Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine layers of creamy peanut butter filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping all resting on a crunchy Oreo crust—it’s like a dream dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or just an indulgent treat on a cozy night in. I’ve made this for potlucks and family dinners, and it never fails to disappear fast.
What makes this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe so special is how effortlessly it combines a few simple ingredients into something that tastes like a fancy dessert you spent hours making. Plus, it’s no-bake, meaning less time heating up the kitchen and more time enjoying the company you’re with. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just curious about this combo, you’ll enjoy how decadent and satisfying this dish is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors—from crunchy and creamy to sweet and smooth. When shopping, look for fresh cream cheese and the Oreo cookies with classic filling that you love, as they really set the foundation for this dessert.
- Oreo cookies: The cookie crust’s chocolate crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Original Oreos work best.
- Unsalted butter: Used melted to bind the Oreo crust—unsalted gives you control over the saltiness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for that smooth, spreadable texture in the first layer.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without any grittiness; you can adjust to taste.
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter blends into the first layer for that unmistakable flavor.
- Cool Whip: A light, airy element that smooths out both the peanut butter and pudding layers.
- Dry chocolate instant pudding: Creates the luscious chocolate layer that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
- Milk: Cold milk whips the pudding to the right consistency quickly.
- Optional toppings: Mini Reese’s, peanut butter chips, mini chocolate chips, melted peanut butter drizzle, or chocolate syrup add an extra wow factor.
Variations
I love to tweak this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. You can easily make it your own by switching up some ingredients or playing with flavors.
- Healthier twist: I sometimes swap Cool Whip for Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey. It’s tangy and cuts through the sweetness.
- Seasonal twist: Adding crushed peppermint candies or swapping in pumpkin spice pudding can make this a festive holiday treat.
- Nut-free version: For friends with allergies, try subbing sunflower seed butter—still creamy and delicious!
- Extra crunchy: Toss in chopped peanuts between layers to add unexpected texture that my whole family loves.
How to Make Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Make the Oreo Crust
Start by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs—using a food processor works like a charm, but tossing them in a sealed bag and pounding with a rolling pin works too. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined, then press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Pro tip: I like to chill the crust for 10 minutes in the fridge to help it set while I make the next layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy. Next, beat in the peanut butter until smooth and blended. Gently fold in the Cool Whip so it keeps that light, airy texture. Spread this layer evenly over the cooled Oreo crust. This layer is the star of the show, so take your time smoothing it out—it sets the tone for everything else!
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer
Whisk together the dry chocolate instant pudding with the cold milk, following package instructions for thickening time. Once set, pour the pudding over the peanut butter layer and smooth it out evenly. This layer adds that rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter. Trust me, it’s an unbeatable combo.
Step 4: Finish with a Cool Whip Topping
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer as your final topping. This gives the lasagna a light and fluffy finish and helps balance all the richness below. Pop the whole lasagna in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
I love topping mine with mini Reese’s and a drizzle of melted peanut butter—because why not amp up the peanut butter goodness? Mini chocolate chips or a light chocolate syrup drizzle work beautifully too, adding both a visual pop and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is already rich, I usually keep sides simple—like fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad to brighten the palate. A cup of strong coffee or milk is my go-to drink pairing, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe in individual clear cups layered beautifully so guests can see all the layers. It’s a great way to make the dessert feel fancy without any fuss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for about 3 to 4 days. If you like it chilled like I do, just keep it refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Freezing
Freezing this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe works if you’re prepping ahead, but I recommend doing so before adding the final Cool Whip topping. Wrapped well, it freezes for up to a month. When thawing, let it defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating needed! Just let any frozen leftovers thaw fully in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir if the layers separate slightly, then dig in.
FAQs
-
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture contrast, but keep in mind it might make the first layer a bit chunkier. I actually enjoy that little surprise crunch, so it’s a great way to personalize the dish.
-
Is this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe gluten-free?
Traditional Oreo cookies contain gluten, so the classic recipe isn’t gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to substitute and create a similar crust without the wheat.
-
How long should I refrigerate the Peanut Butter Lasagna before serving?
For best results, chill it for at least 4 hours to let the layers fully set and flavors meld. Overnight refrigeration is even better and makes slicing easier if you’re serving in square portions.
-
Can I make this dessert vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free whipped topping, and find vegan-friendly chocolate pudding and cookies. I haven’t tried this myself yet, but it’s definitely doable with the right swaps.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress without the stress. It’s easy, irresistibly creamy, and hits that perfect balance between peanut butter and chocolate. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but is simple to make, give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll have you reaching for seconds and your friends asking for the recipe!
Print
Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Lasagna is a no-bake, creamy dessert layering a crunchy Oreo cookie crust with a rich peanut butter cream cheese layer, followed by a luscious chocolate pudding layer and topped with fluffy Cool Whip. Finished with optional peanut butter and chocolate toppings, this indulgent and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Oreo Crust
- 36 original Oreo cookies
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
First Layer
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more to taste
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup Cool Whip
Second Layer
- 2 (3.9-ounce) packages dry chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Third Layer
- 2 cups Cool Whip
For Topping (Optional)
- Mini Reese’s cups
- Peanut butter chips
- Mini chocolate chips
- Melted peanut butter drizzle
- Chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo Crust: Crush 36 original Oreo cookies finely in a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed Oreos with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust layer. Refrigerate to set.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 package (8 ounces) of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add ½ cup powdered sugar and continue blending. Mix in 1 cup peanut butter until fully incorporated, then gently fold in 1 cup Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy mixture. Spread this evenly over the chilled Oreo crust and return the dish to the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk together 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) of dry chocolate instant pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it set for a few minutes, then pour and spread the pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer. Chill again to allow the pudding to firm up.
- Add the Final Cool Whip Layer: Spread 2 cups of Cool Whip over the set pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly to create a creamy topping.
- Decorate (Optional): Garnish the top of your peanut butter lasagna with mini Reese’s cups, peanut butter chips, mini chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, and/or chocolate syrup as desired for added flavor and presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the assembled dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely and meld the flavors. Slice and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- Make sure to fully chill the dessert before serving to allow layers to set properly.
- This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
- Variations include adding chopped peanuts for extra crunch within the peanut butter layer.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Lasagna, no-bake dessert, Oreo crust, chocolate pudding, creamy peanut butter dessert
