Chocolate Peanut Butter Treat

Category: Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love

With fudgy brownie layers, peanut butter pudding, airy whipped cream, and Reese’s cups, this dessert is both delicious and easy to create. It looks fancy, but it's simple to make and perfect for advance prep.

Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:06:47 GMT
A dessert with chocolate and cream layers topped with whipped cream and candy, served in a trifle dish. Pin
A dessert with chocolate and cream layers topped with whipped cream and candy, served in a trifle dish. | thefamilycooks.com

Here's a treat you won't forget - this divine dessert layers gooey brownies, smooth peanut butter pudding, airy whipped topping, and chopped peanut butter cups. Not only is this bowl of bliss super simple to throw together, but its gorgeous layered look will wow everyone at your next get-together.

The Magic Behind This Heavenly Treat

Friends, this sweet creation hits the spot with its tasty mix of salty and sweet flavors. The shortcuts like boxed pudding and premade brownie mix make prep a breeze when you're planning ahead for guests. Everyone will beg for your recipe once they see those pretty layers in the bowl.

Your Shopping List

  • Cloud-like Topping: Two cups heavy cream for that dreamy top layer.
  • Taste Enhancer: A dash of kosher salt brings everything together.
  • Smooth Foundation: Eight ounces softened cream cheese.
  • Nutty Goodness: One cup smooth peanut butter.
  • Key Components: Whole milk mixed with vanilla pudding powder.
  • Bottom Layer: Baked and cooled brownie mix of your choice.
  • Candy Mix-in: Chopped mini peanut butter cups.
  • Added Sweetness: Powdered sugar to sweeten the cream.

Putting It All Together

Begin With Topping
Beat heavy cream with sugar and salt until soft peaks form.
Create Nut Mixture
Mix cream cheese with peanut butter then stir in milk and pudding mix.
Combine Components
Set aside some whipped cream then mix the rest into your peanut butter blend.
Stack Your Creation
Layer brownies, candy pieces and filling in your serving dish.
Finishing Touches
Pop in the fridge for an hour or enjoy right away with extra toppings.
A bowl of dessert featuring layers of vanilla ice cream, chocolate chunks, raspberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce on top. Pin
A bowl of dessert featuring layers of vanilla ice cream, chocolate chunks, raspberries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce on top. | thefamilycooks.com

Tasty Variations

This bowl of goodness works with lots of changes. You might try almond butter instead, swap in chocolate pudding, or add layers of strawberries or bananas. Want some crunch? Throw in crushed pretzels or chopped nuts. A little caramel or fudge sauce on top makes it even more amazing.

Storage Tips

Your tasty creation will stay good in the fridge for around 3 days if you cover it properly. Don't try freezing it though - the texture won't be the same after thawing. You can serve it from a pretty trifle dish or make single portions in glasses for a fancy touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ How far ahead can I make it?

You can prepare it up to 12 hours in advance. The flavors blend better with time.

→ Are homemade brownies okay?

Totally! Use any brownie recipe, just let them cool off before you start layering.

→ Why should the cream cheese be soft?

Soft cream cheese mixes smoothly and avoids lumpy pudding layers.

→ Can I swap whipped cream for cool whip?

Fresh whipped cream’s better, but cool whip works as an alternative.

→ Can I make single portions?

Sure! Use clear jars or glasses to make pretty individual servings.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Treat

Layers of brownies, peanut butter pudding, cream, and Reese’s cups come together for a sweet, indulgent delight.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 12 Serves (1 large trifle)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You’ll Need

01 Cold heavy cream, 3 cups.
02 Powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons.
03 Kosher salt, split: 3/4 teaspoon.
04 Cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened.
05 Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup.
06 Whole milk, 3 cups.
07 Vanilla instant pudding mix, 5.1 oz package.
08 Double chocolate brownie mix (18 oz each), 2 prepared packages.
09 Mini peanut butter cups, chopped, 3 packages (7.6 oz each).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Whisk heavy cream until soft peaks form. Mix in powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat till stiff peaks appear. Chill it for later.

Step 02

Blend cream cheese with peanut butter till smooth. Pour in milk, pudding powder, and the remaining salt. Whip the mixture until creamy. Gently fold in most whipped cream but hold back 2 cups.

Step 03

Break brownies into chunks and save 1/2 cup for the topping. In a serving dish, layer 1 1/3 cups brownie pieces, 1 cup peanut butter candies, and 2 cups pudding mixture. Repeat the order. Spread reserved whipped cream on top and add the final brownie and candy bits.

Additional Notes

  1. Get this dessert ready up to 12 hours early. Keep it chilled. Cream cheese at room temperature mixes better. The clear trifle bowl shows off the layers beautifully.

Essential Tools

  • A 4-quart size trifle bowl.
  • Mixer with electric beaters.
  • Big mixing bowls.

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Dairy (includes cream and cream cheese).
  • Wheat (in brownies).
  • Peanuts.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 725
  • Fats: 48 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Proteins: 12 g