Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bars because they’re simple to make yet taste like something from a bakery. The texture combination is unbeatable—the buttery crust holds a creamy peanut butter cheesecake-like filling, while the chocolate layer adds the perfect touch of richness. They’re no-bake-friendly (with an optional baked crust for stability), and I can make them ahead of time, which makes them a great dessert for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• 16-ounce package peanut butter sandwich cookies (reserve 8–9 cookies for topping)

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1½ cups milk

• 3.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding

For the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Layer:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

For the Whipped Topping Layer:

• 8-ounce tub Cool Whip (thawed)

• ½ cup milk chocolate chips

• ½ cup peanut butter chips

• Reserved crushed peanut butter sandwich cookies

Directions

For the Crust

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F and lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. In a small mixing bowl, I stir together the crushed peanut butter cookies and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.

3. I press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Then, I let it cool completely. (If I’m in a hurry, I skip baking—the crust just stays a bit softer.)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer

4. In a bowl, I whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.

5. I spread the pudding evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate the dish while I prepare the next layer.

For the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Layer

6. In another bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute.

7. I add the peanut butter and continue mixing until creamy and well-blended.

8. On low speed, I slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.

9. I spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.

For the Whipped Topping Layer

10. I spread the whipped topping over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.

11. I sprinkle the milk chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and crushed cookies evenly over the top.

12. I refrigerate the dish for at least 2 hours before slicing into 2×2-inch squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 bars. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to bake, and 2 hours to chill, for a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes use crushed Oreos for the crust instead of peanut butter cookies for a stronger chocolate flavor.

• Adding a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top makes the presentation extra special.

• For a nutty twist, I mix chopped peanuts into the whipped topping before spreading it on.

• I’ve also made this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan for larger gatherings—just double the ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re best served cold, straight from the fridge. I can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I don’t reheat them since they’re meant to be chilled and creamy.

FAQs

Do I have to bake the crust?

No, baking is optional. I prefer baking it because it holds together better, but it will still taste great if I skip this step.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, I whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form—it gives a fresh, airy texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make them the day before serving, keep them chilled, and they’re perfect when I’m ready to serve.

What kind of peanut butter works best?

I always use creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can separate and change the texture.

How do I keep clean layers when slicing?

I use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, even squares. Chilling the bars well before slicing also helps.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Dream Bars truly live up to their name—they’re creamy, rich, and dreamy in every bite. The combination of buttery crust, chocolate pudding, and peanut butter filling makes them irresistible. I love how easy they are to assemble and how well they hold up for parties or family gatherings. Every time I make them, they disappear fast—proof that this dessert is a peanut butter lover’s dream come true.

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