Introduction

This no bake chocolate peanut butter cake is a luscious, creamy dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. It combines layers of graham crackers, peanut butter mousse, whipped cream, and rich fudge for an irresistible treat. Easy to assemble and chilling to perfection, it’s a great cake to prepare ahead of time.

A square layered cake sits on a white plate with a gold fork resting beside it. The cake consists of five layers starting with a dark brown chocolate crumb layer at the bottom, followed by a creamy peanut butter layer with bits of chocolate, then a second dark brown chocolate crumb layer, a thick white creamy layer, and topped with a generous layer of dark chocolate crumbs and small dark chocolate chips. On the very top, there is a halved chocolate peanut butter cup resting at an angle. The background is a white marbled texture with blurred chocolate cakes and glass bottles in soft focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup powdered sugar

1½ tsp vanilla extract

16 Reese’s peanut butter cups (full size, coarsely chopped)

1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

18 chocolate graham crackers (or regular if preferred)

½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for layering)

1½ cups hot fudge sauce

6 Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut in half)

Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth.

Step 2: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined. Stir in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip 1½ cups cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: In another chilled bowl, whip the remaining 1½ cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until stiff peaks form to prepare the whipped cream layer.

Step 5: Place the chocolate graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and mix in melted butter and granulated sugar to make the crumble.

Step 6: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, lay a single layer of graham crackers across the bottom, breaking as needed to fill gaps.

Step 7: Spread a thin layer of hot fudge sauce over the cracker layer, then top with a layer of peanut butter mousse.

Step 8: Add another single layer of graham crackers, followed by another thin layer of hot fudge sauce and peanut butter mousse.

Step 9: Add a final layer of graham crackers, then spread the whipped cream evenly on top.

Step 10: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumble and mini chocolate chips over the whipped cream.

Step 11: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the graham crackers to soften and create a cake-like texture.

Step 12: Just before serving, garnish with halved Reese’s peanut butter cups and optionally drizzle with melted peanut butter and fudge sauce. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.

Step 13: Serve chilled and enjoy your rich, no bake chocolate peanut butter cake!

Tips & Variations

For an extra chocolate punch, add a layer of chocolate ganache or sprinkle cocoa powder between layers.

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the mousse.

Substitute regular chocolate chips if mini chips are unavailable.

To make it nut-free, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts garnish.

Allow the cake to chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of peanut butter?

Yes, creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth mousse, but you can use crunchy for added texture or natural peanut butter, just ensure it’s well stirred and smooth.

Do I have to use Reese’s peanut butter cups?

No, you can substitute with any peanut butter candy or chopped chocolate for a similar flavor and texture, but Reese’s adds a classic, rich peanut butter-chocolate taste.