Looking for a dessert that combines rich, creamy peanut butter with a smooth, velvety filling? Look no further than this Peanut Butter Pie recipe. It’s the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves the deliciously nutty flavor of peanut butter, balanced with a creamy filling and a crunchy crust. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving something sweet, or want to make a special treat for your family, this pie will surely hit the spot.
What is Peanut Butter Pie?
Peanut Butter Pie is a no-bake dessert that is easy to prepare and delivers all the creamy, nutty goodness peanut butter lovers crave. It typically features a buttery, crunchy graham cracker or cookie crust, topped with a rich peanut butter filling, and often finished with a layer of whipped cream or chocolate drizzle. This pie is an irresistible treat that combines the comfort of peanut butter with the delight of a creamy, sweet dessert.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Pie
To make this delicious Peanut Butter Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Oreos for a chocolate twist)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup of creamy peanut butter (use smooth for a silky texture)
- 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream (or whipped topping)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of whipped cream (freshly whipped or store-bought)
- Optional: Chocolate chips or peanut butter drizzle for garnish
How to Make Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by making the crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish or tart pan to form a firm crust. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While the crust is chilling, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened cream cheese together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. This will give the pie its fluffy, light texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once the crust has set, spread the peanut butter filling over it, smoothing the top with a spatula. Be sure to fill the crust completely to the edges for a uniform look. Return the pie to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling has firmed up.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Before serving, top the pie with freshly whipped cream. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few extra spoonfuls of peanut butter for a garnish that will elevate the look and taste of the pie.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Pie
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To get the creamiest filling, make sure the cream cheese is softened and the peanut butter is at room temperature. This will help the ingredients blend together smoothly without lumps.
- Whip the Cream Properly: When whipping the cream, be sure to stop once it forms stiff peaks. If you overwhip, the cream could turn grainy. Softly folded whipped cream creates the airy, light texture that makes this pie so special.
- Chill for Best Results: The key to a firm, sliceable pie is proper chilling. Give it at least 4 hours to set in the fridge, or overnight for the best texture.
- Mix Up the Crust: While a graham cracker crust is classic, try using crushed Oreos for a chocolatey twist or even a pretzel crust for added saltiness.
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Pie
- No-Bake Convenience: This pie is easy to make without the need for an oven. Simply prepare the crust, whip up the filling, and chill it in the fridge—perfect for busy bakers.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich, creamy peanut butter filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy crust and sweet topping. It’s a dessert that satisfies both your sweet and salty cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a holiday, family gathering, or simply treating yourself, Peanut Butter Pie is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Peanut Butter Pie Variations
While the classic Peanut Butter Pie is already a showstopper, you can get creative with a few variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling or mix chocolate chips into the filling for an extra indulgence.
- Peanut Butter Cup Pie: Chop up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and fold them into the filling for a pie that’s packed with peanut butter goodness.
- Frozen Peanut Butter Pie: For a frozen twist, freeze the pie after it’s assembled and serve it cold for a refreshing dessert on a hot day.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Pie is the perfect dessert for any peanut butter lover. Its creamy, rich filling and crunchy crust make it an irresistible treat that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just want to enjoy a sweet bite at home, this pie will satisfy all your cravings. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
1. Can I make Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Peanut Butter Pie is a great dessert to prepare in advance. You can make it the day before or even a few days ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It needs time to chill and set, so it’s ideal to give it at least 4 hours in the fridge before serving.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter for the filling?
While creamy peanut butter is traditionally used to achieve a smooth texture, you can absolutely use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture. Keep in mind that it will add some crunch to the filling, which can be a fun variation for those who like the extra peanut butter bits.
3. How long can I store Peanut Butter Pie?
If stored properly in an airtight container, Peanut Butter Pie can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 1-2 months. Be sure to freeze it without the whipped cream topping, and add fresh whipped cream after it’s thawed.
4. Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! To save time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or an Oreo crust from the store. This will still yield a delicious pie, and you can focus on making the creamy peanut butter filling.
Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake peanut butter pie is a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s simple to make and absolutely irresistible! With a smooth, rich peanut butter filling in a chocolatey cookie crust and topped with whipped cream, this pie is perfect for peanut butter lovers and ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo crumbs)
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
For the topping:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Place in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the chilled heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the peanut butter filling into the prepared crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, or until fully set (overnight is ideal for the best texture).
- Serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream and garnish with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a different crust option, you can use a graham cracker crust or a pre-made chocolate pie crust.
- To make it even more decadent, drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the top before chilling.