If there’s one dessert that absolutely steals the show at any gathering, it’s this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. Imagine the luscious combo of creamy peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and dreamy whipped topping, all nestled in a crisp chocolate cookie crust, with a gorgeous ribbon of silky hot fudge throughout. Whether you’re a lifelong chocolate-peanut butter fanatic or just craving a decadent, easy-to-make treat, this pie is outrageously delicious and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how these staple ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each one plays a unique role, building layers of flavor, texture, and that ultra-satisfying bite.
- Chocolate cookie crust: The crisp, chocolatey shell provides the perfect foundation and a classic flavor pairing with the filling.
- Creamy peanut butter: Go for classic creamy here, which gives the filling that rich, dreamy consistency—though crunchy is welcome for extra texture!
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds tangy depth and balances all that sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth, silky structure.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens everything just right and keeps the filling super smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warmth and a lovely aromatic note, tying everything together.
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): Folds in extra lightness and makes the pie filling airy and sliceable.
- Hot fudge sauce: The heart of this showstopper—melty, glossy, and deeply chocolatey, it’s layered and drizzled for maximum impact.
- Chopped peanuts (optional): A crunchy, salty crown that adds great contrast and makes every bite feel extra celebratory.
How to Make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a mixture that’s smooth, light, and creamy. This base is what gives Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie its signature richness, with just enough tang and sweetness in every spoonful.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping into your peanut butter mixture using a spatula. You want to keep the filling airy and fluffy, so mix just enough for everything to come together. This step gives the pie that cloud-like texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Layer the Pie
Spread half of the peanut butter filling into your prepared chocolate cookie crust, smoothing it out evenly. Now, warm your hot fudge sauce just until it’s pourable (it shouldn’t be hot—just runny and glossy), and drizzle or spread it evenly over the first filling layer. Spoon the rest of the peanut butter filling on top and smooth out the surface so it’s ready for chilling.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Cover the pie and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it feels firm and set to the touch. This patience is well rewarded—the filling will be beautifully sliceable, the layers distinct and gorgeous.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Before serving, give your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie a final flourish by drizzling more hot fudge over the top and scattering over chopped peanuts if you like a little crunch. Slice generously—this is not the time for restraint!
How to Serve Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
For true wow factor, don’t skip the toppings. A hearty drizzle of warm hot fudge and a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts are classics. You could also add a swirl of fresh whipped cream, chocolate curls, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie pairs beautifully with sips of cold milk or hot coffee. For something fruitier, serve it alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries—a tart contrast that balances the pie’s richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Single-serve mini pies in mason jars are always a hit and make for a fun presentation at parties. You could also cut the pie into bars for easy finger-food style desserts, or build a “pie sundae” by topping slices with vanilla ice cream and even more hot fudge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully if you want to make it further ahead. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Reheating
No need to reheat the whole pie—it’s meant to be served chilled. For the hot fudge drizzle, just warm the sauce gently in the microwave in short bursts until pourable, then decorate as you like.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this pie?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives little pops of nuttiness throughout the filling. You can also fold in extra chopped peanuts if you love a more textured bite in your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie.
Do I have to use store-bought whipped topping?
If you prefer homemade whipped cream, swap in the same amount (about 1 ½ cups, whipped) for a slightly less sweet, even fluffier texture. Just be sure to whip it to soft peaks before folding it in.
What kind of hot fudge works best?
Any rich, pourable hot fudge sauce will do the trick. Store-bought is perfectly fine, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, you can absolutely use that instead for an even more decadent Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cookie crust and check your hot fudge sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re good to go. The filling is naturally gluten-free as written.
How far in advance can I make this?
You can prepare Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie up to 2 days ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve—just wait to add the final hot fudge drizzle and peanuts so everything looks fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the creamy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery goodness of Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. I can’t recommend this recipe enough for when you want a showstopping dessert with truly minimal effort. Give it a try, and get ready to wow your family, friends, or anyone lucky enough to snag a slice!
Print
Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and rich hot fudge with this decadent Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. A no-bake dessert that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-made chocolate cookie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Layer the Pie: Spread half of the peanut butter filling into the chocolate cookie crust. Spread a layer of warm hot fudge sauce over it. Top with the remaining peanut butter filling and smooth the surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle with more hot fudge and sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use crunchy peanut butter or stir chopped peanuts into the filling.
- This pie can be frozen for a firmer texture and longer storage.
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