Chocolate Peanut Torte
A rich, layered chocolate peanut torte with creamy peanut-flavored filling, crunchy crust, and smooth pudding topping, perfect for gatherings and peanut chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 4 cups whipped topping ⓘ
- 3 cups cold milk ⓘ
- 2 packages (3.9 oz. each) chocolate instant pudding mix ⓘ
- 1 milk chocolate candy bar (1.55 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, melted butter, and 2/3 cup chopped peanuts.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Allow to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat cold milk and pudding mixes on low for 2 minutes.
- Carefully spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
- Just before serving, spread remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle with grated milk chocolate candy bar and remaining peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade. To ensure a smooth texture, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this indulgent torte chilled, garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair. It pairs beautifully with Rhubarb Whipped Cream Pie or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert trio. Perfect for gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat. If the torte becomes too soft after a few days, chilling it for a short time can help restore its structure before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Peanut Torte contains roughly 588 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value) and protein (17% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this torte ahead of time?
Yes, this torte can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when served.
Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of whipped topping. For the pudding, look for a dairy-free instant pudding mix to keep the recipe lactose-free.
What can I use instead of peanuts?
If you're allergic to peanuts or prefer a different nut, try using chopped almonds or walnuts. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, ensuring it remains just as delicious!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).