Reeses Dessert Parfait (No-Bake Layered Treat) is the perfect way to turn simple pantry ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that looks fancy but takes just minutes to assemble, and along the way I’ll also share fun twists inspired by Reese’s Pieces Cookies so you can mix and match your favorite chocolate–peanut butter flavors in one easy treat. This no-bake parfait layers creamy peanut butter mousse, crushed cookies or brownies, and chopped peanut butter cups into individual glasses for a dessert that works just as well for parties as it does for a cozy movie night at home.
Nutritional Benefits
This dessert is definitely an indulgence, but you can still build in some smart choices and balance.
– Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats to keep the parfait more satisfying.
– Greek yogurt (if you use it in the mousse) adds extra protein and a creamy, tangy balance.
– Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate can provide a small boost of antioxidants.
– Swapping part of the sugar for maple syrup or honey adds sweetness with a bit of flavor depth.
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one generously sized serving (values will vary based on brands and toppings):
| Nutrition | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
You can lighten things up by using reduced-fat Greek yogurt, halving the candy topping, or taking inspiration from healthier spins like Protein Reeses Cups and dark-chocolate–based treats.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For about 4 parfaits (depending on glass size):
– Creamy peanut butter
– Cream cheese (block style) or Greek yogurt
– Powdered sugar or a powdered sweetener alternative
– Vanilla extract
– Whipped topping or heavy cream (whipped)
– Crushed chocolate cookies or brownie pieces
– Mini peanut butter cups, chopped
– Chocolate chips or chocolate sauce for drizzling
– Pinch of salt
To make it easier to tweak, here’s a substitution guide:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy peanut butter | Flavor base, richness, classic PB taste | Almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter |
| Cream cheese | Mousse structure, tang, creaminess | Greek yogurt, mascarpone, dairy-free cream cheese |
| Powdered sugar | Sweetness, smooth texture | Powdered coconut sugar, powdered monk fruit or erythritol |
| Vanilla extract | Balances sweetness, adds warmth | Almond extract, vanilla bean paste, or omit |
| Whipped topping or whipped cream | Lightens the mousse, adds air | Coconut whipped cream, aquafaba whip |
| Crushed chocolate cookies | Crunchy layer, texture contrast | Brownie chunks, chocolate graham crackers, cake cubes |
| Mini peanut butter cups | Signature candy pieces in each layer | Chopped Homemade Reese’s Eggs, Protein Reeses Cups, or other PB candy |
| Chocolate chips / sauce | Rich chocolate layer, drizzle | Dark chocolate chunks, caramel sauce, peanut butter drizzle |
| Pinch of salt | Enhances chocolate and peanut flavors | Flaky sea salt on top, or omit for low-sodium |
Feel free to play with these components: think Reeses Brownies chunks in place of cookies or a sprinkle of Reese Pieces Cookies crumbs for extra crunch.
Equipment Needed
– Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
– Hand mixer or stand mixer (a whisk works in a pinch)
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Small glasses, jars, or dessert cups for layering
– Piping bag or zip-top bag (optional, for neat mousse layers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
These instructions will walk you through the layers so your Reeses Dessert Parfait (No-Bake Layered Treat) looks bakery-worthy every time, and if you love to bake, you can even layer in crumbled Reese’s Pieces Cookies for a playful, chewy crunch in between the creamy mousse.
1. Prepare the peanut butter mousse base
– In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese (or Greek yogurt), creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
– Mix until completely smooth and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
2. Fold in the whipped cream
– Gently fold whipped topping or freshly whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in two or three additions.
– Stop as soon as no streaks remain; overmixing will deflate the mousse.
3. Prep the crunchy layers
– Crush your chocolate cookies in a bag with a rolling pin, or crumble brownies into small bite-sized pieces.
– Chop mini peanut butter cups into halves or quarters so you get a bit in every bite.
4. Set up your glasses
– Line up your jars or serving glasses on the counter for easy assembly.
– If you want extra-clean layers, spoon the mousse into a piping bag or zip-top bag and snip the corner.
