Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
This Peanut Butter Pie has all the creamy, dreamy peanut butter goodness that everyone loves. The smooth, velvety filling is rich but not overwhelming, and the crunchy graham cracker crust adds a delightful texture. With its simple ingredients and no-bake method, it’s a quick and easy dessert to make, but the flavor will impress your guests every time. It’s perfect for peanut butter lovers and is guaranteed to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or just as a treat to share with the family.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-14 graham crackers)
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¼ cup sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 ½ cups peanut butter (creamy or chunky, depending on preference)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp sugar (for whipped cream)
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Optional: chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and ¼ cup sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon to compact the crumbs tightly. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
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Make the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
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Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. The filling should be light and fluffy.
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Assemble the Pie: Remove the graham cracker crust from the refrigerator. Spoon the peanut butter filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula, spreading it evenly.
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Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
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Serve and Garnish: Before serving, top the pie with a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8-10
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
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Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)
Variations
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate or a chocolate ganache on top of the peanut butter filling before chilling for a decadent chocolate-peanut butter combo.
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Crunchy Version: Add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling for an extra crunch. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts over the whipped cream topping.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust to make this pie gluten-free.
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Vegan Version: Use non-dairy cream cheese and coconut whipped cream to make a vegan version of this pie.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent the filling from drying out.
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Freezing: You can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
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Reheating: This is a no-bake pie, so no reheating is needed. Just chill it and serve cold!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for a bit more texture in the filling. It will add some extra crunch but still taste delicious.
Can I make this Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s best if it’s chilled for several hours or even overnight to allow the filling to set properly.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! You can use a store-bought graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust to save time. Just make sure to adjust the filling to match the size of the crust.
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Yes, you can swap peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. The pie will still be delicious, though the flavor will change depending on the nut butter you choose.
Do I need to use whipped cream in the filling?
The whipped cream helps make the peanut butter filling light and fluffy. If you prefer a denser filling, you can skip the whipped cream, but the texture will be different.
Can I add chocolate to the filling?
Yes, you can stir some melted chocolate into the peanut butter filling for an extra rich flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top of the pie before serving.
How can I make this pie sweeter or less sweet?
You can adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the powdered sugar or whipped cream sugar, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or foil, and allow it to thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
If you don’t like cream cheese, you can replace it with a similar amount of smooth mascarpone cheese or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative.
How do I make this pie gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crust with gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crust.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. Its creamy, rich filling paired with the crunchy graham cracker crust makes it a comforting treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or just indulging in something sweet, this no-bake pie will satisfy your cravings. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing, it’s a dessert everyone will enjoy!
Peanut Butter Pie
This Peanut Butter Pie is a rich, creamy dessert with a perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate flavors. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a creamy whipped topping, this no-bake pie is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, it’s the ultimate treat for peanut butter fans!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- For the Chocolate Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, forming an even crust.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Make the peanut butter filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Spoon the peanut butter filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Make the chocolate topping (optional):
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling, spreading it into an even layer.
- Chill the pie:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set.
- Serve:
- Once the pie has chilled and set, slice and serve. You can garnish with extra whipped topping or chopped peanuts for added texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a crustless option, you can skip the graham cracker crust and serve the peanut butter filling in individual cups.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, drizzle extra chocolate sauce or use chocolate pudding as an additional layer.
- This pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
