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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert, also known as Dream Bar, is a rich and creamy layered treat featuring a crunchy peanut butter cookie crust, a smooth chocolate pudding layer, a luscious peanut butter cream cheese filling, and topped with whipped cream, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, and crushed cookies. It’s perfect for parties or a decadent anytime dessert.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 16 ounces peanut butter sandwich cookies, crushed (reserve 8 to 9 cookies to crush for topping)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (½ cup)

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 1½ cups milk
  • 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix

Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Layer

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

Toppings

  • 8 ounces Cool Whip (whipped topping)
  • ½ cup milk chocolate chips
  • ½ cup peanut butter chips
  • Reserved peanut butter sandwich cookies, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed peanut butter sandwich cookies with the melted butter, stirring until all crumbs are completely coated.
  2. Bake the crust: Press the cookie and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
  3. Make the chocolate pudding layer: In a small bowl, use a handheld electric mixer on medium speed or a wire whisk to beat the instant chocolate pudding mix with 1½ cups of cold milk. Continue mixing until the pudding thickens.
  4. Spread the chocolate layer: Using a silicone or offset spatula, spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the cooled crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while preparing the next layer.
  5. Prepare the peanut butter cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter and continue mixing for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Add powdered sugar: Reduce the mixer speed to low, then slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until completely incorporated and smooth.
  7. Assemble the peanut butter layer: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and evenly spread the peanut butter cream cheese mixture over the chocolate pudding layer.
  8. Add the whipped topping: Spread the 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip evenly over the peanut butter layer.
  9. Top with chips and cookies: Evenly sprinkle the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter chips over the whipped topping. Then sprinkle the reserved crushed peanut butter sandwich cookies on top.
  10. Chill the dessert: Return the dessert to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow all layers to set properly.
  11. Serve: Cut the dessert into 2-inch by 2-inch squares and serve chilled for a rich, creamy, and crunchy treat.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth peanut butter layer.
  • Use cold milk when preparing instant pudding to ensure it thickens properly.
  • Chilling the dessert for at least 2 hours helps the layers set well and enhances flavors.
  • Feel free to substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-dream-bars-recipe/