Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Printable Version)
No-bake layered dessert with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and whipped topping on a cookie crust.
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 7 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), finely crushed
02 - 2 oz unsalted butter, melted
→ Peanut Butter Layer
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 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)
# How-To:
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 uniformly into the bottom of a 9-inch square or round springform pan. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the base.
02 - Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until just incorporated. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly 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 glossy and smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly for a few minutes, then pour it evenly over the peanut butter layer, tilting the pan gently to achieve a uniform coating.
04 - Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the layers to set firmly.
05 - Spread the remaining whipped topping over the set chocolate layer in an even layer. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired. Slice into squares or wedges and serve well chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No oven required, which means you can make this even on the hottest summer day without breaking a sweat.
- That moment when you cut through the layers and everyone at the table gasps is genuinely priceless.
02 -
- Rushing the chill time will give you a sloppy, oozing mess that collapses on the plate, so plan ahead and be patient.
- If your cream cheese is not fully softened, you will end up with tiny white flecks throughout the peanut butter layer that no amount of extra beating can fix.
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before each cut for bakery-clean edges that photograph beautifully.
- Use a springform pan rather than a regular dish so you can release the sides and showcase those gorgeous layers.