Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Easy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe: Silky Smooth & Extra Sweet!

Biting into a creamy peanut butter pie that melts like silk on your tongue.

Smooth, rich flavors dance across each decadent slice, promising pure indulgence.

Chocolate and peanut butter create magical chemistry in this dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Childhood memories of pb&j sandwiches whisper through each delectable forkful.

Casual weekend gatherings or special celebrations demand something extraordinary like this dreamy confection.

Effortless preparation meets impressive results, making you the star baker among friends.

Grab a slice and savor every blissful moment of this irresistible treat.

Why Peanut Butter Pie Is Pure Bliss

  • Quick and Easy Delight: This peanut butter pie requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Decadent Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, peanut butter, and whipped cream creates an incredibly smooth, rich filling that melts in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for casual family dinners, potlucks, or special celebrations, this pie appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible sweet and nutty flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: The overnight chilling option allows busy home cooks to prepare the dessert in advance, reducing last-minute stress and ensuring a perfectly set, indulgent treat that's ready to serve whenever needed.

Ingredients You Need For Peanut Butter Pie

Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cookie Crumbs, Butter: Classic crust combo with rich chocolate flavor and binding power. Graham crackers work as a solid alternative.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for filling. Full-fat version recommended for best texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Gives signature nutty taste and smooth consistency. Creamy style works best for even mixing.
Sweetening Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize filling. Use sifted sugar for smoother texture.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture when whipped. Cold cream whips better and faster.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Crushed Peanuts, Chocolate Shavings: Optional decorative elements that add visual appeal and extra flavor. Fresh toppings enhance presentation.

How To Make Peanut Butter Pie With Ease

Step 1: Create Chocolate Cookie Crust

Grab your chocolate cookies and transform them into a delectable crust foundation. Crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they bind together perfectly. Press this mixture firmly into a pie dish, covering the bottom and sides. Slide the crust into the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine softened cream cheese with smooth peanut butter. Beat these ingredients until they create a silky, luxurious texture. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until the filling becomes wonderfully light and airy. The goal is a mixture that’s both rich and delightful.

Step 3: Prepare Fluffy Whipped Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms perfect, sturdy peaks. This step is crucial for creating a light, airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, maintaining its beautiful, soft consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Pie Layers

Pour the creamy peanut butter filling into the prepared chocolate cookie crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth, inviting surface. Ensure the filling reaches every corner of the crust.

Step 5: Chill And Set

Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and let it rest for a minimum of three hours. Overnight chilling is recommended for the most incredible texture and flavor development. Patience is key to achieving pie perfection.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Before serving, consider these delightful finishing touches:
  • Dollop of fresh whipped cream
  • Sprinkle of crushed peanuts
  • Delicate chocolate shavings
  • Drizzle of chocolate sauce

Slice the pie with a sharp knife and watch as your guests’ eyes light up with anticipation. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of chocolate and peanut butter that will leave everyone craving more.

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Pie

  • Crumb Crust Hack: Use graham crackers or Oreo cookies as alternative bases for a unique flavor twist.
  • Smooth Filling Technique: Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth texture.
  • Whipping Cream Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster, more stable whipped cream peaks.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This pie can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  • Dietary Modification: Swap regular cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free cookies for a vegan and gluten-free version.

How To Store Peanut Butter Pie The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store the peanut butter pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
  • Thaw: Remove the pie from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing prevents texture changes and maintains the creamy consistency.
  • Reheat: Since this is a chilled dessert, avoid microwaving. Instead, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich, creamy flavor.

Tasty Matches For Peanut Butter Pie

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve a cold glass of whole milk or a smooth vanilla milkshake to complement the rich, velvety texture of the peanut butter pie. The cool, light dairy perfectly balances the dense, indulgent dessert.
  • Match with Chocolate Delights: Pour a cup of hot mocha or dark roast coffee to enhance the chocolate cookie crust and bring out the deep, nutty flavors of the pie. The bitter notes will cut through the sweetness and create a harmonious taste experience.
  • Contrast with Fruity Freshness: Add a side of fresh raspberry or strawberry sorbet to provide a tangy, light counterpoint to the heavy peanut butter filling. The bright, clean fruit flavor will cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the dessert.
  • Elevate with Nutty Beverages: Sip on an almond liqueur or hazelnut-infused drink to amplify the nutty undertones of the pie. These sophisticated beverages will create a luxurious and sophisticated dessert pairing that highlights the pie's rich flavor profile.

Fun Variations For Peanut Butter Pie

  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Replace half the peanut butter with melted chocolate for a rich, marbled filling that combines classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
  • No-Bake Almond Crunch: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs with graham crackers and add chopped almonds to the crust. Mix almond butter into the filling for a different nutty profile.
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: Incorporate a layer of salted caramel sauce between the crust and filling. Drizzle additional caramel on top before serving to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Dream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace cream cheese with silken tofu, and swap butter for coconut oil. Add dairy-free chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Common Questions About Peanut Butter Pie

  • What makes this peanut butter pie different from other desserts?

This pie combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with smooth peanut butter, creating a luxurious no-bake dessert that’s both decadent and easy to prepare.

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While chocolate cookie crumbs work great, you can easily substitute graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor profile that still complements the peanut butter filling.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, this pie contains peanut butter and is not safe for those with nut allergies. Always check ingredients carefully if you or your guests have food sensitivities.

  • How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?

Beat the cream until stiff peaks form – this means when you lift the beater, the cream stands up in firm, pointed peaks that don’t fall over. This ensures a light, fluffy texture in your pie.

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Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Silky smooth peanut butter pie delivers a creamy indulgence that melts in your mouth with rich, nutty flavor. Sweet graham cracker crust and velvety filling will make you the star of any dessert table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Crust Components:

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

Sweetener and Garnish:

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

Instructions

  1. Transform chocolate cookies into a delectable base by pulverizing them and blending with melted butter. Press the crumbly mixture firmly across the entire surface of a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even coating on bottom and sides. Refrigerate the crust to solidify while crafting the luxurious filling.
  2. Create a velvety foundation by whipping cream cheese and peanut butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and develop a rich, harmonious blend.
  3. Whisk chilled heavy cream vigorously until it develops sturdy, defined peaks. Delicately integrate the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain its airy, light texture without deflating the volume.
  4. Transfer the sumptuous peanut butter filling into the chilled chocolate cookie crust. Utilize a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly, ensuring a smooth, level surface that promises visual appeal and consistent flavor distribution.
  5. Allow the pie to rest and set in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours. For optimal texture and flavor development, extending the chilling time overnight can enhance the dessert’s overall quality and structural integrity.
  6. When ready to serve, embellish the pie with a delicate layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings across the top for an elegant finish that adds textural contrast and visual intrigue.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with peanut butter.
  • Use a food processor for creating uniform chocolate cookie crumbs, which guarantees a consistent crust texture and better binding.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap chocolate cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies.
  • Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar to control sweetness and maintain a rich, authentic peanut flavor in the pie.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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