No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
Introduction
This No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a rich and creamy dessert perfect for peanut butter lovers. Layers of graham crackers, peanut butter mousse, hot fudge, and whipped cream come together to create an indulgent treat without ever turning on the oven.

Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 16 Reese’s peanut butter cups (full size, coarsely chopped)
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 18 chocolate graham crackers (or regular if preferred)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for layering)
- 1½ cups hot fudge sauce
- 6 Reese’s peanut butter cups (cut in half for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the peanut butter mousse by beating the peanut butter and softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
- Step 2: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until fully combined. Stir in the coarsely chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip 1½ cups of cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 4: Prepare the whipped cream by beating the remaining ¼ cup heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Prepare the graham cracker crumble by placing the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in melted butter and granulated sugar.
- Step 6: Assemble the cake in a 9×9-inch baking dish by laying a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom, breaking as needed to fill gaps.
- Step 7: Spread a thin layer of hot fudge sauce over the graham crackers, then top with a layer of peanut butter mousse.
- Step 8: Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by another thin layer of hot fudge sauce and peanut butter mousse.
- Step 9: Add a final layer of graham crackers, then spread the prepared whipped cream evenly over the top.
- Step 10: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumble and mini chocolate chips (if using) over the whipped cream layer.
- Step 11: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the graham crackers soften into a cake-like texture.
- Step 12: Before serving, garnish the cake with halved Reese’s peanut butter cups, drizzle with melted peanut butter and fudge sauce if desired, and sprinkle chopped peanuts for added texture.
- Step 13: Slice, serve, and enjoy this luscious no bake chocolate peanut butter cake!
Tips & Variations
- Use regular graham crackers if you prefer a less chocolatey base or want a lighter flavor.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or more mini chocolate chips between layers.
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing to ensure a smooth mousse.
- Chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters beforehand for better whipping results.
- Try substituting Reese’s cups with your favorite peanut butter candy for a twist.
Storage
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this is a no bake dessert with whipped cream, it’s best enjoyed fresh. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the mousse and whipped cream layers.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better after chilling overnight as it allows the layers to meld and the graham crackers to soften perfectly.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but creamy peanut butter yields a smoother mousse. Crunchy peanut butter will add texture but may make the mousse less smooth.
Print
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 servings 1x
Description
This No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is a luscious and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of creamy peanut butter mousse, rich whipped cream, chocolate graham crackers, and decadent hot fudge sauce. Perfectly chilled to soften the layers into a cake-like texture, it’s garnished with Reese’s peanut butter cups and optional chopped peanuts for added crunch. Ideal for peanut butter and chocolate lovers seeking a delightful treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mousse
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 16 full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
Whipped Cream
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Graham Cracker Crumble
- 18 chocolate graham crackers (or regular if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for layering)
- 1½ cups hot fudge sauce
- 6 Reese’s peanut butter cups, cut in half (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make The Peanut Butter Mousse: In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully incorporated. Gently stir in the coarsely chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups to evenly distribute them in the mixture. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks, then carefully fold it into the peanut butter mixture to create a light, fluffy mousse.
- Prepare The Whipped Cream: Chill another bowl and beat the cold heavy whipping cream together with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, ensuring a smooth and airy whipped cream for the top layer.
- Prepare The Graham Cracker Crumble: Place the chocolate graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs into a small bowl and add the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles a crumble.
- Assemble The Cake: In a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size, arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom, breaking pieces as necessary to fill gaps. Spread a thin layer of hot fudge sauce over the crackers, then add a layer of the peanut butter mousse evenly on top. Repeat by adding another layer of graham crackers, followed by hot fudge sauce and peanut butter mousse. Add a final layer of graham crackers on top.
- Top With Whipped Cream and Crumble: Spread the prepared whipped cream evenly over the top graham cracker layer. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumble over the whipped cream, then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top if using.
- Chill The Cake: Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld, creating a cake-like texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, decorate the cake with halved Reese’s peanut butter cups. For extra indulgence, drizzle melted peanut butter and additional hot fudge sauce over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added texture. Serve chilled and enjoy this decadent no-bake dessert!
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
- Chilling the dessert overnight improves texture and flavor melding.
- For a firmer mousse, add a little gelatin dissolved in warm water before folding in the whipped cream.
- Feel free to substitute regular graham crackers for chocolate if preferred.
- Optional toppings like chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips add nice texture contrasts.
- Handle the whipped cream gently during folding to keep it light and airy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no bake chocolate peanut butter cake, peanut butter mousse cake, chocolate peanut butter dessert, easy no bake cake, Reese’s peanut butter cake

