Peanut Butter Pudding, All Grown Up and Layered to Perfection

Peanut butter is definitely having a culinary moment. While we’ll always love simple peanut butter sandwiches, this elementary school staple is taking over bakeries and restaurants for decadent twists on snacks, side dishes, main courses and desserts that are anything but childish. This easy-to-make, layered Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert from Taste of Home is equal parts grown-up taste buds and childhood memories.

You’ll Need

Crust
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
– 1 cup chopped cashews
Filling Layers
– 1/2 cup cashews
– One 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– One 12 ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
– 2 2/3 cups cold milk
– One 3.9 ounce package instant chocolate pudding mix
– One 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
– One milk chocolate candy bar (about 1.55 ounces), coarsely chopped

To Make

Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Put flour and butter in a food processor. Cover and process until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Add 1 cup of the cashews and pulse a few times until combined with the mixture.
  4. Press mixture into bottom of a greased 13 inch by 9 inch baking pan and bake for 25 to 28, until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Layered Filling

  1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping, and spoon over the crust.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the milk and both of the pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes, or until soft-set. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
  3. Top the pudding with the rest of the whipped topping for the final layer. Sprinkle with the chopped candy bar and the rest of the cashews.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to fit your nutty needs! Substitute the cashews with walnuts or your favorite nut, use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth, or choose your favorite pudding flavors. What other childhood staples have you adapted to an adulthood indulgence?