This nostalgic Southern dessert is a no-bake layered treat with a nutty crust, creamy peanut butter layer, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Sweet, salty, rich, and cool—it’s always a crowd favorite at potlucks and family gatherings!
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 2–4 hours (or overnight for best results)
Total time: ~2½ hours
🧰 Equipment Needed
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Food processor (optional, for crust)
🛒 Ingredients
🔹 Crust:
Ingredient
Amount
Salted peanuts (chopped or crushed)
1 cup
All-purpose flour
1 cup
Unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup (1 stick)
🔹 Peanut Butter Layer:
Ingredient
Amount
Cream cheese (softened)
8 oz
Creamy peanut butter
1 cup
Powdered sugar
1 cup
Whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
1 cup, folded in
🔹 Chocolate Layer:
Ingredient
Amount
Instant chocolate pudding mix
2 boxes (3.9 oz each)
Cold milk
3 cups
🔹 Topping:
Ingredient
Amount
Whipped topping
1½ cups (or more)
Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
¼ cup
Chocolate shavings or syrup (optional)
to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Make the crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix peanuts, flour, and melted butter in a bowl until combined.
Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, then cool completely before adding layers.
2. Peanut butter layer:
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Chocolate layer:
In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened.
Spread over the peanut butter layer.
4. Final topping:
Spread remaining whipped topping over the chocolate layer.
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and optional chocolate shavings or drizzle.
5. Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let layers set.
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving, 12 servings)
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
~400 kcal
Carbohydrates
~35g
Protein
~8g
Fat
~26g
Sugar
~20g
Sodium
~180mg
These values vary depending on specific brands used.
💡 Tips
Use creamy peanut butter (not natural) for best texture.
Whipped topping makes it light, but you can use homemade whipped cream if stabilized.
For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend.
Want it extra chocolatey? Use chocolate whipped topping on top layer!
🔄 Variations
Peanut Butter + Banana: Add sliced bananas between peanut butter and chocolate layers.
Salted Caramel Version: Drizzle caramel sauce before final topping.
Frozen version: Freeze the dessert and let it thaw for 15–20 minutes before serving like an icebox cake.
