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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Layer Dessert

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Layer Dessert - featured image

This easy, no-bake summer dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy peanut butter layer, and a silky chocolate topping. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings, delivering nostalgic comfort and crowd-pleasing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Chopped roasted peanuts (optional topping)
  • Mini chocolate chips (optional topping)
  • Drizzle of melted peanut butter (optional topping)
  • Sea salt flakes (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Chill crust in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.
  3. In a clean bowl, beat creamy peanut butter with softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; mix until combined.
  5. Fold in whipped heavy cream gently with a spatula. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the chilled crust and spread evenly.
  6. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt semisweet chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until glossy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Use an offset spatula to spread gently.
  8. Scatter optional toppings (chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, melted peanut butter drizzle, sea salt flakes) over the top.
  9. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil. Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better).
  10. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve cold.

Notes

Chill each layer before adding the next for clean slices. Whip cream to firm peaks for a fluffy peanut butter layer. Use high-quality chocolate and peanut butter for best flavor. For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free cookies for the crust. Dessert can be made ahead and tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate peanut butter dessert, no bake, summer recipe, layered dessert, easy dessert, potluck, BBQ, peanut butter bars, chocolate bars