Peanut Butter Crunch Lasagna

A decadent, no-bake dessert that layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a fluffy peanut butter filling, rich melted chocolate, pillowy mini marshmallows, and a generous crunch of roasted peanuts. This chilled treat is like a cross between a peanut butter cup, rocky road, and classic lasagna—sweet, creamy, crunchy, and impossible to resist. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a serious peanut butter fix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another dessert—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Inspired by retro fridge pies and childhood favorites, this layered “lasagna” skips the oven entirely and comes together in minutes. With its dreamy texture contrast—crisp crust, cloud-like filling, gooey chocolate, and nutty crunch—it's a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour.

Perfect for:

  • Holiday gatherings and game-day spreads
  • Make-ahead desserts and freezer-friendly treats
  • Fans of Reese’s, s’mores, or banana pudding
  • Peanut butter lovers (obviously!)

🥜 "I made this for my son’s birthday," said one home cook. "He said it tasted like 'peanut butter heaven'!"

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Layer

  • 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural/oily style)
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480ml) whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 cup (30g) mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup (120g) crushed peanuts (roasted, salted or unsalted)

✅ Optional Upgrades:

  • Drizzle of caramel sauce before serving
  • Sprinkle of sea salt over chocolate layer
  • Chocolate sandwich cookie crust instead of graham crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

In a bowl:

  • Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened—should clump when pressed.
  • Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish using the back of a spoon or flat glass.
  • Chill in the refrigerator while making the filling (~10 mins).

✅ Pro Tip: For extra crunch, pre-bake crust at 350°F for 8–10 mins (optional).

2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl:

  • Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  • Gently fold in whipped topping with a spatula until light, fluffy, and no streaks remain.

✅ Don’t overmix —folding preserves the airy texture.

3. Assemble the Layers

  • Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate in zig-zags across the top.
  • Scatter mini marshmallows and crushed peanuts evenly over the chocolate.

✅ Want swirls? Use a knife to gently marble the chocolate through the filling.

4. Chill Until Set

  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • The longer it chills, the firmer and more sliceable it becomes.

5. Serve Cold & Creamy

  • Cut into squares with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.
  • Serve well-chilled.

Enjoy as:

  • A standalone dessert
  • With extra whipped cream or a drizzle of warm peanut butter
  • Alongside coffee, milk, or hot cocoa

✅ Leftovers? Store covered in the fridge—they stay fresh and delicious for days!

You Must Know

  • Use shelf-stable peanut butter —natural oils can separate and make the filling greasy.
  • Chill thoroughly —warm slices may fall apart.
  • Fold, don’t stir —keeps the filling light and fluffy.
  • Tastes better the next day! Flavors deepen and texture firms up.
  • Freezer-friendly? Best fresh—but freeze unfrosted layers up to 3 months.

Storage Tips

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Do not freeze once assembled—the marshmallows may become sticky upon thawing.
  • Freeze crust and filling separately if desired; assemble and add toppings when ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

Graham crackers
Digestive biscuits, Oreos (filling removed), or GF cookies
Flavor variations
Whipped topping
Homemade whipped cream
More natural, less sweet
Peanut butter
Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or Biscoff
Allergy-friendly options
Chocolate chips
Dark, milk, or white chocolate
For different sweetness levels
Butter
Ghee or plant-based butter
Slight flavor change

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve family-style on a cake stand with candles.
  • Great for potlucks—bring the whole pan!
  • Double the batch and freeze half for future celebrations.
  • Pair with fruit salad or lemon bars.

Cultural Context

Rooted in American mid-century convenience cooking and vintage Jell-O mold traditions, this recipe celebrates how simple ingredients—crackers, peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows—can become something deeply satisfying. Found at church suppers, school fundraisers, and creative kitchens alike, it honors the joy of sharing handmade sweetness.

Pro Tips

  • Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd.
  • Want more tang? Add a splash of lemon juice to the filling.
  • Make ahead: Assemble 1–2 days ahead. Chill until serving.
  • Label your dish: People will ask for the recipe.
  • Say “ready?” before serving —it’s part of the ritual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Not recommended—it contains oil that can make the filling runny. Stick to commercial brands like Jif or Skippy.

Q: Why did my filling turn out grainy?
A: Likely due to lumpy powdered sugar. Always sift before mixing.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Only if using GF graham crackers and verifying all ingredients.

Q: Can I make individual servings?
A: Yes! Layer in parfait glasses or mason jars for cute mini desserts.

Q: Can I air fry leftovers?
A: No—but reheat briefly in microwave (5 secs) to soften center.

Allergy Information

Contains: dairy (butter, whipped topping), wheat (in graham crackers), peanuts.
Gluten-free option: Use certified GF cookies.
Nut-free: Not safe for nut allergies—use sunflower seed butter and omit peanuts.
Always check labels—especially on processed toppings and chocolates.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 12 servings

  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Sodium: 380mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and substitutions. Not intended as medical advice.

Final Thought: This dessert doesn’t shout. It emerges cold from the fridge, creamy and inviting, saying everything a great treat should: “Slice me slow. Share me. This is good.” That’s how the best ones begin—not with silence, but with peanut, passion, and someone who says, “Let’s make it together.”