This no bake chocolate peanut butter dessert features layers of crispy cornflakes mixed with peanut butter, cream cheese, and dark chocolate pudding, topped with fluffy whipped cream. It is a slice of heaven, and an easy dessert for a crowd.
When it comes to food vices, I’m more of a cheese and potato chips girl, and most of the time I’d rather finish off a delicious meal with a big glass of wine than a piece of cake or a bowl of ice cream. But this delicious and easy summer dessert is something that nobody can turn down!
I first had this amazing concoction two summers ago when we reunited with some good friends who were visiting family in Pennsylvania. We were invited to their annual 4th of July BBQ potluck, and I kept hearing whispers about a famous dessert known as “Aunt Barb’s dessert.”
When someone has a signature cookout dessert, you just know it’s going to be fantastic. Add in the fact that it contains layers of peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate, and, well, I didn’t even care about my hotdog anymore, I just wanted to dive face first into the dessert.
It did not disappoint. Before I was halfway through my first forkful, I’d renamed “Aunt Barb’s dessert” into “Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven” because that is exactly what it is. It’s a total crowd pleaser, and the ideal dessert for a potluck
I’ve had plenty of variations of chocolate and peanut butter desserts in my life, but this one is extra special. All of the flavors and textures go together so harmoniously, you can practically hear birds singing with each bite. The bottom layer is made from combining peanut butter with crushed cornflakes, which gives it a tremendously satisfying crunch.
Then you add in a layer of sweetened cream cheese for that slightly tart factor which balances out the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
Then you top it with some thick chocolate pudding (I chose dark chocolate pudding because I love the rich taste, but you could use milk chocolate instead). And finally, you cover it all with a layer of whipped topping, which gives it a beautifully light and airy quality that just takes it to that next level of heavenly perfection.
For weeks, I tried searching for the recipe online, but I couldn’t find the exact combination of ingredients that Aunt Barb had used. So I called my friend and begged her to track down the original. Thankfully she obliged, and now I have the chance to make it for myself, and share it with you! I’m not kidding — if you make this, you will be the hero of everyone in the room.
Make Ahead Tips:
You should make the chocolate pudding ahead to give it time to set, but I recommend making the rest of the dessert on the day you plan to serve it. The cornflake mixture starts to lose its crunch after about 24 hours, so keep that in mind when you’re timing everything.
It’s also best to allow 30 minutes for each layer to freeze to make it easier to spread the next layer without jumbling everything up. (BTW, “jumbling” is a very important culinary term). 🙂
Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven (Easy No Bake Dessert)
This easy chocolate peanut butter no bake dessert is a total crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 pkgs instant chocolate pudding dark or milk chocolate
- 4 c milk
- 5 1/2 c cornflakes slightly crushed
- 1 1/2 c peanut butter
- 2 8 oz pkgs pkgs cream cheese softened
- 3/4 c powdered sugar
- 3 c cool whip
- mini chocolate chips optional, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the milk and pudding mix with an electric mixer. Once smooth, put in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hr or overnight.
- For the bottom layer, mix the cornflakes and peanut butter until combined (the best way to do this is with your hands; it's messy, but effective). Spread the cornflake/pb mixture into the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish until evenly coated. Place into the freezer for 30 minutes to allow it to harden.
- While the pb mixture is setting, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup cool whip. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
- Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture over the bottom layer. Return to the freezer for 30 more minutes to set.
- After the cream cheese layer has firmed a little, spread on the chocolate pudding. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, spread on the additional 2 cups cool whip and top with mini chocolate chips.
Take this dessert to your next BBQ, and you’ll have lots of new BFFs.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I literally drooled when I saw your photos! This chocolate peanut butter dessert looks so delicious! I love too that it’s no-bake! I’m going to make it for our next cook out!!
Alyssa says
Thanks, Elaine! It’s always a hit at cook-outs. 🙂
Sondria Harp says
Peanut butter and chocolate always a winning combination and it’s no bake so great for summer. I can’t wait for my next cookout I’m going to make this.
Sara says
I am always looking for a great no bake dessert recipe! This one sounds like a keeper and sure to satisfy my craving for peanut butter!
