If you love peanut butter and chocolate desserts, this Jimmy Carter Cake is a must-try! Named after the 39th U.S. President, a well-known peanut farmer, this layered dessert features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate pudding layer. It’s a simple, no-fail recipe that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers.
💡 Looking for other nut-based treats? You’ll love these Pistachio Blondies – A Nutty, Chewy Delight for another unique twist on nut-infused desserts!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
✔️ 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
✔️ 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
✔️ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
✔️ 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
✔️ 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
✔️ 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
✔️ 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
✔️ 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
For the Chocolate Layer:
✔️ 1 (5.1 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
✔️ 3 cups whole milk
Toppings:
✔️ 8 oz whipped topping
✔️ 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
✔️ Additional peanuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ In a food processor, pulse peanuts until roughly chopped.
3️⃣ Add graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter, then pulse until combined.
4️⃣ Press the crust mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5️⃣ Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer
1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and cream cheese until smooth.
2️⃣ Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
3️⃣ Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Layer
1️⃣ In another bowl, whisk chocolate pudding mix and whole milk until thickened (1-2 minutes).
2️⃣ Spread the pudding evenly over the peanut butter layer.
4. Assemble & Chill
1️⃣ Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2️⃣ Garnish with mini chocolate chips and additional peanuts.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
⭐ Perfect balance of textures – Crunchy crust, creamy peanut butter, and smooth chocolate pudding!
⭐ Quick & easy – Minimal effort with big flavor payoff.
⭐ Make-ahead friendly – Ideal for potlucks, holidays, and parties.
💡 Craving another simple, make-ahead dessert? Try this Lazy Day Oatmeal Cake – A Simple, Cozy Dessert for an effortless yet delicious treat!
Variations & Customizations
🔹 Crunchy Peanut Butter Twist – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
🔹 No-Bake Version – Skip the oven step and use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
🔹 Caramel Drizzle – Add a layer of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
🔹 Oreo Crust Option – Swap graham crackers for crushed Oreos.
💡 Love cream cheese-based cakes? Don’t miss this 4-Ingredient Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for a tangy-sweet alternative!
Storage & Serving Tips
✔️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
✔️ Serve chilled: This cake tastes best cold, straight from the refrigerator!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a peanut butter and chocolate lover, this Jimmy Carter Cake is bound to be your new favorite dessert! With its creamy layers and irresistible crunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
✅ Tried this recipe? Let us know your favorite toppings!
✅ Looking for more peanut butter treats? Check out Peanut Butter Cream Pie for another delicious option!
Enjoy your Jimmy Carter Cake, and happy baking! 🍰✨
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Jimmy Carter Cake Recipe – Peanut Butter & Chocolate Layered Dessert
Description
Creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate pudding, and a crunchy graham cracker crust make this Jimmy Carter Cake an irresistible, easy-to-make dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
✔️ 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
✔️ 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
✔️ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
✔️ 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
✔️ 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
✔️ 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
✔️ 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
✔️ 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (half of a 16 oz container)
For the Chocolate Layer:
✔️ 1 (5.1 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
✔️ 3 cups whole milk
Toppings:
✔️ 8 oz whipped topping (remaining half)
✔️ 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
✔️ Additional peanuts for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Add peanuts to a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped.
3️⃣ Add graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter to the processor and pulse until evenly combined.
4️⃣ Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
5️⃣ Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
6️⃣ Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the layers.
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cream cheese.
2️⃣ Mix for 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until just combined.
4️⃣ Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and whole milk until the pudding begins to thicken (about 1-2 minutes).
2️⃣ Gently spread the chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer.
1️⃣ Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2️⃣ Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and additional peanuts for garnish.
3️⃣ Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.