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Home » Recipes » Desserts (All) » Misc. Desserts » No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

November 21, 2020 65 Comments

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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna, an easy chocolate lasagna dessert recipe perfect year-round! This dessert lasagna recipe has a layer of homemade peanut butter filling and a layer of homemade chocolate filling with layers of graham crackers that turn almost cake-like. Easy ingredients and easy to make! Also known as an icebox cake or refrigerator cake, this chocolate and peanut butter lasagna is the best dessert for a crowd since it’s delicious and makes a lot. The best!

(For your shopping convenience, this post contains affiliate links.)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna on plate

Thist No-Bake Peanut Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna recipe FAR exceeded my expectations when I first made it years ago. So much, in fact, I had to send most of it to work with my husband at the time before I ate it all. This layered no-bake chocolate lasagna dessert is the perfect potluck, holiday, Christmas, or anytime dessert recipe!

slice of peanut butter lasagna on plate

I know there are lots of chocolate lasagna recipes out there, but most don’t include peanut butter or at least didn’t when I first came up with this recipe. I thought about making a peanut butter lasagna recipe with no chocolate. but thought that might be a tad too much peanut butter. Chocolate and peanut butter recipes are one of my favorite combos so had to go with both!

Ohhh how I love chocolate and peanut butter don’t you? I have so many favorite chocolate and peanut recipes such as my Chocolate Peanut Butter Magic Bars, Chunky Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies, this super popular Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake, and of course this chocolate lasagna recipe.

What is a Dessert Lasagna

Yes, I know dessert lasagna is not really like traditional pasta lasagna recipe so don’t send me hate mail. However, dessert lasagnas have layers. What’s in the layers can vary but definitely some sweet fillings.

Besides the sweet fillings, dessert lasagna generally has other layers of cookies (such as wafers or Oreos), sweet crackers, graham crackers, or something like that. When these “lasagnas” are refrigerated the cookie/cracker layer softens and becomes cake-like. So these graham crackers in this recipe almost taste like an easy graham cracker cake.

You may also know these type of desserts as “icebox cakes”, “refrigerator cake”, “graham cracker cake”, “graham cracker icebox cake”, or something along those lines.

ingredients for dessert lasagna

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

There are only 9 ingredients in this chocolate lasagna recipe so it’s quick and easy! All the ingredients should be easy to find at your local grocery store.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna Ingredients

  • Mini chocolate chips – I think the mini chips work best but you could use chopped chocolate or regular chocolate chips and semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate.
  • Milk – Fat-free worked fine, but you could also use 2% or whole. I haven’t tried milk substitutes like almond milk or coconut milk, but they might work.
  • Chocolate graham crackers – I used chocolate graham crackers but you could also use regular honey graham crackers. I do not recommend the cinnamon sugar ones.
  • Cream cheese – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so you don’t have lumps in your filling.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix – Make sure you get the INSTANT pudding mix and not the cook version. You could really use any flavor of pudding you’d like.
  • Peanut butter – I think smooth peanut butter works best but you could use chunky. I would not recommend using a natural type of peanut butter but instead, use something like Skippy or Jif for the best results.
  • Instant chocolate pudding mix – Again, make sure you get the instant mix and you could substitute any flavor.
  • Whipped topping – I think this would work better than whipped cream and hold up better. Be sure to defrost it before using.
  • Peanuts – I like the lightly salted peanuts but you could use unsalted.

How to Make a Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

(Full printable recipe card is at bottom of post.)

chocolate sauce in bowl

  1. MAKE CHOCOLATE SAUCE (for the chocolate layer). Microwave some of the chocolate chips and milk, stir. Cool.

graham crackers in 13x9 inch baking dish

2.  LAYER GRAHAM CRACKERS. Place 1/3 of graham crackers in the bottom of 13×9-inch baking dish (make sure your pan is deep so it can fit all the layers)

I broke my graham crackers into quarters, but you really don’t need to. The graham crackers get soft (almost cake-like) with the filling so you could use full sheets of graham crackers then break some apart to fill in the edges. Do NOT worry if the pan is not completely covered in graham crackers, just spread them out a bit.

peanut butter filling in bowl

3. MAKE PEANUT BUTTER LAYER. Beat cream cheese, then add vanilla pudding mix and peanut butter. Slowly add milk. Spread over graham crackers.

