An easy no-bake dessert made with a delicious Nutter Butter cookie crust followed by layers of peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream.
By Lilly
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Calling all peanut butter lovers! This awesome dessert will soon be your favorite party food of all time.
I’m not sure there are words to describe this heavenly dessert. It has a buttery crust made of cookies topped with rich layers of cold peanut butter cheesecake and chocolate. Add some candy to the top, and you’ve got an impressive make-ahead dessert for parties and special occasions.
My son told me this was the best dessert he’s ever had! He ate almost half the pan and then went into a food comma. A total win! My family has a thing for sugary treats, and this was one of the most indulgent recipes I’ve ever made. It’s perfect for birthday parties, holidays, family gatherings, summer bbqs, or anytime you’re hosting a party and want to impress your guests.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 (16oz) pack Nutter Butter cookies
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 (8oz) pack of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 (5.9oz) box instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups milk (+ 2 tbsp)
- 1 (80z) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- Reese’s Pieces candy for topping
Step 1Place the entire pack of peanut butter cookies into a food processor and pulse into small crumbs. Pour the melted butter in and stir well to combine. Place the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and press down into an even layer to form the crust.
Step 2In a large bowl or mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and about 2 tbsp of milk. Spread the mixture over top of the cookie crust, being careful not to break it apart or pull up crumbs.
Step 3Pour 3 cups of milk and a large pack of chocolate instant pudding into a bowl and whisk for a few minutes until well combined. Let the pudding set in the fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken, and then spread over the peanut butter cheesecake layer.
Step 4Dollop the whipped topping in small spoonfuls over the pudding and carefully spread it out into an even layer. It’s much easier to spread this way without disturbing the pudding.
Step 5Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, sprinkle on candy such as Reese’s Pieces or mini peanut butter cups. This dessert is SUPER RICH, so I actually found the peanut butter cups to be a little extra. Next time I’ll use just the Reese’s Pieces because they added an awesome pop of color.
This amazing dessert is ultra indulgent like fudge. A little goes a long way! It serves at least 15 people, depending on how many sugar-crazed kids you’re feeding. I made this for my husband’s birthday party and it was a HUGE hit! I was nervous I wouldn’t have enough to go around, but this yummy dessert definitely feeds a crowd.
Helpful Tips
- Instead of frozen whipped topping, you can also make your own whipped cream with 1 pint of heavy cream, 4 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Simply use a mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes until stiff peaks form. It’s easy!
- This dessert is very rich so the candy topping is totally optional. I included mini peanut butter cups because I thought “Why Not!?”, but they were a little extra. I’ll just use the colorful Reese’s Pieces next time for that awesome pop of color. You could also shave on some chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate chips. Make it your way!
- When serving, it’s best to use a sharp knife as opposed to a spatula to cut this dessert into squares because you get cleaner lines with more visible layers.
- Don’t forget to thaw the Cool Whip the day before! It’s the worst when you go to make the layers only to find the whipped topping is still in the freezer.
Print Recipe
Made with a delicious Nutter Butter cookie crust! This easy no-bake dessert is a crowd pleaser for birthday parties, family gatherings, special occasions, potlucks, or anytime you're hosting a party and want to impress all of the peanut butter lovers in your life. So simple to make ahead and serve cold when you're ready to get down and party!
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: cold dessert, crowd pleasing, make ahead, no bake, parties, party food
Servings: 15
Ingredients
- 1 (16oz) pack Nutter Butter cookies (family size)
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 1 (8oz) pack cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (5.9oz) box instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups milk (+2 tbsps)
- 1 (8oz) tub whipped topping (thawed)
- Reese's Pieces candy for topping
Instructions
Cookie Crust
Place the entire pack of peanut butter cookies into a food processor and pulse into small crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter and stir well to combine. Place the cookie mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and press down into an even layer to form the crust; set aside.
Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl or mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and about 2 tbsp of milk. Spread the mixture over top of the cookie crust, being careful not to break it apart or pull up crumbs.
Pudding Layer
Pour 3 cups of milk along with the chocolate pudding mix into a bowl and whisk for a few minutes until well combined. Let the pudding set in the fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken, and then spread over the peanut butter cheesecake layer.
Toppings
Dollop the whipped topping in small spoonfuls over the pudding and carefully spread it out into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with the Reese's Pieces candy just before serving.
Notes
- When serving, it’s best to use a sharp knife as opposed to a spatula to cut this layered dessert into squares because you get cleaner lines with more visible layers.
- I also recommend cutting the squares into SMALL portions-- a little goes a LONG WAY! It's rich, sweet, and super indulgent like fudge.
- Don't forget to thaw the Cool Whip the day before! You'll also need to let the cream cheese sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften it.
- Instead of frozen whipped topping, you can also make your own whipped cream with 1 pint of heavy cream, 4 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Simply use a mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- This dessert is very rich so the candy topping is totally optional. I included mini peanut butter cups because I thought "Why Not!?", but they were a little extra. I'll just use the colorful Reese’s Pieces next time for that awesome pop of color. You could also shave on some chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Don’t forget to pin and save this yummy dessert for later! 😃
