Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna Recipe

If you love the nostalgic combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and creamy layers in a dessert that practically begs you to grab a fork, then this Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna will make your heart (and tastebuds) sing. Imagine silky chocolate pudding, tangy cream cheese, a whirlwind of whipped topping, and those iconic Nutter Butter cookies all stacked into layers of pure joy. With every scoop, you’ll bite into a delightful medley that’s crunchy, creamy, and decadently peanut buttery—each element plays a unique role in creating a dessert lasagna you’ll want to share at every celebration… though you might secretly hope there’s enough left for breakfast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna is how a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create layers of irresistible flavor and texture. Each item adds a special touch, from the rich cream cheese to the iconic cookie crunch.

• Nutter Butter cookies: Serve as the cookie “noodle” base and add a signature crunchy peanut flavor that holds the whole dessert together.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Softened cream cheese brings lusciousness and tang, blending smoothly into the sweetened layer.
• Powdered sugar (1 ⅓ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese without any grit, so your filling is silky smooth.
• Frozen whipped topping (3 cups, thawed): Adds airy lightness throughout every bite and acts as the perfect finishing layer.
• Chocolate pudding mix (5.9 ounces): The quick-mix hero that delivers that classic, chocolatey depth we all crave in a dessert lasagna.
• Milk (3 cups): Essential for transforming the pudding mix into a plush, thick layer; skim or whole both work here.
• Peanut butter (½ cup): The star of the drizzle, adding creamy richness right on top with its unmistakable nutty taste.

How to Make Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Cookie Foundation

Start by arranging a generous layer of Nutter Butter cookies on the bottom of your 9×13 casserole dish. This creates a solid, flavorful base that will soak up flavors while providing that satisfying peanutty crunch in every forkful of Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat together the room temperature cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is velvety smooth—no lumps allowed! Gently fold in half of your whipped topping, so the filling turns light and pillowy. This layer brings a sweet tang that perfectly balances the dessert.

Step 3: Smooth on the Cream Cheese

Add this luscious mixture in dollops over your waiting cookie layer. Next, use a spatula to carefully spread it into an even layer, pressing gently so it nestles into the nooks and crannies between the cookies. This step locks in that dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 4: Mix Up the Chocolate Pudding

In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 5 minutes, or follow your box’s instructions. You’re aiming for a thick, billowy pudding that will hold its shape in the next indulgent layer of your Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

Step 5: Add the Pudding Layer

Spoon the rich chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it gently corner to corner. This is where the dessert truly starts to resemble a sweet lasagna, with each layer adding more anticipation!

Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping

Take the rest of your whipped topping and spread it evenly across the chocolate pudding. This final creamy layer adds a cool, cloudlike finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Step 7: Sprinkle with Crushed Cookies

Place the remaining Nutter Butter cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the heel of your hand. Scatter these golden crumbs all over the whipped topping—these bits will provide the delightful crunchy contrast that makes Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna so unforgettable.

Step 8: Drizzle with Peanut Butter

Scoop your peanut butter into a small microwave-safe bowl, heating it for about 30 seconds or until just melted. After a short cool-down, pour the melted peanut butter into a piping bag (or a zip bag with the tip cut), then unleash your inner artist and drizzle it all over those cookie crumbles on top.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Let your masterpiece set up in the refrigerator until the peanut butter on top has re-solidified. For the absolute best texture—where the cookies soften but don’t get mushy—cover the pan and chill overnight. The wait is worth it for the ultimate Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna experience!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, garnish with an extra dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or even some extra Nutter Butter cookie halves pressed upright into the dessert. Freshly sliced bananas or a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts never hurt, either—extra crunch and classic flavors for the win!

Side Dishes

This dessert is delightfully rich, so keep side dishes light and refreshing. Serve alongside fresh berries for a juicy contrast, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence, or a cool glass of milk or iced coffee to balance the sweetness. Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna truly shines as the star of any potluck or party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna is perfect in a big family-style casserole, but you can also scoop it into individual mason jars for picnics, use parfait glasses for a fancy dinner, or make mini versions in muffin tins for adorable, pre-portioned treats. However you present it, those gorgeous layers always steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually improve as the cookies soften up, creating the ideal “lasagna” effect, but beware—it’s such a hit, you may not have leftovers for long!

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Assemble the Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna as instructed, cover it well, and freeze for up to one month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; the texture will be slightly softer, but the flavors stay deliciously intact.

Reheating

This is a chilled dessert, so there’s no need to reheat! If you’ve frozen it, just slice and let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to take the chill off before serving. The layers will be perfectly soft and ready to enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie if I don’t have Nutter Butters?

Absolutely! While Nutter Butters are the signature choice for that extra peanut butter punch, any peanut butter sandwich cookie works, or even graham crackers in a pinch. Just know that swapping them out will slightly change the flavor profile, but the spirit of Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna will live on.

Can I make Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free peanut butter cookies and check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. All other ingredients should be safe, making this an easy dessert to adapt for your gluten-free friends and family.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the peanut butter?

No worries at all! You can use a small zip-top bag with a corner cut off, or even just drizzle the melted peanut butter with a spoon. The goal is that beautiful, glossy peanut butter finish—no fancy tools required for Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?

This dessert is best when chilled overnight, but you can assemble it up to 2 days in advance. The longer the cookies have to soften, the more cohesive and dreamy each layer becomes.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Homemade whipped cream is a tasty option! Just whip about 1 ½ cups of cold heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and use it in place of the whipped topping. It brings a fresher, less sweet flavor to your Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably magical about this Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna—the way it layers up childhood memories, party-worthy flavors, and a touch of whimsy with every slice. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a birthday bash, or just because you need a treat, I hope you’ll dive in and make this recipe your own. Give it a try and prepare to watch every last crumb disappear!

Print