Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Dreamy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe: Smooth & Irresistible Bliss

Crafting a smooth and decadent peanut butter pie can turn an ordinary dessert into a creamy adventure.

Layers of rich, velvety filling promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking comfort in a slice.

Chocolate cookie crusts provide the perfect foundation for this irresistible treat.

Silky textures blend perfectly with nutty undertones that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients come together to create something magical in just a few simple steps.

Sweet and satisfying, this pie delivers pure happiness with every delectable bite.

Let your kitchen become the stage for this delightful culinary performance.

What Makes Peanut Butter Pie So Tempting

  • Create a No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and enjoy a simple, stress-free dessert that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Mix in extra toppings like chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or different nuts to make this pie uniquely yours.
  • Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Moments: Serve at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves a rich, creamy treat.
  • Indulge in Texture Paradise: Experience a delightful combination of crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth peanut butter filling, and decadent chocolate drizzle.

Everything Needed For Peanut Butter Pie

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet, crunchy foundation for the pie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter acts as a binding agent to hold the crust ingredients.
For the Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, smooth base for the pie filling.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers a signature nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light, airy texture that makes the filling exceptionally creamy.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • Chocolate Chips, Caramel Sauce, Chopped Peanuts: Add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished pie.
  • Whipped Cream: An optional garnish that brings an extra touch of indulgence.

Steps To Make Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Craft Crunchy Crust Base

In a mixing bowl, blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles damp beach sand. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Pop the crust into the refrigerator for a quick 15-minute firming session.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Grab an electric mixer and transform softened cream cheese into a silky smooth canvas. Fold in peanut butter until the mixture becomes a uniform golden hue. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla, whipping on medium speed until the filling becomes light and dreamy.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Whipped Cream Layer

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms impressive stiff peaks. Tenderly fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula, maintaining its cloud-like airiness.

Step 4: Assemble Decadent Pie

Pour the luscious filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set completely.

Step 5: Add Luxurious Finishing Touches

Melt chocolate chips and artfully drizzle across the pie’s surface. Sprinkle chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch. For extra indulgence, cascade caramel sauce in elegant patterns.

Step 6: Serve and Delight

Optional: Crown the pie with delicate dollops of whipped cream just before serving. Slice, plate, and watch guests swoon over this irresistible peanut butter dream.

Simple Tips For Peanut Butter Pie

  • Prep Like a Pro: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing.
  • Crust Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, compact base.
  • Whip with Care: Fold whipped cream gently to maintain its light, airy texture without deflating.
  • Chill for Success: Allow pie to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours for best consistency.
  • Decorative Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate and caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern for a professional, appetizing finish.

Fun Flavors For Peanut Butter Pie

  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Replace graham cracker crust with chocolate cookie crumbs for a deeper chocolate base. Swap caramel drizzle with chocolate ganache for intense chocolate lovers.
  • Gluten-Free Nutty Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust. Substitute regular peanut butter with organic, natural peanut butter for cleaner ingredients.
  • Low-Sugar Healthy Alternative: Replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to lower calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Dream: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream. Use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream. Replace butter with coconut oil in crust and select dairy-free chocolate chips for topping.

What Goes Well With Peanut Butter Pie

  • Pair Decadent Nutty Delights: Rich red wine like Merlot perfectly complements the creamy peanut butter pie's intense flavors.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience: Cold milk or vanilla bean milkshake balances the pie's sweetness and provides refreshing contrast.
  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the richness, enhancing the pie's deep nutty undertones.
  • Highlight Chocolate Notes: Chocolate liqueur creates a luxurious pairing that amplifies the melted chocolate drizzle on top.

Peanut Butter Pie Storage Made Simple

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the surface protected to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices and store in airtight containers with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for easy grab-and-go dessert portions.
  • Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Let sit at room temperature, but don't leave out for more than 2 hours.

Peanut Butter Pie Common Questions

  • How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from falling apart?

Press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the pie dish, making sure to compact them well. Chilling the crust for 15 minutes before adding filling helps it hold together better.

  • What's the best way to get a smooth cream cheese mixture?

Use room temperature cream cheese and beat it thoroughly with an electric mixer, scraping down the sides of the bowl to eliminate any lumps before adding other ingredients.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making in advance. It actually tastes better when chilled for 4-6 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set completely.

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Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich and creamy Peanut Butter Pie delivers a silky-smooth dessert experience that dances between indulgent and irresistible. Chocolate cookie crust and fluffy filling combine for a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • 2 tbsp caramel sauce
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, firmly pressing it along the bottom and sides to create an even crust layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Incorporate peanut butter into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until completely blended and uniform in color.
  5. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the filling becomes light and creamy.
  6. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a voluminous texture.
  7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, using a spatula to maintain the airiness and prevent deflating.
  8. Pour the silky filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
  9. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set completely.
  10. Before serving, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the pie’s surface.
  11. Sprinkle chopped peanuts across the top and artfully drizzle caramel sauce for added texture and visual appeal.
  12. Optional: Garnish with dollops of whipped cream just before presenting the pie.

Notes

  • Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • When mixing cream cheese, bring it to room temperature to guarantee a lump-free, silky texture that blends seamlessly.
  • Use creamy peanut butter for a consistent filling and avoid natural separating varieties that might create unwanted texture.
  • Whip heavy cream in a chilled metal bowl to achieve maximum volume and stability for a lighter, airier pie filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • To reduce sugar content, substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative or use a monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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