Peanut Butter Lasagna: A Decadent Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

Peanut Butter Lasagna: Prepare to have your dessert world turned upside down! Imagine layers of creamy peanut butter bliss, decadent chocolate ganache, and crunchy cookie crumbles all harmonizing in a single, unforgettable bite. This isn’t your Nonna’s lasagna, but trust me, it’s just as comforting and satisfying.

While the origins of Peanut Butter Lasagna aren’t steeped in centuries of tradition like its savory Italian counterpart, its modern history is rooted in pure, unadulterated indulgence. It’s a playful twist on classic no-bake desserts, perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply a “treat yourself” kind of day. Think of it as a deconstructed peanut butter cup, elevated to a shareable, show-stopping dessert.

What makes this dessert so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and flavors. The smooth, rich peanut butter filling contrasts beautifully with the crisp cookie base and the velvety chocolate topping. It’s sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy all at once! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – no oven required! This Peanut Butter Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• For the Peanut Butter Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup heavy cream
• For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
• 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• For the Whipped Cream Topping:
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ? cup heavy cream
• Optional Garnishes:
• Chopped peanuts
• Mini chocolate chips
• Peanut butter cups, chopped

Preparing the Crust:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, I like to start by combining the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. You can use a fork or your hands to mix it all together. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
2. Press into the Pan: Now, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray just to be extra safe. Then, press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. I find that using the bottom of a measuring cup helps to get a nice, even, and firm crust.
3. Chill the Crust: Once the crust is pressed in, cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the crust set and prevent it from crumbling when you add the fillings. I sometimes leave it in there for an hour if I have the time.

Making the Peanut Butter Filling:

1. Cream the Cheese and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add in the peanut butter and continue to beat until it’s well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese and peanut butter mixture, beating on low speed until it’s fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Whip in the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and beat on medium speed until the filling is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overbeat it, or it might become too stiff. You want it to be spreadable but still hold its shape.

Preparing the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1. Whisk the Pudding: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. I usually use a whisk to make sure there are no clumps.
2. Let it Set: Let the pudding stand for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a pudding consistency. It should be nice and creamy.

Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Spread the Peanut Butter Filling: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the graham cracker crust.
2. Layer the Chocolate Pudding: Carefully spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the peanut butter filling. Try to be gentle so you don’t mix the layers too much.
3. Chill Again: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will allow the layers to set properly and make it easier to slice. I sometimes chill it overnight for the best results.

Making the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), pour in the heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks begin to form.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will turn into butter!

Preparing the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle:

1. Heat the Cream: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil it!
2. Pour over Chocolate: Pour the hot heavy cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about a minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
3. Stir Until Smooth: Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. If there are any stubborn pieces of chocolate, you can microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s completely melted.

Final Touches and Serving:

1. Spread the Whipped Cream: Remove the chilled lasagna from the refrigerator. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chocolate pudding layer.
2. Drizzle with Ganache: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the whipped cream. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative pattern.
3. Garnish (Optional): If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the lasagna.
4. Chill Before Serving: Return the lasagna to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the whipped cream and ganache set.
5. Slice and Serve: When ready to serve, slice the lasagna into squares and enjoy! I like to use a sharp knife to get clean slices.

Conclusion:

This Peanut Butter Lasagna isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles, sparks conversations, and leaves everyone wanting more. The creamy layers, the crunchy peanut butter cups, and the rich chocolate pudding all come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or even just a special weeknight treat. But what truly makes this Peanut Butter Lasagna a must-try is its versatility. While the recipe I’ve shared is a classic, feel free to get creative and put your own spin on it! For a richer, more decadent experience, try using dark chocolate pudding instead of milk chocolate. Or, if you’re a fan of white chocolate, that would be a delightful twist! You could also experiment with different types of cookies for the crust. Chocolate chip cookies, Oreos, or even graham crackers would all work beautifully. And the serving suggestions are endless! A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top elevates this dessert to another level. For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice. You could even sprinkle some chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal. If you’re serving it at a party, consider cutting it into smaller squares or rectangles for easy handling. I’ve made this Peanut Butter Lasagna countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve seen kids and adults alike devour it with gusto. It’s a recipe that’s easy to adapt to different tastes and preferences, making it a truly customizable dessert. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can easily whip up this delicious treat in no time. The no-bake aspect makes it perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Peanut Butter Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. It’s a chance to share something special with your loved ones and create moments of joy and connection. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Peanut Butter Lasagna for yourself. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and most importantly, how much you and your loved ones enjoyed it. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy baking (or rather, layering!) and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. Print