Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert (Dream Bar Recipe)
Ingredients
- 16 ozpeanut butter sandwich cookies
), crushed (reserve 8 to 9 cookies to crush for topping
- 8 tbspunsalted butter
), melted (½ cup
- 1 ½ cmilk
- 3 ⅞ ozinstant chocolate pudding
- 4 ozcream cheese
softened
- ½ cpowdered sugar
- ½ ccreamy peanut butter
- 8 ozcool whip
- ½ cmilk chocolate chips
- ½ cpeanut butter chips
- reserved peanut butter sandwich cookies
crushed
Directions
For the crust
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8x8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- 2
Using a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies and the melted butter. Stir cookie base ingredients to completely coat all the crumbs.
- 3
Press crumb mixture into the bottom of pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the baked crust to cool completely.
For the chocolate pudding layer
- 1
Using a small bowl and a handheld electric mixer on medium speed or a wire whisk, beat together the chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Continue mixing until the pudding is thickened.
- 2
Use either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, evenly spread the chocolate layer over the cooled crust. Set it in the refrigerator while you make the peanut butter layer.
For the peanut butter cream cheese layer
- 1
Using a medium bowl and a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth.
- 2
Add the creamy peanut butter and continue mixing on medium-high for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until smooth.
- 3
Reduce the mixer speed to low, slowly add in the confectioners' sugar and continue to mix until completely incorporated.
- 4
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and evenly spread the peanut butter mixture over the top of the chocolate pudding layer.
- 5
Top the peanut butter layer with the 8-ounce tub of whipped topping.
- 6
Evenly sprinkle peanut butter and milk chocolate chips over the whipped topping.
- 7
Evenly sprinkle the crushed sandwich cookies over the peanut butter and chocolate chips.
- 8
Return the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.
- 9
Cut the dessert into 2-inch x 2-inch squares.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert (Dream Bar Recipe)
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter? This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert, often called Dream Bars, delivers an utterly sinfully delicious experience that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes these Peanut Butter Dream Bars truly special is the thoughtful layering. You start with a robust base of crushed peanut butter sandwich cookies, topped with a wonderfully fluffy layer of cream cheese and creamy peanut butter. This is all crowned with smooth chocolate pudding and a final flourish of Cool Whip, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible.
Prepare for a dessert that’s rich, decadent, and intensely satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful contrast: the subtle crunch of the cookie base gives way to the airy, sweet-savory tang of the peanut butter cream cheese layer, all complemented by the cool, velvety chocolate pudding. The Cool Whip adds a light, refreshing finish, making these bars surprisingly balanced despite their indulgence. While it does take some time for the layers to set properly, the hands-on prep is quick and straightforward, culminating in a dessert that tastes far more complex than the effort involved. Each generous serving clocks in at 522 calories, making it a true treat.
These dream bars are incredibly versatile. For a different base, consider using crushed chocolate wafers or even graham crackers if peanut butter sandwich cookies aren't on hand. You can also experiment with the topping chips – white chocolate chips or even dark chocolate chips would be delicious additions alongside or instead of the milk chocolate and peanut butter chips. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts could add another layer of texture.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a truly special treat. Serve them chilled, garnished with the reserved crushed cookies and extra chocolate and peanut butter chips, for a beautiful presentation that hints at the deliciousness within.