This No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna is a delightful treat! Layered with creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a dessert dream come true.
It’s super easy to make, and you don’t even need to turn on the oven! I love serving it chilled on hot days—it’s like a sweet, refreshing hug for my taste buds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate Graham Crackers: These provide the base and crunchy texture of the lasagna. If you can’t find them, regular graham crackers or chocolate cookies work well too. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the layers.
Cream Cheese: It’s important for a creamy texture! If you want a lighter version, try using neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still tastes great. Vegan cream cheese can also be a good alternative for plant-based diets.
Peanut Butter: I love using creamy peanut butter because it mixes easily. If you prefer chunky for a bit of crunch, that works too! For allergies, look for sunflower seed butter or almond butter as tasty substitutes.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives the whipped topping its fluffy texture. For a lower-calorie option, you could use whipped coconut cream instead. Just chill the coconut milk overnight and scoop out the solid part to whip.
How Do You Ensure a Fluffy Whipped Cream?
Getting whipped cream to the perfect stiffness is crucial for this recipe. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with cold equipment! Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 15 minutes before whipping.
- Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and add vanilla extract. This enhances flavor.
- Begin mixing at a slow speed, then gradually increase to medium-high for about 2-4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Don’t overbeat! Stop as soon as you see stiff peaks; otherwise, it can turn into butter.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 1 package (12.5 oz) chocolate graham crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups chocolate pudding mix (prepared)
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- ½ cup crushed peanuts or additional chocolate graham crackers for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take you about 30 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set. So, make sure to plan ahead before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be your delicious peanut butter layer!
2. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, take the heavy whipping cream and add the vanilla extract. Using a mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This means that the cream should hold its shape well. Now, carefully fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture until everything is nicely mixed but still fluffy.
3. Start Layering in the Dish:
Grab a 9×13 inch dish and lay down a single layer of chocolate graham crackers at the bottom. These will be the first layer of your lasagna. Spread half of the peanut butter cream cheese mixture evenly over this first layer of crackers.
4. Add More Layers:
Next, place another layer of chocolate graham crackers on top of the peanut butter mixture. Now, pour the prepared chocolate pudding over this second layer of graham crackers and spread it out evenly. You want every corner covered!
5. Finish Off with More Peanut Butter:
Now, spread another layer of the creamy peanut butter mixture on top of the pudding. Finally, place one last layer of chocolate graham crackers over everything, creating a beautiful layered effect.
6. Top it Off and Chill:
Spread the whipped topping over the final layer of graham crackers. For an optional touch, sprinkle crushed peanuts or crushed chocolate graham crackers on top for added crunch and flavor!
7. Refrigerate:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This will help all those yummy flavors meld together and let the lasagna set nicely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the lasagna out of the fridge and cut it into squares. Enjoy this delightful No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna chilled! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion!
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture, so choose what you prefer. If using Greek yogurt, make sure to use a full-fat version for a creamier texture!
How Long Can I Store This Dessert?
You can store the No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge!
Can I Use Other Types of Pudding?
Absolutely! While chocolate pudding is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or caramel pudding. Just make sure the flavor complements the peanut butter for the best results!
What’s the Best Way to Cut and Serve This Dessert?
To cut the squares neatly, use a sharp knife and make sure it’s slightly warmed by running it under hot water and drying it off. This will prevent the layers from getting squished. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture!
