Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Completely no-bake
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Easy to assemble and great for beginners
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Creamy and full of peanut butter flavor
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Beautiful layered slices
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Make-ahead friendly
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Perfect for feeding a crowd (10–14 servings)
Ingredients
Cookie Layers
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28–32 peanut butter sandwich cookies (Nutter Butters or similar)
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1/2 cup milk, for dipping cookies
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar), thawed
Chocolate Layer
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping
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2 cups whipped topping
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Crushed peanut butter cookies
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Optional garnishes:
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Mini peanut butter cups, chopped
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Chocolate drizzle
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Peanut butter drizzle
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Equipment Needed
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Hand or stand mixer
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Microwave-safe bowl
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Rubber or offset spatula
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Plastic wrap
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Dish
Lightly grease the bottom of your dish or line it with parchment for cleaner serving.
Step 2 — Base Cookie Layer
Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Dip each peanut butter cookie quickly into the milk, just long enough to soften the exterior. Arrange them in a full even layer at the bottom of your dish. The cookies should fit snugly without major gaps.
Step 3 — Mix the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar, continuing to mix until completely combined. Add the vanilla extract.
Finally, fold in the whipped topping gently to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
Spread half of this peanut butter cheesecake mixture evenly across the cookie layer.
Step 4 — Second Cookie Layer
Dip additional cookies into the milk and create a second cookie layer on top of the filling.
Step 5 — Remaining Peanut Butter Filling
Spread the remaining peanut butter cheesecake mixture across the second cookie layer. Smooth with a spatula to keep the layers neat.
Step 6 — Chocolate Ganache Layer
Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45–60 seconds, until hot but not boiling.
Add the chocolate chips and allow them to sit for 1 minute to soften. Stir until the mixture becomes silky and fully melted.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly for a few minutes before pouring it across the top filling layer. Spread carefully to avoid disrupting the layers underneath.
Step 7 — Whipped Topping Layer
Add the final whipped topping layer across the chocolate, smoothing the surface.
Step 8 — Chill
Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is ideal and allows the cookies to soften into a cake-like texture.
Step 9 — Garnish
Right before serving, decorate with cookie crumbs, chopped peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate.
Serving and Presentation
Use a sharp knife to cut into neat slices. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for clean layers. Serve chilled and enjoy the combination of creamy filling, rich chocolate, and softened cookie layers.
Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4–5 days | Keep tightly covered |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator |
Freezing individual servings is a great option for long-lasting treats.
Estimated Calories
Approximately 460–520 calories per serving
(based on 12 servings; varies by cookie brand and toppings used)
Exact nutritional details can be provided if needed.
Helpful Tips
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Dip the cookies very briefly so they soften without falling apart.
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Full-fat cream cheese gives the smoothest result.
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For extra clean slices, freeze the dessert for 15–25 minutes before serving.
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Keep the whipped topping chilled until using to maintain structure.
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Let each layer spread fully to the edges for even coverage.
Variations
| Custom Version | How to Modify |
|---|---|
| Oreo Peanut Butter Lasagna | Replace cookies with Peanut Butter Oreos |
| Dessert with Fresh Fruit | Add sliced bananas between the layers |
| Extra Chocolate | Add a chocolate pudding layer |
| Crunch Lover | Add chopped peanuts between layers |
| Salted Caramel | Drizzle caramel sauce between layers |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free peanut butter cookies |
This concept allows endless creativity, and seasonal themes can be added easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Yes. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2–3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Use immediately.
Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes. In fact, the texture and flavors improve significantly after sitting overnight.
Can I use homemade peanut butter cookies?
Yes, but make sure they are firm enough to hold shape when lightly soaked in milk.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Cookie Lasagna is a standout dessert that combines comfort food nostalgia with an elegant layered presentation. It tastes like a dessert you would find in a gourmet bakery, yet it is simple enough for any home cook to make successfully.
Whether you serve it at a family dinner, holiday celebration, or send slices home with friends, this no-bake treat will make a lasting impression. It is creamy, sweet, well-structured, and packed with flavor that will please both peanut butter lovers and chocolate fans alike.