Get ready for a no-bake treat that’s every peanut butter lover’s dream: Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups. They’re creamy, rich, perfectly layered, and totally addictive—in the best way. Think peanut butter cheesecake meets chocolate pudding, all nestled in a cookie crust and served in perfect little cups.
These are the kind of desserts you pull out of the fridge when you want something sweet, cold, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party or just craving something decadent on a random Tuesday night, these cups deliver.
Trust me—once you taste that dreamy peanut butter layer with the silky chocolate topping, you’ll be stashing these in the back of the fridge just so no one else finds them. (Been there.)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required—easy and stress-free
- That peanut butter + chocolate combo? Iconic
- Perfectly portioned in cups or jars
- Make-ahead friendly—even better chilled overnight
- Smooth, creamy, rich, and indulgent in every bite
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended)
- Crushed peanuts
- Chocolate shavings or chips
- Mini peanut butter cups
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press about 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each cup or small dessert jar. Set aside.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Layer
In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Spoon or pipe a layer of the peanut butter filling over the crust. Follow with a layer of chocolate pudding. Smooth the tops, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, add a swirl of whipped cream or sprinkle with toppings.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. Serve chilled and prepare for smiles all around.
Tips for Dessert Cup Success
- Want a sturdier base? Freeze the crust for 10 minutes before adding the fillings.
- Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped) to neatly layer the peanut butter filling.
- Make them ahead! These are even better after a night in the fridge.
- For a crunch, add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts between layers.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it may change the texture slightly. Creamy processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best for that smooth, fluffy filling.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and plant-based milk with a compatible pudding mix.
What size cups should I use?
Small 5 to 8 oz plastic dessert cups, jars, or even wine glasses work great. You can also make this in a single dish and scoop it like a trifle!
Conclusion
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups are the ultimate sweet treat—cool, creamy, rich, and bursting with that peanut butter-chocolate magic we all crave. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast (so maybe make a double batch, just saying).
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 12 dessert cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Cups are rich, no-bake indulgent treats with layers of creamy peanut butter filling and smooth chocolate ganache in a crunchy cookie crust. They’re perfectly portioned, satisfyingly sweet, and dangerously easy to love!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottoms of a muffin tin or silicone cupcake molds to form crusts. Chill for 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping until fluffy and fully incorporated.
- Spoon or pipe the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled crusts. Return to refrigerator while preparing chocolate layer.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy cream just until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth to create ganache.
- Spread ganache over the peanut butter layer in each cup. Garnish with crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Chill dessert cups for at least 2 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use muffin liners or silicone molds for easy removal.
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for variation.
- These freeze well—just thaw slightly before eating!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg