Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine is a dessert that delivers on both flavor and texture. The creamy, fluffy layers of mascarpone and peanut butter pair perfectly with the crunchy Nutter Butter cookie crust, while the rich chocolate sauce brings everything together. The addition of sliced banana adds a light and fruity contrast to the richness, making every bite feel like a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Plus, the dessert is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 15 Nutter Butter cookies, crushed (about 2 cups), divided
• 1 carton (16 ounces) mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 medium banana, sliced
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
• 1 tablespoon baking cocoa
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Crust:
   In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of the crushed Nutter Butter cookies with the melted butter. Mix until the cookies are well coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a loaf pan or a terrine mold to form an even crust. Place the crust in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
   In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the chunky peanut butter and mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and creamy.
3. Assemble the Terrine:
   Spread half of the peanut butter mixture over the prepared cookie crust. Arrange the sliced banana on top of the peanut butter layer. Drizzle half of the melted chocolate over the bananas and top with 1/2 cup of the remaining crushed Nutter Butter cookies. Repeat the layers with the remaining peanut butter mixture, banana slices, chocolate, and crushed cookies.
4. Freeze the Terrine:
   Once assembled, cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the terrine is firm and set.
5. Serve:
   To serve, remove the terrine from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier. Cut into thick slices and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings. The preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, and freezing time takes at least 4 hours. Overall, this dessert requires about 4.5 to 5 hours from start to finish, including freezing time.

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free version, replace the peanut butter with sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or almond butter. You can also omit the peanut butter and use a chocolate mousse filling for a different flavor.
• Banana-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of banana, you can skip the banana slices and substitute them with thin layers of crushed toffee, chocolate chips, or more Nutter Butter cookie crumbs.
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl: For extra chocolate flavor, swirl the melted chocolate into the peanut butter mixture before assembling the terrine, creating a marbled effect.
• Add More Layers: Feel free to add more layers of whipped cream, cookies, or fruit to make it even more indulgent.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. If you have leftovers, simply slice and return the remaining pieces to the freezer.
• Reheating: This dessert is best served frozen and should not be reheated. Allow it to thaw slightly before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute Nutter Butter cookies with graham crackers, Oreos, or any other cookie of your choice. Just make sure to crush them finely and mix them with melted butter for the crust.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it a day or two in advance, and it will stay fresh in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it.

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?

Yes, you can use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky. The texture of the dessert will be slightly different, but it will still taste great.

Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?

While mascarpone cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute cream cheese if needed. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the dessert from becoming too hard to slice?

Allow the terrine to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut through while still keeping it frozen.

Can I add more banana to the dessert?

Yes, if you love banana, feel free to add more slices in between the layers of peanut butter and chocolate.

Can I make this dessert without whipped topping?

You can make your own whipped cream instead of using whipped topping. Whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the peanut butter mixture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How can I make the terrine easier to slice?

To make slicing easier, make sure the terrine is slightly softened before cutting. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp knife.

Can I make this dessert in a different shape or size?

Yes, you can make this dessert in a different pan size or shape, such as a springform pan or individual serving cups. Adjust the layers accordingly.

Conclusion

Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine is a decadent, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, peanut buttery filling, crunchy cookie crust, and rich chocolate topping, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, family gathering, or just as a special treat, this frozen terrine will satisfy all your cravings for something sweet, rich, and absolutely irresistible.

Print