No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust
A rich and smooth no-bake tart featuring layers of creamy peanut butter filling topped with a decadent chocolate ganache, set on a crunchy graham cracker crust. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 28 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 8 minutes until the crust is set and slightly golden, then cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup creamy peanut butter with 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 4: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 5: In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Step 6: Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
- Step 7: Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the tart for at least 3 hours until the ganache is firm and the tart is chilled before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart with Graham Cracker Crust?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
