Peanut Butter Layered Delight (Printable)

Velvety layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and whipped cream over a crunchy cookie crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 7 oz chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), finely crushed
02 - 2 oz unsalted butter, melted

→ Peanut Butter Layer

03 - 8.8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
04 - 6.3 oz creamy peanut butter
05 - 3.5 oz powdered sugar
06 - 2/3 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed

→ Chocolate Layer

07 - 4.2 oz semisweet chocolate chips
08 - 1/3 cup heavy cream

→ Topping

09 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whipped topping, thawed
10 - 1 oz chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
11 - Chocolate shavings (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and uniformly into the bottom of a 9-inch square or round springform pan. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping with a rubber spatula until just incorporated. Spread the filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
03 - Place the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is glossy and smooth. Let the ganache cool briefly, then pour it in an even layer over the peanut butter filling.
04 - Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow all layers to set properly.
05 - Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the set chocolate layer. Scatter chopped roasted peanuts and chocolate shavings across the surface if desired.
06 - Cut into squares or wedges using a sharp knife. Serve thoroughly chilled for the best texture and flavor.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • No oven required, which means you can make this in a vacation rental kitchen with a microwave and a dream.
  • The contrast between the salty peanut butter and the glossy chocolate layer will make people think you spent all day on it.
02 -
  • If you rush the chilling time the layers will slide apart when you cut into it and all your beautiful work becomes a delicious but messy pile.
  • Running your knife under hot water and wiping it dry between each slice is the only way to get those clean bakery style squares.
03 -
  • Press the crust with something flat like a glass or measuring cup because fingers alone will not pack it firmly enough and it will crumble when sliced.
  • Taste your peanut butter before mixing it in, since some brands are saltier than others and that affects the balance of the whole dessert.

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