If you’re craving a dessert that dazzles with every bite, the Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious treat brings together tender brownie cubes, dreamy peanut butter cream cheese layers, and velvety chocolate ganache in a glass, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that feel both indulgent and surprisingly refreshing. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these parfaits are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that steal the show without stealing your precious time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this dessert is all in how simple ingredients come together to create layers bursting with taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role—from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy peanut butter filling, with rich ganache creating a silky finish.
- Brownies: Use a 9 by 9 inch pan baked and cooled brownie cut into cubes to provide a moist, chocolatey foundation.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Softened for a smooth texture that balances richness with tang.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Adds that irresistible nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and lightens the peanut butter cream layer beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, familiar note.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons + 1/2 cup): Helps lighten the peanut butter mixture and creates decadent ganache.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (4 ounces): Coarsely chopped and melted with cream to form the luscious ganache.
- Chopped peanut butter cups (optional): For a crunchy, chocolate-peanut buttery topping that adds texture and flair.
How to Make Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Brownies
Start by cutting your cooled brownies into small cubes or rounds to perfectly fit your serving glasses, ensuring every spoonful gets a bit of that rich chocolate base.
Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Then add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
Step 3: Lighten the Filling
Stir in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, then beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy—this forms the dreamy peanut butter layer that gives the parfait its signature indulgent texture.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Place your chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the 1/2 cup of heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for about 3 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but remains pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Parfaits
Begin layering by adding brownie cubes to the bottom of each glass. Follow with a generous spoonful or pipe of the peanut butter cream layer, then drizzle with luscious chocolate ganache. Repeat the layers once more and finish with a final swirl of ganache on top.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top if you’re feeling extra festive. These add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy layers.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Pop your assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets everything set and meld together for the perfect texture and flavor harmony.
How to Serve Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
Garnishes
Try topping with a dusting of cocoa powder, a few whole peanut butter cups, or even a sprinkle of crushed pretzels for extra texture and a burst of salty contrast to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a refreshing touch and complement the richness of the parfait layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Use clear glasses or dessert jars so the beautiful layers shine through, or pipe alternating layers with a piping bag for a clean, elegant look that will wow at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. These parfaits will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Freezing
While these parfaits are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze them for up to a month. Use airtight containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this dessert is meant to be served chilled, skip reheating. For the best experience, just let your parfait come to room temperature for a few minutes if taken straight from the fridge before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought brownies is a great shortcut and still makes a delicious parfait. Just be sure they’re moist and rich for the best texture.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip the peanut butter?
You can substitute with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter, although the signature peanut butter flavor is a highlight of this parfait. The cream cheese and chocolate layers will still shine.
Can I prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble later?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter cream and ganache in advance. Keep them refrigerated and assemble the parfaits just before serving for freshness and presentation.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely swap the brownies for a gluten-free version to enjoy this dessert without gluten worry. It won’t compromise the divine flavor at all.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe yields 6 generous servings—perfect for sharing or saving some for later.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply to spoil yourself, the Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your dessert lineup. Each spoonful feels like a celebration of flavors and textures, making it impossible to resist. So grab your ingredients, invite a few friends over or enjoy solo, and dive into this incredible layered delight!
Print
Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits with Layers of Cream Cheese, Chocolate Ganache, and Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus 1 hour chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Shocking Peanut Butter Brownie Parfaits are a decadent, no-bake layered dessert featuring rich cubes of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, and luscious chocolate ganache. Perfectly portioned in individual glasses, this 6-layered treat combines the best flavor and texture with minimal effort, making it an impressive yet easy dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 9 by 9 inch pan baked brownies, cooled and cut into cubes
Peanut Butter Cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Ganache
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Topping (Optional)
- Chopped peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Prepare Brownie Cubes: Cut the cooled brownies into small cubes or rounds sized to fit your serving glasses to create the base and layers for the parfait.
- Make Peanut Butter Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar and mix thoroughly until creamy and combined.
- Flavor and Whip Cream: Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the peanut butter mixture, then beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil), then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 3 minutes to melt, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and slightly cooled.
- Assemble First Layer: Add a layer of brownie cubes to the bottom of each serving glass as the first layer of the parfait.
- Add Peanut Butter Cream Layer: Spoon or pipe a generous layer of the prepared peanut butter cream over the brownies in each glass.
- Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle a layer of the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter cream to create a rich chocolate layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with brownies, peanut butter cream, and ganache once more, finishing with a final drizzle of ganache on the top.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top for added texture and flavor if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld, resulting in the best texture.
Notes
- Use well-cooled brownies to prevent melting the cream layers.
- You can make the brownies from scratch or use store-bought brownies for convenience.
- Adjust the sweetness in the cream cheese mixture by modifying the powdered sugar amount.
- For a thicker ganache, let it cool longer before layering.
- These parfaits can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator covered.
- Optional toppings like chopped peanut butter cups add extra crunch but can be omitted for a cleaner presentation.