VERY IMPORTANT, make sure your cream cheese is soft and at room temperature. Otherwise, the cream cheese and peanut butter filling will be lumpy when you try to mix everything together. Also while making the peanut butter filling, be sure to add the milk very SLOWLY to help prevent lumps as well.

layers of lasagna in pan with chocolate graham crackers, chocolate filling, and peanut butter filling

4. LAYER OF GRAHAM CRACKERS. Place another 1/3 of graham crackers into a single layer on top of peanut butter filling.

 

5. PREPARE CHOCOLATE LAYER. Beat cream cheese, then slowly beat in chocolate pudding mix, chocolate sauce, and milk. Spread on top of graham crackers.

Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature and add the milk slowly. Also, make sure your chocolate sauce is completely cool before adding.

 

6. LAYER OF GRAHAM CRACKERS. Place another 1/3 of graham crackers into a single layer on top of chocolate filling. Spread whipped topping on top of crackers. Sprinkle chocolate chips and peanuts on top.

When you add the last layer of graham crackers, push down slightly if you need to make room for the whipped topping. This Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna may go all the way to the top of your pan that’s why I strongly recommend a deep pan.

 

7. REFRIGERATE. Cover and refrigerate.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil being careful it doesn’t stick to the top. Refrigerate the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna at least 4-6 hours or overnight. You really DO need to let this sit in the fridge for the filling to thicken and for the graham crackers to get soft.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna in pan with whipped topping, chocolate chips, and peanuts

Serving Suggestions

  • Be sure to keep this lasagna in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • This dessert lasagna is fairly decadent so small pieces are probably more than enough.
  • Serve with coffee or hot chocolate (like this peanut butter hot chocolate), or even your favorite chocolate cocktail (like these cute Chocolate Cake Shots).
  • A drizzle of chocolate sauce or even raspberry, strawberry, or cherry on the plate would be a nice garnish.

dessert lasagna in baking dish

Quick Tips for Best Results

  • Be sure to keep the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or better yet overnight. The graham crackers need time to soften and become “cake-like”.
  • When you’re cutting the lasagna into slices, you might want to clean your knife in between slices so that the layers don’t get too messy.
  • This is a fairly soft dessert, so I would recommend using a big spatula to lift the lasagna out of the pan onto serving plates.

slice of dessert lasagna on plate

FAQ

How should I store the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna?
Store lightly covered in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this dessert lasagna?
No, I would not recommend freezing it.

How long will the lasagna last?
It will last at least a few days in the fridge, but probably more like a week. The longer it sits though the “mushier” it gets.

Substitutions?
You can use any flavor of pudding you’d like. Be sure you use INSTANT pudding though. You can also use regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate instead of mini chips.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can use low-fat milk. You could probably use light cream cheese but just make sure it’s fairly firm for best results so your layers aren’t too soupy.

What else can I add to this recipe?
You could add toffee chips or chopped candy. You could also use flavored extracts in the chocolate and/or peanut butter layers.

Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.

Vegan – This would be a tough one to make vegan but you can try using vegan ingredients including a cream cheese substitute.

Vegetarian – It’s vegetarian. Be sure to check individual brands/products just to be sure though.

Low-Carb – You can try a lower sugar pudding mix, low carb crackers/cookies, and sugar-free whipped topping for a slightly lower carb version.

Gluten-Free -Try a gluten-free cookie or cracker for the graham crackers.

close up of peanut butter lasagna on plate

Other Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipes You May Enjoy

  • Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Cookie Poppers – A fun sandwich cookie with a secret ingredient.
  • Mini Buckeye Cheesecakes  – These little cheesecakes are full of chocolate and peanut butter.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – Another delicious no-bake dessert idea!
  • Buckeye Thumbprint Cookies – These have become a family and reader favorite.
  • Crack Bars – An easy candy recipe with chocolate graham crackers and peanut butter chips.

lasagna on plate next to plates and forks

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna Video

Check out the video for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna to see how easy it is to put together…

 

Hope you enjoy this easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna recipe! It’s the perfect holiday, Christmas, or potluck dessert since you can make it ahead and it feeds a lot!

Be sure to check out my Potluck Desserts for more great easy recipes. You might also like these no-bake Dipped Oreo Ice Cream Pops! This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake is also a reader favorite!

