No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna. This layered dessert is a beautifully rich combination of creamy peanut butter cheesecake, luscious chocolate ganache, airy chocolate mousse, and fluffy whipped topping built on a crunchy, buttery crust. It’s decadently delicious, yet surprisingly simple to pull together without ever firing up the oven. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings pure joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna starts with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one plays its own vital role in creating contrast and balance — from the crunchy crust to the creamy layers and irresistible toppings.

• Crushed graham crackers or Nutter Butters: Provides the perfect crispy and slightly sweet base, and using Nutter Butters adds an extra peanut punch.
• Salted peanuts: Adds crunch and a savory note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the crumbs to bind the crust and give it a rich, buttery flavor.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Essential for the silky chocolate ganache that tops the crust.
• Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, glossy ganache when combined with chocolate.
• Creamy peanut butter: The soul of the peanut butter cheesecake layer, bringing that unmistakable flavor and creaminess.
• Cream cheese: Softened to ensure a velvety, rich cheesecake texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer delicately without grittiness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, floral notes.
• Whipped topping: Lightens the cheesecake and mousse layers for that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: Whisked with milk to create the beautiful chocolate mousse layer.
• Milk: Needed to thicken the pudding mix to a smooth mousse consistency.
• Melted peanut butter: Drizzled on top for a beautiful finish and extra flavor boost.
• Mini chocolate chips and chopped roasted peanuts: Adds texture and visual appeal for the final garnish.
• Optional toppings like crushed pretzels or peanut butter chips: Add fun twists and extra crunch depending on your mood.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Crust Layer

Start by combining your crushed graham crackers (or Nutter Butters) with chopped peanuts and melted butter to create a firmly packed crust base. Press it tightly into a 9×13-inch dish and pop it into the freezer for 15 minutes so it chills and sets up nicely. This crunchy foundation gives the dessert structure and an irresistible buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers to come.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Ganache Layer

Next, heat the heavy cream until it’s just simmering, then pour it over your semi-sweet chocolate chips and let them melt gently. Stir until glossy and smooth, then spread this heavenly ganache over your chilled crust. Chill it again in the fridge to set for about 15-20 minutes. This layer is decadently rich and adds a deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.

Step 3: Mix the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat together creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until luxuriously smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy. This indulgent peanut butter cheesecake filling is the heart of the No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna—creamy, smooth, and bursting with flavor. Spread it evenly over the set ganache base.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse Layer

Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Fold in whipped topping to transform it into a light, airy mousse. This layer adds a silky chocolate contrast and a fun, fluffy texture. Carefully spread it over your peanut butter cheesecake layer to maintain those clear, beautiful layers.

Step 5: Add the Whipped Topping Layer

Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the chocolate mousse layer. This soft, fluffy layer tops off the lasagna perfectly, providing the ideal canvas for your final finishing touches.

Step 6: Decorate with Toppings

Finish your No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna by drizzling melted peanut butter artistically across the top, then sprinkling mini chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, and optional crushed pretzels or peanut butter chips. This adds extra texture, flavor, and an eye-catching presentation. Chill the entire dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow all the layers to set and flavors to meld.

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts or a few mini chocolate chips on each slice just before serving enhances the texture and visual appeal beautifully. A light drizzle of warm peanut butter or even a few dollops of whipped cream can take the presentation up a notch. These finishing touches not only look stunning but add bursts of flavor with every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and satisfying enough to stand on its own but pairing it with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or banana, compliments the peanut butter and chocolate notes with a bright, fresh contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonderfully as a side, cutting through the richness with its creamy chill.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, consider serving this No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna in individual parfait glasses layered just as the big dish, making it easier to portion and adding a beautiful visual element. You can also top each slice with a small peanut butter cup or a few chocolate curls for an extra festive touch. These ideas make your dessert as fun to eat as it is to look at!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna is how well it stores. Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor this treat again and again.

Freezing

If you want to make it ahead for a party, this dessert freezes wonderfully. Just cover the baked dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

No need to reheat this dessert — it’s best served chilled to enjoy its layers at their perfect consistency. Just slice directly from the fridge once set to appreciate the cool, luscious flavors that make this No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but keep in mind that crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the peanut butter cheesecake layer which may change its smoothness slightly. If you love extra peanut crunch, go for it!

What can I substitute for the whipped topping?

Homemade whipped cream works beautifully as a substitute and will taste even fresher. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks for best results in the cheesecake and mousse layers.

Is it necessary to freeze the crust before adding the next layer?

Freezing the crust helps it firm up so the layers stay distinct and the dessert holds its shape better. If you’re short on time, refrigerating for a longer period can work, but freezing is preferred.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure that any optional toppings are gluten-free too. This way you can still enjoy this luscious No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna without worry.

How long should I chill the dessert before serving?

At least 4 hours is recommended to allow all the layers to set and flavors to meld. For best texture and flavor, chilling overnight is ideal.

Final Thoughts

This No-Bake Peanut Butter Lasagna has quickly become one of my all-time favorite desserts—it’s that perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and nutty. So simple to put together and guaranteed to impress, it’s a wonderful treat to make for your next gathering or just to indulge yourself. Trust me, once you try it, this dessert will hold a special place in your heart (and fridge) for many sweet moments to come.

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