5. Layer the parfaits
– Start with a spoonful of crushed cookies or brownie pieces at the bottom.
– Add a layer of peanut butter mousse, then sprinkle over chopped peanut butter cups.
– Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with mousse.
6. Top and decorate
– Drizzle with melted chocolate or chocolate sauce.
– Add extra candy pieces, cookie crumbs, or even a mini cup on top for garnish.
– A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top makes the chocolate flavor pop.
7. Chill before serving
– Refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes so the flavors meld and the layers set slightly.
– Serve chilled, straight from the fridge.
If you’d like, you can turn one layer into a “hidden” protein boost by stirring in a few tablespoons of the filling you’d use for Protein Reeses Cups to make this parfait a bit more satisfying.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Mousse too thick
– Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream at a time and beat until it loosens slightly but still holds shape.
– Mousse too runny
– Chill it for 20–30 minutes, then beat again.
– If still too soft, mix in a spoonful of extra peanut butter or cream cheese.
– Layers look messy
– Use a piping bag for the mousse and gently tap the glass on the counter after each layer so it settles evenly.
– Wipe the inside top edge of the glass with a damp paper towel before the final garnish.
– Too sweet for your taste
– Cut back on the powdered sugar and use darker chocolate for toppings.
– You can also swap some candy pieces for chopped nuts for crunch without extra sugar.
– Need to serve a crowd
– Double the recipe and layer everything in a clear trifle bowl instead of individual cups.
– Scoop into bowls to serve; it still looks impressive.
– Make it a bit lighter
– Use part Greek yogurt, part cream cheese.
– Add some chopped Healthy Reeses Cups or Homemade Reese’s Eggs instead of only regular candy to dial back refined sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Fridge:
– Cover parfaits tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
– For the best texture, keep crunchy layers slightly thicker so they don’t soften too quickly.
– Freezer:
– You can freeze parfaits (without delicate toppings) for up to 1 month.
– Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving; the texture will be richer and thicker, almost like a frozen mousse.
– Make-ahead strategy:
– Prepare the peanut butter mousse up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
– Keep crushed cookies and chopped candy in separate containers at room temperature.
– Assemble the parfaits a few hours before serving so the layers stay defined and the crunchy elements don’t get soggy.
If you’re hosting, consider offering a mini “toppings bar” with options like chopped Diy Reeses Cups, brownies, and cookie crumbs so guests can build their own layered creations.
Conclusion
Reeses Dessert Parfait (No-Bake Layered Treat) is the kind of dessert that looks restaurant-level impressive yet comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have, and you can easily customize each glass with fun add-ins like brownie chunks or crumbs inspired by Reese’s Pieces Cookies for a playful twist. Whether you stick to the classic candy–cookie layers, go for a lighter spin with Healthy Reeses Cups, or experiment with Homemade Reese’s Eggs on top, this versatile parfait is a must-try for any chocolate and peanut butter lover.
FAQ
1. Can I make this parfait gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free chocolate cookies or brownies, and make sure any candy you add is labeled gluten-free. Many Home Made Reese Cups style recipes are naturally gluten-free, so those work well as toppers.
2. How do I make a healthier version?
Use Greek yogurt instead of all cream cheese, reduce the powdered sugar, and swap milk chocolate for dark. You can also add chopped Healthy Reeses Cups or Protein Reeses Cups instead of standard candy to boost protein and reduce refined sugar.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cream cheese or thick coconut yogurt, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free chocolate. Many Diy Reeses Cups recipes are easy to make dairy-free and make perfect toppings.
4. What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
Chop up full-size cups, swirl in a little extra peanut butter, or use chunks of Reeses Brownies, Reese Pieces Cookies, or other chocolate–peanut butter treats as your candy layer.
5. Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes—this is a great no-bake recipe for kids. Pre-measure the ingredients and let them handle layering cookies, mousse, and candy. Older kids can help whip the mousse, while little ones can decorate the tops with their favorite Reeses Dessert style toppings.
If you enjoy this recipe and love experimenting with chocolate and peanut butter, you might also like trying one of my game-day favorites such as Reeses Brownies–inspired snack boards alongside savory dips.
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