Layered Peanut Butter and Jelly Puddings are a comforting dessert. This nostalgic treat takes you back to the good old days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were the snack of choice, but now it is a pudding, perfectly creamy, fruity, and layered.
This treat is best to satisfy your sweet tooth, the beauty of this is its versatility, each layer is an opportunity to experiment. The peanut butter base is rich, and the jelly layer is tangy and cuts through the sweetness. Top with crushed nuts or fresh fruit and it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
You do not need to be a pro to make this, with just a few ingredients and a bit of layering magic you will have a dessert that feels fancy but is super easy to make. Kids and adults will love it, classic combinations never go out of fashion.
Layered Peanut Butter and Jelly Puddings are the adult version of PB&J in a no-bake dessert. Creamy, nutty and fruity layers, it’s nostalgia and sophistication in one. Quick, easy to assemble and a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
For Peanut Butter Layer:
For Jelly Layer:
Toppings (optional):
Method:
The peanut butter makes a big difference in flavor and texture, use smooth peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives. If you want a richer taste use freshly ground peanut butter, and do not use chunky peanut butter for this recipe as it will mess up the creamy texture of the pudding layer.
Peanut butter has a slight salty undertone and jelly is sweet, taste both separately and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Use powdered sugar for the peanut butter layer as it blends smoothly without leaving granules.
To get clean layers, let each layer set completely before adding the next. Make sure to chill the peanut butter layer for at least an hour or until it firms up. For the jelly, make sure it is slightly cool but still pourable so it does not melt the first layer.
Presentation is everything, a simple dessert can become a masterpiece with the right presentation. To show off the layers of peanut butter, jelly and pudding, use clear glasses or jars. The layers are so visible it is like a work of art. Perfect for parties and adds a touch of class to your table. The clear glass shows off the layers and lets your guests see how much effort you put into making the dessert.
The key to well-set and stable layers is using gelatin or agar agar properly. Gelatin gives a smooth texture and works well with cold desserts, agar agar is a great vegetarian option. Dissolve your gelatin or agar agar in warm water, making sure there are no lumps. Stir well to activate the setting properties and let it cool slightly before adding it to the jelly layer.
While strawberry or mixed berry jelly and peanut butter are classic, there is no harm in trying something different. Raspberry, blueberry or even tropical flavors like mango can be a nice twist. These flavors add variety and pair well with peanut butter, you can even layer different jellies to create a rainbow effect and make the pudding a showstopper.
No dessert is complete without a finish and for these puddings, it is all about layering textures. Crumbled cookies, roasted peanuts or granola can add a satisfying crunch to every bite. For a pop of freshness use fresh berries or mint leaves.