Hey there, dessert lovers! Get ready to indulge in a heavenly treat that's as easy to make as it is delightful to devour – the Peanut Butter Icebox Cake! With layers of chocolate cookies, creamy pudding, peanut butter, and an abundance of candy, this dessert is a true showstopper that will leave everyone craving for more.
Prep Time: Let's Get Started!
Get your baking groove on, folks, because in just 20 minutes of prep time, you'll be well on your way to creating a dessert masterpiece. Here's everything you need for this sweet adventure:
Ingredients for Pure Bliss:
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 19.1 ounces of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (divided into 2¼ cups, 1½ cups, and 1½ cups)
- ⅓ cup melted salted sweet cream butter
- 2 boxes (3.9 ounces each) of instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2¾ cups whole milk
- 2 cups thawed whipped topping
- 5 cups Miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped and halved) – you'll need a 17.6-ounce bag and a 10.5-ounce bag (divided into 2 cups and 3 cups)
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 8-ounce package of cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (use your favorite brand – I used Reese’s brand)
- 1½ cups sifted powdered sugar
- 2 cups thawed whipped topping
- 7.25-ounce bottle of chocolate magic shell
Let's Build this Dessert Delight!
Step one: Creating the base! Start by lightly spraying a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Then, in a medium-sized bowl, combine 2¼ cups of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted butter. Stir it all together until the cookie crumbs are perfectly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, and your delightful base is ready!
Step two: The chocolatey goodness! In a large mixing bowl, beat together the pudding mix and milk using a handheld mixer on low speed until the mixture starts to thicken. Now, fold in 2 cups of thawed whipped topping, and you'll have a heavenly chocolate pudding mixture to work with.
Step three: Layering the goodness! Spread half of the pudding mixture over the buttered cookie crumb layer. Sprinkle 2 cups of halved peanut butter cups on top, followed by 1½ cups of crushed sandwich cookies for extra goodness.
Step four: Peanut butter delight! In another medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and sifted powdered sugar. Use the handheld mixer on medium-high speed to mix everything until it's smooth and delightful. Now, fold in 2 cups of thawed whipped topping, and you have a creamy peanut butter layer ready to go!
Step five: Final touches! Spread all of the peanut butter mixture over the layer of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of crushed cookies on top, and then generously spread the remaining chocolate pudding mixture over the crushed cookies. Drizzle that magical chocolate shell over the top and use an offset spatula or spoon to smooth it over the pudding.
Ready to Indulge!
There you have it, dessert enthusiasts – your very own Peanut Butter Icebox Cake! But wait, the magic isn't over yet. Cover the cake and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to overnight. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Once it's perfectly chilled, slice it into 3 slices by 5 slices and get ready for a flavor explosion. This cake is the epitome of bliss – creamy, chocolaty, and peanut-buttery goodness in every bite!
Tips for Dessert Perfection!
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in your peanut butter cream cheese mixture.
- If you prefer some crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- You can also use chopped full-size peanut butter cups instead of miniature ones for a fun twist.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter cups for a few minutes before cutting them – it'll make the process easier.
- Remember, this cake needs to chill for at least 4 hours to let the flavors mingle and the cookies soften into perfection. For an even more delightful experience, let it chill overnight!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a dessert experience like no other. Peanut Butter Icebox Cake is sure to become a crowd favorite at any gathering.
Happy baking and even happier indulging! Enjoy each and every scrumptious bite!