Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), finely crushed; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade); 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 ½ cups cold milk; 1 ½ cups whipped topping; 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional); Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are rich, creamy, and layered with everything you love—crunchy chocolate cookie crust, smooth peanut butter filling, luscious chocolate pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping. These no-bake bars are easy to assemble and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or when you need an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert that truly lives up to its dreamy name.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)melted buttermelted peanut buttercream cheese (softened)powdered sugarwhipped topping (like Cool Whip)instant chocolate pudding mixcold milkchopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chips (optional)

directions

Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a zip-top bag. Mix with melted butter until combined.

Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form a crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping.

Spread the peanut butter layer evenly over the chilled crust.

In a separate bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.

Spread the chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer.

Top with remaining whipped topping and smooth the surface.

Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chips if desired.

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12–16 bars.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use a graham cracker or Nutter Butter crust for a different flavor.

Swap chocolate pudding for vanilla or peanut butter pudding.

Add chopped pretzels or peanuts on top for salty crunch.

Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.

Make individual servings in small cups or jars for a fun presentation.

storage/reheating

Store dream bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
These bars do not require reheating.
Can be frozen for up to 1 month—thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, they’re best made a day in advance for easier slicing and better texture.

Do I need to bake the crust?

No, this is a no-bake recipe—just chill the crust before adding layers.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Yes, use sweetened stabilized whipped cream to keep the layers intact.

Is this very sweet?

It’s rich and sweet—cut into small squares for the perfect portion.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cookies and pudding mix.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Creamy, no-stir peanut butter works best for texture and consistency.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers—easy to make, delightfully layered, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re sharing with friends or saving a batch for yourself, one bite of these dreamy bars will have everyone asking for the recipe.