Creamy Jimmy Carter Dessert

This layered presidential dessert, named after the late president of the US, Jimmy Carter, combines smooth peanut butter cream cheese with rich pudding layers for an irresistible treat. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that can be made ahead.

PREP TIME: 30 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
CHILL TIME: 4 hours
TOTAL TIME: 4 hours 40 minutes
SERVINGS: 12

INGREDIENTS

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 whole crackers)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Pudding Layers:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk, divided

For Topping:

• 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup chocolate shavings (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into prepared baking dish.
3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
4. Prepare peanut butter layer: Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Gradually beat in heavy cream until mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
6. Make vanilla pudding: Whisk vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
7. Make chocolate pudding: Whisk chocolate pudding mix with remaining 1 1/2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes. Carefully spread over vanilla pudding layer.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
9. Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.

STORAGE & MAKE AHEAD

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be made 1 day ahead. Add whipped cream and toppings just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps
• Let each layer set slightly before adding the next
• Use an offset spatula for smooth, even layers
• For best results, chill thoroughly between layers

I’ll help create the “Tips for Success” and conclusion sections for the Jimmy Carter Dessert recipe that follows RecipesHead.com’s style guidelines:

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

Key Tips:

• Let cream cheese and butter come to room temperature for 1 hour before starting
• Use a food processor for evenly crushed graham crackers
• Clean your knife between each cut for neat, clean slices
• Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Moving too quickly between layers

• Allow each layer to set for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator
• Use gentle pressure when spreading new layers
• Keep remaining layers chilled while working

Temperature issues

• Never add layers to a warm crust
• Don’t freeze to speed up setting time
• Keep dessert refrigerated until serving

Texture problems

• Don’t overmix the peanut butter filling
• Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined
• Avoid vigorous stirring of pudding layers

STORAGE GUIDELINES

Refrigerator Storage

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap
• Store for up to 3 days
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods

Freezer Storage

• Freeze without whipped topping
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap
• Store in a freezer container up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator

RECIPE SUCCESS NOTES

Make Ahead Options

• Prepare crust up to 2 days ahead
• Make complete dessert 1 day before serving
• Add toppings just before serving

Serving Tips

• Use a hot knife for clean cuts
• Dip knife in hot water and wipe clean between slices
• Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving

We’d love to hear how this recipe works for you! Share your experience and any creative variations in the comments below. Tag us in your dessert photos on social media.

Further reading:

• Chewy Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
• Easy Key Lime Pound Cake
• PEACH CHEESECAKE WITH RASPBERRY
  

Jimmy Carter Peanut Butter Pudding Squares

This layered dessert combines smooth peanut butter cream cheese with rich pudding layers for an irresistible treat. Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that can be made ahead.

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 whole crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• For the Peanut Butter Layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• For the Pudding Layers:
• 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 3.4 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk divided
• For Topping:
• 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup chocolate shavings optional

Instructions

 

• Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in melted butter and stir until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into prepared baking dish.
• Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
• Prepare peanut butter layer: Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Gradually beat in heavy cream until mixture is light and fluffy.
• Spread peanut butter mixture evenly over cooled crust.
• Make vanilla pudding: Whisk vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes. Spread over peanut butter layer.
• Make chocolate pudding: Whisk chocolate pudding mix with remaining 1 1/2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes. Carefully spread over vanilla pudding layer.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
• Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

Notes
Storage: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be made 1 day ahead. Add whipped cream and toppings just before serving.
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps
Let each layer set slightly before adding the next
Use an offset spatula for smooth, even layers
For best results, chill thoroughly between layers
Keywords: jimmy carter dessert, peanut butter dessert, layered dessert, pudding squares, no bake dessert, make ahead dessert
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 350mg

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