If your dessert dreams are filled with chocolate, peanut butter, and layers upon layers of creamy, crunchy bliss, you’re in for a serious treat—let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna. Imagine a chilled, no-bake treat that combines a chocolatey crust, fluffy peanut butter cheesecake, rich pudding, and a final flourish of candy crunch. Each bite of this beauty is an over-the-top, joyous celebration for peanut butter and chocolate fans alike. If you’ve been searching for the dessert that will wow your friends (or just make your Tuesday night special), this is the one you need.

Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe gracefully balances simplicity and indulgence. Each ingredient has a special role—some for velvety smoothness, others for that crucial contrast of crunchy bites, and all working together to create the ultimate texture and flavor profile for Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

Crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies (1 1/2 cups): These form the deep, chocolatey base layer that anchors the whole dessert.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/3 cup): Melted butter helps bind the cookie crumbs into a sturdy, sliceable crust.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient, providing a rich and nutty flavor foundation in every layer.
Cream cheese, softened (1 block, 8 oz): Blends with the peanut butter for a smooth, tangy base that keeps things perfectly creamy.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): A touch of sweetness to balance the richness without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lifts all the flavors, rounding out the peanut butter and chocolate for depth.
Whipped topping (1 tub, 8 oz): Adds that irresistible, cloud-like fluff to both the filling and the top layer.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box, 3.9 oz): For a thick, luscious chocolate layer that brings it all together.
Cold milk (1 1/2 cups): Transforms the pudding mix into rich, creamy goodness.
Crushed peanut butter candies or chopped peanut butter cups (1/2 cup): The crunchy, candy-topped finish that makes each slice extra special.
Chopped peanuts or toffee bits, optional (1/2 cup): Optional, but worth adding for an extra crunch and a surprise pop of flavor.
Melted chocolate or chocolate syrup for drizzling, optional: For even more chocolatey drama—because there’s never too much.

How to Make Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Chocolate Crust

Start by combining your crushed chocolate graham crackers (or sandwich cookies) with melted butter in a medium bowl. Once everything’s perfectly moistened, press this mix firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure you form an even layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for a bit—this lets the crust set up and become a sturdy, chocolatey base for your Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer

Grab another bowl and beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and irresistible. Gently fold in half of your whipped topping—this makes your peanut butter layer extra light and fluffy. Carefully spread the mixture evenly over your chilled crust, making sure not to disturb all that chocolatey crunch below.

Step 3: Mix the Luscious Chocolate Pudding

Next, it’s pudding time. Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This will be rich, silky, and fudgy—just what we want for our Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna. Spread this pudding layer on top of the peanut butter layer for a gorgeous contrast in color and taste.

Step 4: Layer on the Whipped Topping

Take what’s left of your whipped topping and spread it gently over the pudding layer, smoothing it right to the edges. This final creamy cloud makes the dessert look as beautiful as it tastes and gives an elegant finish to your masterpiece.

Step 5: Add the Magical Crunch

Don’t hold back here—scatter those crushed peanut butter candies or chopped peanut butter cups right over the top. If you’re a fan of toffee bits or extra peanuts, now’s the perfect time to sprinkle them on. For bonus style points (and extra chocolate), drizzle with melted chocolate or syrup.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Now for the hardest part—waiting! Cover your lasagna and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can plan ahead). This allows all the layers to set beautifully, so you get clean, gorgeous slices with every serve.

How to Serve Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna

Garnishes

This dessert loves a dramatic finish. Pile a handful of extra crushed peanut butter candies or chopped peanuts on top for added texture and color. For a bakery-worthy look, don’t forget to zigzag a little melted chocolate or syrup just before serving. Each slice gets a little show-stopping sparkle!

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna with bright, simple sides—think fresh strawberries or a bowl of tart raspberries. If you want a truly decadent dessert platter, serve small scoops of vanilla ice cream or a splash of cold milk on the side. You’ll have a fun, build-your-own-sundae vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this beauty as a whole lasagna that guests can slice themselves or cut it into perfect squares and arrange on a platter. For parties, try individual cups or jars for personal peanut butter crunch parfaits! A sprinkle of gold dust or chocolate shavings makes it feel extra celebratory and unique for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna tightly and keep it in the refrigerator. The layers stay firm and delicious for up to 4 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or indulging little by little throughout the week.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Simply wrap the pan (or individual pieces) well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best creamy texture—your future self will thank you.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this no-bake delight! Just let the lasagna sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving, especially if coming straight from the fridge or freezer. The creamy layers will be perfectly sliceable and even more luscious.

FAQs

Can I make Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the layers to set beautifully and the flavors to mingle, so it tastes even better the next day. Just keep it chilled and covered until you’re ready to serve.

Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers for the crust. Always double-check labels on your other ingredients, but the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a simple switch that won’t sacrifice any of that craveable crunch.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Definitely! Use about 3 cups of lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream in place of the store-bought topping. Just be sure to stabilize it a bit with powdered sugar if you want the layers to hold up after chilling.

What’s the best way to crush the cookies or crackers for the crust?

A food processor is the fastest way to get fine, even crumbs, but a sturdy zip-top bag and a rolling pin work just as well. Aim for a crumbly, sandy texture so the crust holds together beautifully after the butter is added.

Can I add more chocolate for an even richer dessert?

If you’re a die-hard chocolate fan, go ahead and sprinkle chocolate chips, mini chocolate candies, or even a thin layer of ganache over the peanut butter layer before adding the pudding. The dessert is endlessly customizable, so have fun with it!

Final Thoughts

If you love that magical combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and crunch, don’t let another week go by without making Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna. It’s easy, almost impossible to mess up, and always delivers the wow factor. Trust me, one bite is all it takes to fall in love!

Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Decadent Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna is a show-stopping no-bake dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a delightful crunch in every bite. Layers of chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping are topped with a variety of crunchy toppings and a drizzle of chocolate. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers or chocolate sandwich cookies
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk

Toppings:

1/2 cup crushed peanut butter candies or chopped peanut butter cups
1/2 cup chopped peanuts or toffee bits (optional)
Melted chocolate or chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed chocolate graham crackers and melted butter. Press into a 9×9-inch baking dish and chill.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over the crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
Assemble the Layers: Top with remaining whipped topping, sprinkle with candies or nuts, and drizzle with chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Notes

For extra crunch, add a layer of chopped pretzels or granola between the crust and peanut butter layer.
This dessert can be made a day ahead for easy serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American