Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups pretzels, crushed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup butter, melted; 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks; 5.85 oz. box instant chocolate pudding (family size); 2 cups milk; 11.75 oz. hot fudge topping; 8 oz. whipped topping, thawed; 1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

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Introduction

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Dessert is a luscious treat combining salty pretzel crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and rich chocolate pudding. It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion.

A clear glass rectangular dish showing three main layers: the bottom layer is a light beige crumb base, the middle layer is a thick, dark brown chocolate layer, and the top layer is a smooth white cream. The cream layer is decorated with thin drizzles of light brown sauce in a crisscross pattern, topped with small curls of milk chocolate spread evenly across the surface. The dish is set on a white marbled texture, with a white spoon partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup melted butter
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
5.85 oz. instant chocolate pudding mix (family size)
2 cups milk
8 oz. whipped topping, thawed
1 1/2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Hot fudge topping (quantity as desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9×13-inch pan, combine crushed pretzels, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Stir until pretzels are fully coated.
Step 2: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and butter on medium-high until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup sugar and vanilla, beating until combined.
Step 4: Fold in a quarter of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whipped cream. Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust, sealing edges to prevent sogginess.
Step 5: Prepare the chocolate pudding by combining pudding mix and 2 cups milk in a bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium until well mixed. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Spread the thickened pudding evenly over the peanut butter cheesecake layer, reaching the edges.
Step 7: Microwave hot fudge topping for 45 seconds, then transfer it to a sandwich bag. Cut a small hole in one corner and drizzle the fudge over the pudding layer in a back-and-forth motion.
Step 8: Spread the whipped topping over the entire dessert, covering edges completely.
Step 9: Warm 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds until runny. Place in a sandwich bag, cut a small hole in the corner, and drizzle over the whipped topping in alternating directions.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts between the cheesecake and pudding layers.
Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
Swap the pretzel crust with a graham cracker crust for a milder salty-sweet base.
Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours for best flavor and easier slicing.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Avoid freezing as the texture of the pudding and whipped layers may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows two square dessert slices on white plates, placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has four layers: a crunchy textured light brown base with bits of pretzel, a thick creamy caramel-colored layer above it, followed by a smooth dark chocolate layer, and topped with a fluffy white whipped cream layer. On the whipped cream top, there is a drizzle of caramel in a grid pattern and scattered milk chocolate shavings. Some crunchy bits from the base are scattered around the front slice on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually benefits from chilling for several hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

You can, but instant pudding ensures a firm and quick-setting layer that holds well. Homemade pudding may need additional thickening agents to maintain structure.