This No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna is a dreamy dessert made with layers of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and cool whipped topping. It’s super simple to make and doesn’t need any baking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. Just make sure it’s softened for easy blending!
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture, but crunchy peanut butter adds great flavor and texture. You can also substitute almond butter, sunbutter, or any nut/seed butter to meet dietary needs or preferences.
Whipped Topping: If you can’t find Cool Whip, homemade whipped cream works perfectly! Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. For a lighter option, use coconut whipped cream as a dairy-free alternative.
Chocolate Pudding Mix: Instant chocolate pudding is easy and quick, but you can use homemade pudding if you prefer. Just ensure it has a similar texture for layering. For a healthier option, opt for sugar-free pudding mix.
Graham Crackers: Traditional graham crackers are classic in this recipe. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed gluten-free cookies to create the base.
How Do I Ensure My Layers Hold Together?
Creating stable layers in your lasagna is key for the perfect presentation. Here are some tips:
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing, making sure it combines well with the sugar and peanut butter.
- When spreading, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smoother layers, and apply even pressure to avoid cracking.
- Allow sufficient time for chilling. Refrigerating for a full 4 hours or overnight helps the layers set properly and makes for clean slices.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautiful lasagna that stays intact when served!
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creamy Layers:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 package (3.9 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For the Layers:
- 1 package (10 oz) graham crackers
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (or desired nuts)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional for garnish)
- Extra whipped topping for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes for preparation and then at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator. If you have time, letting it set overnight will make it even better! That’s a perfect excuse to make it the day before your event!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your peanut butter layer and should be nice and fluffy.
2. Add Peanut Butter:
Next, add the peanut butter to your cream cheese mixture. Mix it well until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture should taste deliciously nutty!
3. Fold in Whipped Topping:
Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture until it’s all smooth and fluffy. This is what makes it light and airy! Set this mixture aside for now.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding:
In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it thickens. This rich chocolate cream will be the next layer of your dessert!
5. Assemble the Lasagna Layers:
Take a 9×13 inch dish and line the bottom with a layer of graham crackers. They should cover the entire bottom so your dessert stays nice and stable.
6. Add Peanut Butter Layer:
Spread half of the peanut butter mixture over the layer of graham crackers, making sure it’s even and smooth. You’re going to love this creamy layer!
7. Add More Graham Crackers:
Next, place another layer of graham crackers over the peanut butter mixture. This will help create even more texture in your dessert.
8. Chocolate Pudding Time:
Now, pour the chocolate pudding mixture over this second layer of graham crackers. Spread it out evenly so each bite has that wonderful chocolate flavor!
9. More Graham Crackers:
Add a final layer of graham crackers on top of the chocolate pudding. Just one more step to build this delicious dessert!
10. Finish with Peanut Butter Mixture:
Spread the remaining peanut butter mixture on top of these graham crackers, smoothing it out beautifully. Make it look nice; this is the last layer before we chill it!
11. Add the Final Topping:
Top it all off with the remaining whipped topping. You can sprinkle chopped peanuts and chocolate chips over it for extra flavor and texture, if you’d like. This makes it look super tasty!
12. Chill and Set:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. This helps all those flavors meld together perfectly.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna, slice it up and serve chilled. It’s perfect for any occasion or just a sweet treat at home. Enjoy your dessert!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Regular Peanut Butter?
Of course! Just keep in mind that natural peanut butter can be a bit more oily, so stir it well before measuring. You may want to add a tad more powdered sugar to balance the texture if it seems too runny.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed gluten-free cookies like Oreo or digestive biscuits. Just ensure that any substitutions align with your gluten-free needs!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and it will be ready to enjoy when you need it!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the graham crackers from becoming too soft. Enjoy it cold for the best taste!
