Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream is the definition of a cool, creamy, dreamy, delicious dessert! It’s perfect for any occasion or just because!

A slice of chocolate peanut butter dream dessert.

If you're a fan of the heavenly combination of chocolate and peanut butter, you're in for a treat. Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

Also known as Chocolate Peanut Butter Delight or Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna, this multi-layered rich dessert features a buttery pecan crust, creamy peanut butter filling, rich, silky chocolate pudding, and a luscious whipped cream topping. It's perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or simply indulging yourself, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll like this Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: This easy dessert can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy your time with your family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a treat for yourself, this peanut butter chocolate dessert is always a hit.
No-Bake Layers: Aside from the crust, the layers require no baking, making this dessert recipe preparation straightforward and quick.
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter is a match made in dessert heaven.

A slice of chocolate peanut butter dream on a plate.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below

Self-Rising Flour: Provides structure and stability to the crust.
Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crust.
Salted Butter: Binds the crust together and adds a rich, buttery taste.

The ingredients to make a shortbread crust.

Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy layer that balances the sweetness.
Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the filling.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and peanut butter layer without making it grainy. Also sweetens the whipped cream topping.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for both the peanut butter filling and the pudding layer.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Provides a rich, chocolatey layer that's quick and easy to prepare.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into a light, fluffy topping that adds a creamy finish.
Milk Chocolate Shavings: Either from a chocolate bar or chocolate chips, this adds a decorative and tasty garnish that enhances the chocolate flavor. Cookie crumbs are chopped chocolate candy bars are also a great garnish!

The ingredients displayed to make a chocolate peanut butter dessert.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make this Recipe

For the crust, in a small mixing bowl, mix together flour and pecans. Once combined, add melted butter and mix until it’s a cohesive ball.

Mixing together the ingredients for a shortbread crust in a bowl.

Press the dough in an even layer into a 13”x9” baking dish. Bake 20-22 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely.

Patting down a shortbread crust in a pan.

In a medium bowl, with a hand mixer or whisk on medium speed, blend the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add confectioners sugar and blend until combined well. Set aside.

Mixing together peanut butter and cream cheese in a bowl.

In a separate small bowl, with a hand mixer or whisk, whip milk and pudding mixes until smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.

If making homemade whipped cream rather than ready-made frozen whipped cream, mix with a hand or stand mixer heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Once the crust has completely cooled, spread the peanut butter mixture on top, in an even layer with an offset spatula.

Spreading a peanut butter mixture on a shortbread crust.

Add in an even layer the chocolate layer.

Spreading chocolate pudding on a peanut butter layer of a dessert.

Lastly, spread the ready-made whipped cream or homemade whipped cream on top of the chocolate pudding layer.

Spreading whipped cream on a chocolate layer on a dessert.

Garnish with pecans and grated or shaved chocolate. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate at least 12 hours before serving. Add extra toppings if desired.

Tips and Substitutions

Let it Chill: Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream is best when it’s set for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator.
Whipped Topping: Substitute homemade whipped cream with a 12 ounce store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip for convenience.
Pudding Variations: Use dark chocolate pudding mix for a richer flavor, or white chocolate pudding for a twist. If using sugar-free instant pudding mix, 2 1.4-oz puddings will be used in place of 1 3.9 ounce regular instant pudding box. DO NOT use 3 sugar-free boxes.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans with crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits for the crust.
Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Cut it in Half: You can easily cut this recipe in half and make it in a 2 quart or square baking pan.
Garnish Options: You can get creative with garnishing your dessert. Chocolate drizzle, hot fudge sauce, crushed pretzels, broken peanut butter sandwich cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, peanut butter chips, a drizzle of caramel sauce, toasted coconut or chopped peanuts are great additions!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. The texture of fresh whipped cream and the crust will be slightly compromised if frozen then thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a grater for chocolate. Is there another way I can garnish the top with chocolate?

Yes! You can use a vegetable peeler on a bar of chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate on top with a spoon, or chopped with a knife and sprinkled on top.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising?

Yes. You can substitute the 1 ½ cups self-rising flour the recipe calls for with 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder and ⅓ teaspoon fine salt.

Would frozen whipped topping work as well as homemade whipped cream?

While we prefer homemade whipped cream, frozen whipped topping that’s been thawed also works excellent as well!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this a gluten-free dessert, replace self-rising flour with a gluten-free alternative and ensure the pudding brand you use is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Make sure each layer is spread evenly and gently over the previous one. Chilling the dessert between adding layers can also help.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

You can use low-fat cream cheese and milk, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the dessert.

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A slice of chocolate peanut butter layered dessert on a saucer.

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