Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Trust me, this decadent peanut butter pie will change your dessert game forever.

Rich, creamy textures melt together in a spectacular dance of sweetness.

Chocolate graham cracker crusts provide the perfect crispy foundation for silky smooth filling.

My grandmother shared her secret technique decades ago, and now I’m passing it along.

Some recipes become legendary through simple, magical combinations of ingredients.

Friends always request this pie at potlucks and family gatherings.

One bite guarantees you’ll become its biggest fan.

Tips to Get the Best Texture in Peanut Butter Pie

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a creamy, smooth peanut butter and fresh cream cheese for the best flavor and texture of your pie.
  • Whip Cream Carefully: Ensure your heavy cream is cold and whip it just until stiff peaks form to maintain the pie's light and airy consistency.
  • Chill for Perfect Setting: Allow the pie to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to help the filling set properly and enhance the flavor melding.
  • Customize Toppings Creatively: Experiment with chocolate drizzle, chopped peanuts, or chocolate shavings to add extra crunch and visual appeal to your dessert.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts to create a delicious alternative crust for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Keep Peanut Butter Pie Fresh and Ready

  • Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Separate individual slices in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn if storing multiple portions.
  • For best texture, enjoy the pie chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Pie

  • Complement the rich, creamy peanut butter pie with a velvety chocolate stout that echoes the dessert's decadent flavor profile and adds depth to each bite.
  • Select a smooth caramel-forward bourbon that amplifies the pie's nutty sweetness, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the overall indulgent experience.
  • Pour an ice-cold glass of whole milk to balance the pie's intense richness, providing a classic and refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between each delectable spoonful.
  • Drizzle a chilled vanilla cream liqueur alongside the pie, creating a luxurious accompaniment that mirrors the dessert's creamy consistency and adds an extra layer of sophisticated sweetness.

Peanut Butter Pie Variations You’ll Want to Try

  • No-Bake Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor and gluten-free option, perfect for those with peanut allergies.
  • Vegan Coconut Cream Variation: Replace dairy ingredients with coconut cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and maple syrup to create a plant-based friendly dessert that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Use a nut-based crust like crushed almonds, replace sugar with stevia or erythritol, and incorporate mascarpone cheese for a keto-friendly adaptation that keeps the rich, indulgent taste.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Remix: Mix cocoa powder into the filling, use chocolate graham crackers for the crust, and add chocolate ganache on top for an intense chocolate-peanut butter experience.

Why Peanut Butter Pie Is Always a Hit

  • A universally loved dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Skip the oven and create a luscious pie using simple no-bake techniques, saving you time and kitchen effort.
  • Personalize the pie by adding chocolate drizzles, extra whipped cream, or chopped nuts to match your taste preferences.

Everything That Goes into a Perfect Peanut Butter Pie

Crust Components:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and helps create a firm texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: The star ingredient that gives the pie its rich, nutty flavor. Choose creamy, smooth peanut butter for best results.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base that helps stabilize the filling. Use full-fat cream cheese for maximum richness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pie.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light, fluffy texture when whipped. Use cold cream for best whipping results.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Whipped Cream: A classic topping that adds extra creaminess and visual appeal.
  • Chocolate: Optional drizzle for added decadence and visual interest.
  • Extra Peanut Butter: Optional garnish for peanut butter lovers who want an extra punch of flavor.

Instructions to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Create Delicious Crust

Grab graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs. Mix with:
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating an even base. Place in refrigerator and let chill for half an hour to solidify.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Smooth peanut butter
  • Softened cream cheese
Beat until silky and combined. Add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip heavy cream separately until peaks form stiffly. Gently fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture, maintaining its fluffy texture.

Step 3: Build Magnificent Layers

Remove chilled crust from refrigerator. Spread peanut butter filling evenly across entire surface, ensuring smooth and consistent coverage. Return pie to refrigerator and allow to set for at least four hours.

Step 4: Decorate With Flair

Before serving, crown the pie with billowy whipped cream. Optional embellishments include:
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • Extra peanut butter swirls
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Chocolate shavings

Slice and enjoy your decadent creation!

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Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie delivers a silky smooth chocolate-kissed dessert that promises pure indulgence. Rich layers of nutty filling and velvety ganache invite chocolate and peanut butter lovers to savor each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo crumbs)
  • 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) melted butter

Garnish Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft a graham cracker foundation by pulverizing crackers with sugar, then bind with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into a pie dish, creating a compact base. Refrigerate for half an hour to solidify the crust’s structure.
  2. Whip cream cheese and peanut butter together until velvety smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, blending until uniformly combined. Separately, whip heavy cream to stiff, cloud-like peaks.
  3. Delicately fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, maintaining the airy texture by using gentle, sweeping motions. Preserve the volume of the cream to guarantee a light, pillowy filling.
  4. Extract the chilled crust from refrigerator and generously spread the peanut butter mixture across its surface. Use a spatula to create an even, seamless layer that reaches every edge of the pie dish.
  5. Return the pie to refrigeration, allowing it to set and firm for a minimum of four hours. This resting period ensures the filling achieves the perfect consistency and allows flavors to meld harmoniously.
  6. Prior to serving, adorn the pie with billowy whipped cream. Enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity by drizzling melted chocolate or adding strategic dollops of peanut butter as an artistic finishing touch.

Notes

  • Boost crust crispness by toasting graham cracker crumbs in the oven for 3-5 minutes before mixing, enhancing the nutty flavor and preventing sogginess.
  • Achieve ultra-smooth filling by ensuring cream cheese and peanut butter are at room temperature, which helps blend ingredients seamlessly without lumps.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same delightful texture and taste.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural peanut butter and replacing powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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