Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

These NO BAKE Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a heavenly layered dessert that combines peanut butter sandwich cookies, chocolate pudding, a creamy peanut butter & cream cheese layer, and a fluffy topping of Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream. Finished with cookie crumbs and chocolate-peanut butter chips, they are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth!

Ingredients

• Crust:
  • 16 oz peanut butter sandwich cookies (Nutter Butters), divided
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer:
  • 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Cool Whip (from 8 oz), divided
• Chocolate Pudding Layer:
  • 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding
  • 1 ½ cups milk
• Topping:
  • Remaining 7 oz Cool Whip
  • ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup peanut butter chips
  • Remaining cookies, broken

Instructions

1. Prepare Crust:
   • Finely crush 20 cookies using a blender or food processor.
   • Melt butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl.
   • Mix crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined.
   • Press mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to set.
2. Make Chocolate Pudding:
   • Combine pudding mix with 1 ½ cups milk in a small bowl.
   • Refrigerate to allow it to set.
3. Prepare Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Layer:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip until blended.
4. Assemble Layers:
   • Spread dollops of cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust evenly.
   • Layer dollops of chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese and gently spread.
   • Spread remaining Cool Whip evenly over pudding.
5. Set and Decorate:
   • Refrigerate for 2 hours, then freeze for 30 minutes for easier slicing.
   • Break remaining cookies in a plastic bag and sprinkle over top with chocolate and peanut butter chips just before serving.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving: Slice into neat squares for individual servings. Ideal as a party dessert or after-dinner treat.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 1 month if you want them extra firm.

Variations

1. Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and use nut-free sandwich cookies.
2. Dark Chocolate Lover: Use dark chocolate pudding and chips instead of milk chocolate.
3. Extra Crunch: Add chopped roasted peanuts to the cream cheese layer.
4. Mini Bars: Make in a 9×9 pan and cut into bite-sized squares.
5. Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over Cool Whip layer.
6. Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl additional peanut butter over the chocolate pudding before topping.
7. Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer and sprinkle crushed mint candies on top.
8. Nutella Delight: Replace peanut butter with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
9. Oreo Base: Use Oreo cookies instead of Nutter Butters for a chocolatey crust.
10. Banana Layer: Add sliced bananas between the cream cheese and chocolate pudding layers.
11. Coffee Kick: Mix 1 tsp instant espresso powder into the chocolate pudding.
12. Marshmallow Topping: Fold mini marshmallows into the Cool Whip topping.
13. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm ganache instead of chips on top.
14. Berry Explosion: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries on top before serving.
15. Crunchy Pretzel: Top with crushed pretzels for sweet and salty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   • Yes! They taste even better after chilling overnight.
2. Do I have to use Cool Whip?
   • You can use stabilized whipped cream or homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   • Yes, it adds extra texture to the cream cheese layer.
4. Is it safe to freeze these bars?
   • Absolutely! Freeze for up to a month and thaw in the fridge before serving.
5. Can I use different cookies for the crust?
   • Yes, any peanut butter or chocolate sandwich cookie works.
6. How do I get neat slices?
   • Chill or slightly freeze before slicing. Use a hot knife for cleaner cuts.
7. Can I make these gluten-free?
   • Substitute with gluten-free sandwich cookies and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients.
9. Do I need to crush all cookies for the topping?
   • No, just break them roughly for a crunchy, rustic look.
10. Can I replace peanut butter chips?
    • Yes, use chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or mini M&Ms for variety.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a decadent, no-bake dessert that combines the perfect balance of chocolate, peanut butter, and creamy layers. With a crunchy cookie crust, a rich chocolate pudding layer, and a fluffy peanut butter-cream cheese topping, these bars are simple to make but feel fancy enough for any occasion.

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