Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate no-bake treat that every dessert lover needs in their life! Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, this pie boasts a luscious peanut butter filling nestled in a golden graham cracker crust. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet decadent enough to impress at any special gathering—a true staple in my kitchen. Best of all, it requires just a handful of pantry staples and no oven time, so you can whip it up anytime a peanut butter craving strikes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Pie lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen not just for flavor but also for that irresistible creamy texture and classic pie structure. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Graham cracker crust: Provides a sweet, buttery foundation with a subtle crunch—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing rich, nutty depth and velvety smoothness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Balances out the peanut butter with a pleasant tang and adds luxurious creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dissolves effortlessly for that silky-smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, making each bite taste richer and more inviting.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded in for an irresistibly light and fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Stabilizes the whipped cream, ensuring your pie stays billowy and beautiful.
- Optional toppings (chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, chocolate syrup, whipped cream): Let you jazz up your pie with extra crunch, sweetness, and visual flair.
How to Make Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Filling Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture looks totally smooth and luxurious. This step is key—make sure there aren’t any stubborn lumps. The combination should be thick, slightly glossy, and irresistible!
Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor
Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the filling takes on a fluffy, dreamy consistency. You’ll see it lighten in color and turn pillowy—absolutely perfect for our Peanut Butter Pie.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This usually takes just a few minutes with a hand mixer but watch carefully—you want luxurious peaks that hold their shape and add structure to your pie.
Step 4: Fold and Fill
Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate all that beautiful air you just whipped in. The filling should be light, airy, and oh-so-smooth. Next, spoon this gorgeous mixture into your graham cracker crust and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover your pie and slide it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This patient step gives the filling time to set up into sliceable, creamy perfection. If you’re in a hurry or want an ice-cream-like consistency, the freezer is a great option, too.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Just before serving, make this Peanut Butter Pie unforgettable by piling on your favorite toppings—think fluffy whipped cream, a shower of chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a handful of chopped peanuts for crunch.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
The right garnish can transform your Peanut Butter Pie from delicious to absolutely show-stopping! I love crowning each slice with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped salted peanuts for crunch, and a few elegant chocolate shavings or a drizzle of syrup for a decadent finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While this pie easily steals the spotlight, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad. For a refreshing twist, serve with a piping hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance out the richness of each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the Peanut Butter Pie in individual mason jars for a fun dessert bar or slicing it into bite-sized squares for party platters. It also makes a fabulous layered parfait—alternate cubes of pie with fresh berries and whipped cream for an eye-catching treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Pie in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time and the texture remains deliciously creamy—it’s one of those rare desserts that taste even better the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage or a delightfully frosty texture, Peanut Butter Pie freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the pie (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing for best results.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake pie meant to be enjoyed chilled or partially frozen, there’s no need to reheat. If you’ve stored it in the freezer, allow it to soften just a bit at room temperature to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Pie some extra texture and nutty pops in every bite. Just make sure to beat it well with the cream cheese for an even filling.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and whipped coconut cream. The result will be just as luscious and satisfying.
What’s the best way to slice Peanut Butter Pie cleanly?
For picture-perfect slices, refrigerate your pie until set, then dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This extra step keeps the filling neat and stops it from sticking to the blade.
Can I make Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, it’s better that way! Prepare the pie the day before you plan to serve it so it sets up beautifully in the fridge overnight. Just add toppings right before serving for peak freshness.
What kind of crust works best besides graham cracker?
Oreo or other chocolate cookie crusts make a delicious twist, adding a deeper, chocolaty flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter. You can also experiment with pretzel crust for a salty-sweet contrast.
Final Thoughts
If you love effortless desserts that taste like a slice of happiness, Peanut Butter Pie is bound to steal your heart. Give it a try and see why it’s such a beloved classic—it’s pure bliss in every chilly, creamy bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this no-bake Peanut Butter Pie. A luscious blend of creamy peanut butter and fluffy whipped cream nestled in a graham cracker crust, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon filling into crust, smooth the top.
- Before serving, garnish with desired toppings.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix well.
Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture gently.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Notes
- For a chocolate twist, use an Oreo crust instead of graham cracker.
- Pie can be frozen for a firmer texture—let it thaw slightly before slicing.
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