Description
Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a luscious layered dessert combining a crispy graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter layer, rich chocolate pudding, and light whipped topping. Perfectly balanced for a sweet treat that’s easy to make and ideal for gatherings or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Whipped Topping:
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped peanut butter cups
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese using a mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps. Spread this peanut butter layer evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Pour and spread the pudding layer evenly over the peanut butter layer, taking care not to mix the layers.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Top the pudding layer with the whipped topping, spreading it out into an even layer for a light and creamy finish.
- Chill and Garnish: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the layers are set. Just before serving, garnish with your choice of chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate shavings, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Bars can be prepared a day in advance and kept chilled to enhance flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the peanut butter layer.
- Use cold milk when making pudding to help it thicken quickly and properly.
