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This no-bake peanut butter and chocolate dessert combines two amazing flavors in a layered treat that's now a must-have at family get-togethers and potlucks. With its Oreo base, smooth peanut butter layer, tasty chocolate pudding and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert always gets eaten fast when I make it.
I first whipped this up for my son's birthday when it was nearly 95 degrees outside. Everyone loved the cool creamy dessert so much that they now ask for it instead of regular cake at almost every family party.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: Make a delicious chocolate base that works really well with the peanut butter
- Cream cheese: Adds a slight tang to the peanut butter section that cuts through the sweetness
- Creamy peanut butter: Go for familiar brands like Jif or Skippy for better results in this dish
- Powdered sugar: Mixes in completely smooth with no gritty texture in the peanut butter mixture
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Saves you time while giving you rich chocolate goodness
- Whipped topping: Such as Cool Whip keeps everything airy and light but real whipped cream works too
- Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Make it look pretty and give extra chocolate-peanut butter punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make Your Cookie Base:
- Crush the cookies until you've got fine powder with no chunks left. Stir in melted butter until it looks like damp sand. Push firmly into your dish using a measuring cup to flatten it out. Don't skip the freezing part as it helps set your foundation before adding wet stuff on top.
- Mix Up the Peanut Butter Section:
- Make sure your cream cheese isn't cold at all to avoid bumps. Mix the cream cheese, peanut butter and milk until it's totally smooth and puffy, about 2 minutes on medium. Add sugar bit by bit, around 1/4 cup each time so it mixes in easily. Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula to keep it as fluffy as possible.
- Fix the Chocolate Part:
- Stir the pudding mix and milk hard for a full 2 minutes. We use less milk than the box says to make it thicker so it sits nicely between layers. Don't forget to scrape down the bowl to catch all the mix for a silky texture.
- Put Together the Top Layers:
- Spread the whipped topping evenly using a flat knife for a nice finish. Scatter toppings all over and add chocolate syrup in zigzags if you want. You really need the full cooling time for everything to set right and taste its best.
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What makes this dessert extra good is how the textures play together. I found that quickly freezing each layer before adding the next one makes cleaner layers that look amazing when cut. My family really enjoys the crunchy Reese's pieces against all the soft creamy parts.
Storing Leftovers
This dessert stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days, though we usually finish it way before then. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap pushed right against the top so it doesn't dry out or pick up fridge smells. It actually tastes better on day two after the flavors have mixed together and the crust gets a bit softer. For the best taste, let it sit out about 15 minutes before eating so it's not too cold.
Smart Substitutions
Regular Oreos work great for the classic chocolate base, but you can try different cookies too. Nutter Butter cookies make an extra peanut buttery bottom, while chocolate graham crackers give you a lighter option. If you want less sugar, try sugar-free pudding and light cream cheese - you'll still get that rich feel. People with peanut allergies can use almond or sunflower seed butter instead, though it will taste a bit different.
Serving Suggestions
This treat looks best cut into squares and put on small plates with some extra chocolate sauce drizzled on top. For fancy occasions, try cutting it with a warm knife for clean edges and add a fresh mint leaf. In summer, serve it with raspberries or strawberries to balance the richness. For an extra special touch, warm up some peanut butter and pour it over each piece right before eating.
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Common Questions
- → Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Absolutely, try graham crackers, chocolate wafers, or any crunchy cookie you like instead of Oreos.
- → How long should I refrigerate the dessert?
Make sure you chill it for at least 3 hours so the layers firm up and you can cut nice slices.
- → Can I substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream?
You can definitely swap in freshly whipped cream for the Cool Whip in both the peanut butter mixture and topping.
- → How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Just grab some gluten-free cookies for the bottom layer and double-check that all your other stuff doesn't contain gluten.
- → What other toppings can I use?
Go wild with your finishing touches. Try drizzled caramel, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles for extra fun and crunch.