Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter, silky chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something rich and sweet. This pie is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser for peanut butter lovers.

What sets this peanut butter pie apart is its versatility. It’s no-bake, so it’s quick and easy to prepare, and its smooth, velvety filling is complemented by a crunchy graham cracker crust and a luscious chocolate topping. It’s a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on everyone who tries it.

In this recipe, we will break down the preparation and cooking steps, tips for success, and some creative variations you can make to customize the pie to your liking. Whether you prefer a simple, classic version or want to add your own flair, this peanut butter pie recipe has got you covered.

Preparation & Cooking

Step 1: Making the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: In a food processor, crush the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt (if using). Stir well to ensure all the crumbs are coated with butter and sugar.
3. Press the Crust into the Pan: Pour the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie dish or tart pan. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan to form a uniform crust. Use the back of a spoon to ensure the crust is compact and even.
4. Chill the Crust: Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to allow it to set and firm up. This step is crucial to ensure the crust holds together when you cut into the pie later.

Step 2: Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This will serve as the base for the filling.
2. Add Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter to the cream cheese and continue to mix until fully combined and smooth.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
4. Add the Milk: Pour in the milk, and mix until the filling reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you prefer a lighter filling, you can adjust the amount of milk to suit your texture preference.
5. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the peanut butter mixture. This step gives the filling its light, fluffy texture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping as you fold it in. Mix just until combined.

Step 3: Assembling the Peanut Butter Pie

1. Fill the Crust with Peanut Butter Mixture: After the crust has chilled and firmed up, spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer.
2. Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the filling to set properly and makes the pie easier to slice.

Step 4: Making the Chocolate Ganache Topping

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
3. Stir to Combine: Stir the cream and chocolate together until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. If you’d like an extra shine and richness, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of butter at this stage.
4. Cool the Ganache: Let the ganache cool for about 5 minutes before pouring it over the chilled peanut butter filling. This prevents the ganache from melting the peanut butter filling and keeps the layers intact.

Step 5: Pouring and Spreading the Ganache

1. Top the Pie with Ganache: Once the ganache has cooled slightly, pour it evenly over the chilled peanut butter filling. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer.
2. Chill the Pie Again: Return the pie to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ganache has firmed up.

Step 6: Garnishing the Pie

1. Whipped Cream: If desired, pipe whipped cream around the edges of the pie to give it a decorative touch.
2. Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of the ganache for a bit of crunch and flavor contrast.
3. Chocolate Shavings: For an extra touch of elegance, shave some chocolate over the pie using a vegetable peeler or a grater. This adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Serving the Pie

When ready to serve, slice the pie into wedges, and enjoy the indulgent combination of creamy peanut butter, smooth chocolate ganache, and the crunchy graham cracker crust. This pie is rich and satisfying, so small slices go a long way.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before beating it. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy filling.
2. Crust Variations: While a graham cracker crust is traditional, you can try using other types of crusts, such as Oreo cookie crust, digestive biscuit crust, or even a pretzel crust for a salty-sweet twist.
3. Chill the Pie Well: The pie must be thoroughly chilled to set the filling and ganache. It’s best to make this pie a day in advance so it has plenty of time to set.
4. Customizing the Filling: If you want a more intense peanut butter flavor, you can add more peanut butter to the filling, but be sure to adjust the balance of sugar and milk for texture. You can also use a peanut butter that’s slightly more chunky for added texture.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Swirl Pie: Instead of a solid layer of chocolate ganache, swirl the ganache into the peanut butter filling before chilling the pie. This will create a beautiful marbled effect.
2. Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free spread.
3. Vegan or Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping substitutes. Replace the heavy cream and butter in the ganache with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream option.
4. Add More Chocolate Layers: For an even richer chocolate experience, you can add a layer of chocolate chips between the peanut butter filling and the ganache.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Pie is a show-stopping dessert that combines the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in an easy-to-make, no-bake format. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a fluffy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping, this pie is a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves rich, indulgent desserts.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Its creamy texture, crunchy crust, and irresistible combination of flavors make it a timeless dessert that will never go out of style.

Yield: Serves 8-10 slices

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

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Peanut Butter Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of creamy peanut butter, silky chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crust. It's an indulgent treat that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something rich and sweet. This pie is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser for peanut butter lovers.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Chill Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham crackers, crushed)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Peanut Butter Filling:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
• For Topping (Optional):
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or chocolate chips (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.
• In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the 1/2 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Pie:

• Once the crust has cooled, pour the peanut butter filling into the crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
• If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips on top for extra texture and flavor.
• Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours (overnight if possible) to allow it to set and firm up.

4. Serve:

• Once chilled, slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.

Notes

• Crust Options: You can substitute the graham cracker crust with an Oreo crust or a chocolate cookie crust for a richer flavor.
• No-Bake Option: This is a no-bake pie—just make sure to allow enough time for it to chill and set in the fridge.
• Topping Variations: You can top the pie with melted chocolate, mini Reese’s cups, or drizzle some caramel for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.