Alyssa says
I can never get enough of the chocolate peanut butter combo.
Sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This looks positively dreamy! And you can’t beat a no-bake dessert for the summer!
Danielle says
Chocolate and peanut butter are always a winning combination and anything no bake is perfect for the summer. These look amazing.
Shelly says
My generic brand chocolate pudding calls for 2C milk for each box. So if I were making pudding, 3 boxes would be 6C milk. I just wanted to be sure it would still only need 4C for this recipie since I’m not sure if my pudding is maybe a different brand? Please help. 🙂
Alyssa says
Hi Shelly! Yes, I think the liquid for this recipe is a little less than the box instructions because it should be a little thicker than if you were making traditional pudding. I can’t remember what the instructions on my box said but I know I used less milk for this recipe than it called for on the box.
Ruth Pratt says
I microwaved the peanut butter for 30 seconds and used a wooden spoon to mix with the crushed corn flakes – worked great!
Alyssa says
That’s a great idea – thanks for sharing, Ruth!
Liz Latham says
I’ve had something similar to this except it was butterscotch. Heavenly is so right! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
Alyssa says
Yum – butterscotch would be delicious too!
Karly says
This looks delicious! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!
Amanda @ The Kolb Corner says
You can’t go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter! Thank you for sharing with us at Merry Monday!
Emily says
Yum!! This sounds so good (I love a good chocolate + peanut butter combo), and I love that it’s no-bake. Stopping by from the Weekend Retreat party.
Heather says
I am a cheese and chip girls myself, but my kids and hubby are all about the sweets, especially when chocolate and peanut butter are ivolved
Alyssa says
Yes, I almost always go for the cheese & chips, except when it comes to chocolate & pb! I grew up in Hershey, PA with a Reese’s factory nearby, so maybe that has something to do with it. 🙂
Julie says
I don’t think I would be able to quit eating this either!
Leigh says
This sounds great! I love a good no bake dessert for Summer! (Show&Tell)
Alyssa says
Me too, Leigh. Who wants to turn on an oven when it’s already hot?
Mother of 3 says
This sounds so good! I make a slightly similar dessert with an oreo/ butter crumb base that I call chocolate lasagna but I love the idea of adding peanut butter! Chocolate and pb?! YUM!
Alyssa says
I agree…peanut butter makes everything better. 🙂
Morgan says
Oh, this looks so amazing! I definitely see how this would be perfect at a family picnic! A definite crowd pleaser!
Erin says
My husband was just asking me to make something with peanut butter in it, guess I found it! Thank you.
Lee MacArthur says
Looks like a good dessert for a potluck. Thank you for sharing.
Alyssa says
It’s definitely perfect for a potluck! The guests will love you. 🙂
Crystal says
Looks amazing. I love anything with the combination of chocolate and PB! #HomeMattersParty hope to see you back!
Alyssa says
Thanks, Crystal!
Ashleigh says
Thanks for sharing this on Peace, Love, Link-up #001!
Stop on by for the next link-up, Friday the 8th and share any other projects you are working on : )
Kelly schultz says
Ok first of all I don’t understand non-dessert people!! I’d skip entree for dessert any day and sometimes do!! LOL but glad this dessert made you see the error of your ways!!! This looks A-mazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
Alyssa says
You’re welcome!! I actually used to be more a dessert person, but my husband turned me into an appetizer/cheese fan, which left no room for dessert!! 🙂
Susan Deaven says
I’m not a dessert eater but who can’t resist chocolate and peanut butter? It sounds soooo good!
Alyssa says
Chocolate and peanut butter is the world’s greatest combination.
Linda Riley says
Can’t wait to try. I love, love chocolate and peanut butter!
Alyssa says
It is SO good. It’s actually a good thing that Sydney can’t have dairy, or I’d make it way more often.
Laura @ Little Bits of Granola says
This sounds amazing! Perfect for summertime cookouts when you don’t want to heat your oven up by baking something!
Alyssa says
Thanks, Laura! It really is amazing. I don’t get excited about desserts too often, but I dreamed about this one from the day I first tasted it. 🙂