This No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna is a dream come true for dessert lovers! It’s made with creamy peanut butter, smooth chocolate, and layered for extra fun.
Who needs baking when you can whip this up in no time? I love how you can just chill it in the fridge and enjoy the deliciousness later—perfect for lazy days! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy layer. If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese instead.
Powdered Sugar: This ingredient sweetens the cream cheese layer. If you’re cutting sugar, try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or just reduce the amount for a less sweet finish.
Peanut Butter: I use creamy peanut butter for a smooth consistency, but feel free to swap it with crunchy peanut butter for added texture, or even almond or cashew butter for nut allergies.
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Classic Oreos are perfect, but you can also use gluten-free cookies or even vanilla wafers if you prefer a different flavor. Just crush them up the same way!
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: This gives a rich chocolate flavor. If you have a different flavor mix like vanilla or butterscotch, it could be a fun twist! Just remember to adjust the milk accordingly.
How Do I Make Sure My Peanut Butter Mixture is Smooth?
The key to a creamy peanut butter layer is mixing! Start with softened cream cheese to make blending easier. Here’s how:
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together for about 2-3 minutes until it’s completely smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the peanut butter while continuing to beat the mixture. This avoids lumps and ensures even flavor.
- When folding in whipped topping, do it gently to keep the mixture airy. Use a spatula to fold from the bottom up, mixing until there are no visible streaks.
Paying attention to these details will give you that luxurious layer in your lasagna!
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For the Base and Toppings:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Extra whipped topping (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful lasagna needs about 20 minutes of prep time and at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. It’s easy to put together, and the hardest part is waiting for it to set before you dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s nice and smooth. This should take a couple of minutes. Once it’s creamy, add in the peanut butter and mix until everything is well blended.
2. Add the Whipped Topping:
Gently fold 1 cup of whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture. Be careful not to mix too hard; you want to keep it light and fluffy!
3. Make the Chocolate Pudding:
In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens nicely.
4. Layer the Dish:
Grab a 9×13 inch dish and start building your layers! First, spread half of the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies evenly across the bottom. Then, layer half of the peanut butter cream cheese mixture on top of the cookies, smoothing it out as you go.
5. Add the Chocolate Pudding:
Next, pour half of the thick chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly. Repeat these layers: add the remaining crushed cookies, followed by the rest of the peanut butter mixture, and finish with the rest of the chocolate pudding.
6. Final Touches:
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the last layer of chocolate pudding. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a crunchy and delicious garnish.
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover your dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Once it’s set and chilled, slice it up, serve, and enjoy every delightful layer of your no-bake peanut butter chocolate lasagna!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative! Just ensure it’s smooth and creamy to maintain the texture of the peanut butter layer.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Pudding Mix?
No problem! You can make your own pudding from scratch by cooking a mixture of milk, sugar, corn starch, and cocoa powder on the stove. Just make sure it cools properly before adding it to the layers!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the layers. It’s best enjoyed chilled!
Can I Use Different Cookies for the Base Layer?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cookies, such as chocolate chip or vanilla wafers. Just crush them into fine crumbs for a similar texture and mix it up a bit!