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Print Pin it!
4.47 from 15 votes

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna

Easy No-Bake chocolate and peanut butter layered dessert like an icebox cake. Be sure to make ahead so the dessert lasagna can set up in the fridge. 
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 24
Author Lisa Huff

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz.) package mini chocolate chips divided
  • 3 1/2 cups milk divided
  • 1 (~14 oz.) box chocolate graham crackers
  • 2 (8 oz.) blocks cream cheese room temperature, divided
  • 1 (~3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 (~3.4 oz.) package instant chocolate pudding
  • 1 (12 oz.) tub frozen whipped topping defrosted
  • 1 cup peanuts chopped

Instructions

  • Place half of chocolate chips (6 oz) and 1/4 cup of milk in small bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth, set aside to cool.
  • Place 1/3 of graham crackers into a single layer in the bottom of a deep 13x9-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare peanut butter layer. Place 1 (8oz.) block cream cheese in large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla instant pudding mix and peanut butter until smooth. Very slowly add in 1 3/4 cups of milk while beating until well mixed and smooth. Spread mixture on top of graham crackers in baking dish.
  • Place another 1/3 of graham crackers into a single layer on top of peanut butter filling.
  • Prepare chocolate filling. Place remaining 1 (8oz.) block of cream cheese in large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Slowly beat in chocolate pudding mix, cooled chocolate sauce, and remaining 1 1/2 cups milk until smooth. Spread mixture on top of graham crackers in baking dish.
  • Place remaining 1/3 of graham crackers into a single layer on top of chocolate layer. Spread whipped topping on top of graham crackers. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips then peanuts on top of whipped topping.
  • Cover and refrigerate chocolate lasagna for at least 4-6 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

SNAPPY TIPS: Use a deep 13x9-inch baking dish to make sure all layers fit. Be sure to let the dessert sit in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours to the layers can thicken and the graham crackers can soften to a cake like consistency.
SNAPPY SUBSTITUTIONS: Instead of mini chocolate chips, you could use chopped chocolate or regular chocolate chips and semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate. You can substitute any kind of nut butter and/or nuts for the peanut butter and peanuts.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade peanut butter and chocolate dessert, no bake dessert
Did you try this recipe?Tag @SnappyGourmet or #SnappyGourmet!

This post was originally published in December 2013, but updated in November 2020 with additional information.

collage of dessert lasagna

Tags: chocolate lasagna, christmas, dessert, dessert lasagna, graham crackers, no-bake, peanut butter, peanut butter lasagna, potluck, recipe Categories: Desserts (All), Misc. Desserts, Recipes

About the Author

Lisa Huff is a Cookbook Author, Freelance Recipe Developer, Food Photographer, Blogger/Writer, and award-winning home chef. She loves creating unique recipes from healthy to decadent including cocktails, appetizers, main dishes, dessert recipes and more and has appeared on various shows, publications, and websites. <More about Lisa Huff>

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lsai says

    December 31, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    My family is Gluten-free. We use Pamela’s brand gluten-free chocolate chip graham crackers. Can get them direct from Pamela’s website or their store within Amazon

    Reply
  2. MJ Fulton says

    November 22, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    We have peanut allergy. Any substitute suggestion for the peanut butter layer?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Lisa Huff says

      November 22, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      I would do another layer like the chocolate but just use a different flavor. Or if there’s another nut butter substitute you like that should work as well.

      Reply
  3. Alice says

    September 17, 2020 at 11:55 am

    Could I make this in two smaller pans and freeze one?

    Reply
    • Lisa Huff says

      September 17, 2020 at 12:19 pm

      I don’t think this would freeze well. Instead, I’d just cut the ingredients in half and make a small pan.

      Reply
  4. Bash wack says

    August 10, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Could I use caramel instead of peanut butter?

    Reply
    • Lisa Huff says

      August 10, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Hmmmm, I haven’t tried it but you probably could. Caramel isn’t as thick so I’d try to use a very thick caramel and maybe not as much.

      Reply
  5. Kim Eul says

    July 30, 2020 at 6:26 am

    This is a great looking dessert but it’s missing sweetness. The cream cheese overpowers the pudding. I absolutely hate wasting money or food but this one went in the trash. Will definitely try again but with a few additions.

    Reply
    • Lisa Huff says

      July 30, 2020 at 6:55 am

      Hmmm there’s quite a bit of sugar in the peanut butter, pudding mixes, chocolate chips, and whipped topping but if you like things extra sweet you could always add additional sugar such as powdered sugar in the layers.

      Reply
  6. Lindsay Cotter says

    May 2, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    Love how easy this is to make! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

    Reply
  7. Hadia says

    April 30, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    This looks incredibly tasty. I will save the recipe for a very special occasion! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Christy says

    April 21, 2019 at 11:25 am

    I just made this last night and followed the instructions to a tee. I just opened the fridge and the chocolate graham crackers didn’t soak up anything. Help :(

    Reply
    • Lisa Huff says

      April 21, 2019 at 1:01 pm

      They shouldn’t really be soaked, just soft and almost cake like. If you put graham crackers on top without anything on the top of them they may not be as soft as the ones between the layers.

      Reply
  9. Maggie Unzueta says

    March 4, 2019 at 1:16 am

    You’re making me hungry… I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol!

    Reply
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