If you’re like me and adore anything peanut butter, you’re in for such a treat with this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe. It’s this incredible layered dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Every bite feels like a little peanut butter party in your mouth, perfectly balanced with chocolate pudding and a crunchy Oreo crust. Trust me, it’s a showstopper whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or just want to elevate your dessert game at home.

One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together—no baking required! I remember first making it on a whim for a family gathering and instantly falling in love with how the layers work together. If you’ve been searching for a fuss-free yet impressive dessert, you’ll love how versatile and comforting this recipe is. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress peanut butter fans without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe plays a key role, from creating that crunchy Oreo base to the luscious peanut butter-cream cheese layer and silky chocolate pudding. When you shop, grab fresh, high-quality items—especially the peanut butter and cream cheese—for the best flavor and texture.

Oreos: The classic cookie structure gives the perfect crunch and chocolate flavor to the crust. Be sure to use original Oreos for that iconic taste.
Unsalted butter: Melting it and mixing with crushed Oreos helps bind the crust without overwhelming the flavor.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the peanut butter layer.
Powdered sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese and richness of the peanut butter.
Peanut butter: I prefer creamy for texture, but chunky works if you want a little extra nutty bite.
Cool Whip: Key for that light, airy texture in two of the layers. Use thawed for easy mixing.
Chocolate instant pudding mix: I find double chocolate or regular chocolate works beautifully to add a silky layer of dessert indulgence.
Cold milk: Important for setting the pudding layer properly; use cold for the best consistency.
Optional toppings: Mini Reese’s, peanut butter chips, mini chocolate chips, melted peanut butter drizzle, or chocolate syrup—choose your favorites to add extra fun and flair!

Variations

I love playing around with this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe to make it my own, and you can too! The beauty here is how adaptable it is to your sweetness preferences or dietary needs without losing that signature peanut buttery goodness.

Nut-free version: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if you have a nut allergy—I’ve tried it and honestly didn’t miss the peanuts much at all.
Extra chocolate: Add a drizzle of fudge sauce between layers or sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top for a chocolate lover’s dream.
More crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or pretzels into the peanut butter layer for added texture; I find this makes the dessert even more fun to eat.
Low sugar: Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduce powdered sugar to suit your taste. Just be sure to taste as you go.

How to Make Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing those 36 original Oreo cookies into fine crumbs—you can toss them in a food processor or put them in a zip-top bag and bash with a rolling pin. Then, pour in 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and mix until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch dish. A flat-bottomed glass works wonders for packing it down tight, which helps the crust hold together when you slice into the finished layers.

Step 2: Make the First Layer – Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Delight

In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Next, add 1 cup peanut butter and beat everything together until well combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed Cool Whip to keep it light and fluffy. Spread this creamy, dreamy layer evenly over your chilled Oreo crust—this layer is where all the magic of peanut butter happens!

Step 3: Prepare the Second Layer – Chocolate Pudding

In another mixing bowl, whisk together two packages of dry chocolate instant pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Pour this smooth, velvety pudding over your peanut butter layer, spreading it carefully to avoid disturbing the layers. Refrigerate at least 10 minutes to set nicely before moving on.

Step 4: Top It Off with More Cool Whip

Finally, spread 2 cups of Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer to finish off this layered beauty. This topping adds that light, creamy texture that really balances the dense richness below. At this point, cover your lasagna with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait—trust me, the flavors meld beautifully.”

How to Serve Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe

The image shows ingredients for a dessert laid out on a white marbled surface. There are many whole chocolate sandwich cookies stacked loose in the center. To the upper left, there are two small brown paper bags filled with cocoa powder. Below them, a small stick of butter is wrapped in paper. A half cup of smooth peanut butter placed in a metal measuring cup is near the cookies. To the upper center is a block of cream cheese on foil, and to the upper right is a glass jar filled with powdered sugar. At the bottom left, a white bowl holds a swirl of smooth white whipped cream. Finally, on the bottom right, a clear glass measuring cup contains white milk. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I’m ready to serve, I love adding some fun garnishes on top. Mini Reese’s, peanut butter chips, and mini chocolate chips bring pops of texture and extra peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Sometimes, I drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate syrup for a luscious finish that makes it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dessert does such a great job standing on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full treat, pair it with fresh strawberries or a simple vanilla bean ice cream. I’ve found that a cup of coffee alongside really makes the peanut butter and chocolate notes pop perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a birthday or special occasion, I’ve layered this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe in individual glass jars for a cute, portable presentation. Another idea is using clear trifle bowls to show off all the delicious layers—guests always admire how beautiful and decadent it looks before the first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them covered tightly in the fridge. I find plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface helps keep the layers fresh and moist without any drying out over a few days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe once or twice and it works pretty well, but I recommend freezing it without the Cool Whip topping. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh Cool Whip on top when ready to serve—this keeps the texture just right.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so rather than reheating, I just let leftovers sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften up a bit before enjoying. It keeps the creamy texture intact and you get all those lovely peanut butter and chocolate flavors without losing any of the refreshing chill.

FAQs

Can I make peanut butter lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe actually benefits from some resting time in the fridge—it helps the layers set and flavors meld together beautifully. I usually prepare it the night before serving.
Is peanut butter lasagna gluten-free?

Not as written, because Oreos contain gluten. But you can substitute gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to make this Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

You can, but natural peanut butter tends to separate and be a bit runnier. I recommend stirring it well and chilling the peanut butter layer so it firms up nicely before adding the pudding.
Can I make this dairy-free?

It’s a bit tricky because cream cheese, Cool Whip, and instant pudding usually contain dairy. You might experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives, but the texture and flavor will differ from the classic version.
How long will leftover peanut butter lasagna last in the fridge?

Stored properly covered, it should last about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for freshness before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Lasagna Recipe holds a special spot in my dessert repertoire because it’s simple, no-fuss, and deliciously rich without being overwhelming. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for seconds—or even the recipe! I hope you give it a try and find just as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to when you want a little peanut butter indulgence with minimal effort. Enjoy every creamy, crunchy, chocolatey bite!