cookies, and drizzle with melted creamy peanut butter.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes prior to serving to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
Notes
- Use a glass baking dish to monitor chilling layers effectively.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Instant pudding mix thickens quickly; prepare right before use.
- For best texture, chill the layers as directed rather than skipping straight to refrigeration.
- Peanut butter chips add a crunchy contrast but can be substituted with chopped peanuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow the dessert to sit at room temperature 10 minutes before serving if refrigerated for firmer spoonability.
