This No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna is a treat made with layers of creamy peanut butter and chocolate. Plus, you don’t even have to turn on the oven!
The best part? You can satisfy your sweet tooth without any baking mess. I love whipping this up for parties and enjoying it straight from the fridge—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Honey Graham Crackers: These are the base of your dessert. If you can’t find honey graham crackers, regular graham crackers work too. You can also go for digestive biscuits for a similar texture and flavor.
Creamy Peanut Butter: I really like creamy peanut butter for its smooth texture. If you prefer crunchy peanut butter, it’s a fun twist! Alternatively, almond or cashew butter can work nicely too, just check for any allergy issues.
Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the smoothness of the peanut butter layer. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a sugar substitute, just ensure it measures like powdered sugar.
Cream Cheese: The softened cream cheese gives a creamy base to your layers. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese for a similar effect.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip, but homemade whipped cream is a great substitute if you want a fresher taste. Just whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix: This brings rich chocolate flavor. You can use vanilla pudding for a different taste, or make a homemade chocolate pudding if you prefer cooking it yourself.
How Do I Layer and Set This No-Bake Lasagna Properly?
Layering is key to creating that beautiful lasagna effect! Start with a solid base of graham crackers so they can hold the weight of the layers above. Be sure to evenly spread the peanut butter and pudding layers for an appealing look.
- Use a spatula to gently spread each layer, which helps keep the layers from mixing.
- Let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours to set properly; overnight is ideal for the best texture.
- When serving, use a sharp knife to slice through the layers easily. A little warm water on the knife can help with cutting through the creaminess without making a mess.
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Layers:
- 1 package (15 oz) honey graham crackers
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 1/4 cups milk
For Garnishing:
- 1 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
- Additional whipped topping for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty no bake dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let it set properly in the fridge. It’s quick to put together, but worth the wait for the delicious layers to come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peanut Butter Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is smooth and well combined. It should be creamy and easy to spread!
2. Add Whipped Topping:
Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture. Gently stir until it’s fully incorporated, so you have a light and fluffy mixture. This will help keep the filling airy!
3. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it thickens nicely. This step makes the pudding rich and delicious!
4. Layer It Up:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take a 9×13 inch dish and place a layer of honey graham crackers at the bottom. Spread half of the peanut butter mixture evenly over the crackers. Then, pour half of the chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out gently.
5. Repeat the Layers:
Layer on another set of graham crackers, then the rest of the peanut butter mixture, followed by the remaining chocolate pudding. This makes sure every bite is full of flavor!
6. Finish With Graham Crackers:
For the final touch, add one last layer of graham crackers on top. You can also spread additional whipped topping if you like it extra creamy!
7. Chill and Set:
Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps all the flavors blend and the layers to set perfectly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s set, take it out and cut it into squares. You can garnish with chopped peanuts and more whipped topping if you want. Serve chilled and enjoy every delicious bite of your no bake peanut butter chocolate lasagna!
Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy Peanut Butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but keep in mind that it might result in a slightly different texture and flavor. Natural peanut butter tends to be thinner and may separate, so stir it well before using. Additionally, you might need to adjust the powdered sugar to balance out the flavor since natural peanut butter can be less sweet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply replace honey graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie option. Just ensure that all your ingredients, especially the pudding mix, are labeled gluten-free as well!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
If you don’t have whipped topping, you can make your own by whipping heavy cream until soft peaks form, then adding a bit of powdered sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist—but note that it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Absolutely! This lasagna is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. It may even taste better as the flavors meld together!
