When you crave a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying, peanut butter pie delivers every single time. A delightful blend of velvety peanut butter filling, sweet whipped cream, and a crunchy cookie crust, this pie strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking to treat yourself, peanut butter pie fits effortlessly into any dessert lineup. 
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Easy to Prepare – No baking required; perfect even for beginners.
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Creamy and Indulgent – Combines peanut butter’s rich taste with light, fluffy textures.
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Perfectly Versatile – Ideal for casual gatherings or special celebrations.
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Family-Friendly – A hit among both adults and children, guaranteed.
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Customizable – Easy to enhance with chocolate, caramel, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients List
For the Crust:
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1½ cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos or similar)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
For the Filling:
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups heavy whipping cream
Optional Toppings:
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Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
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Chopped peanuts or peanut butter cups
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Whipped cream for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Chilling Time: 4 hours minimum
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Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
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Servings: 8-10 slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Preparing the Crust
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Combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
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Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
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Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set.
Step 2: Making the Peanut Butter Filling
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In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until creamy and lump-free.
Step 3: Whipping the Cream
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In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, combining carefully to keep the mixture fluffy.
Step 4: Assembling the Pie
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Pour the peanut butter mixture into the chilled crust, smoothing the top evenly.
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Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pie
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Remove from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate, caramel, or chocolate syrup.
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Top with whipped cream, crushed peanuts, or mini peanut butter cups.
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Slice with a warm, sharp knife for clean, attractive servings.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Pie
Choose Quality Ingredients
Use high-quality peanut butter and cream cheese for the best taste and texture. Natural peanut butter might separate or become runny, so standard creamy peanut butter works best.
Chill Properly
Allow ample chilling time to let the pie set fully and achieve the best texture and clean slices.
Add Crunch for Texture
Include crushed cookies, pretzels, or chopped nuts to add a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts the creamy filling.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Blend melted chocolate into the filling or add a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the peanut butter mixture for extra richness.
Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and vegan butter substitutes to create a delicious plant-based pie.
Peanut Butter Banana Pie
Layer thinly sliced bananas over the crust before adding the filling for a fruity twist.
Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Pie
Drizzle salted caramel over the filling or incorporate caramel swirls into the pie mixture.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Peanut butter pie pairs perfectly with:
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Fresh berries or sliced bananas
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A dollop of whipped cream
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Hot coffee or chilled milk
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Vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert plate
Peanut Butter Pie for Special Occasions
Birthdays and Celebrations
Decorate the pie with candles, colorful sprinkles, or personalized toppings to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.
Holidays
Include seasonal touches, such as crushed candy canes for Christmas or pastel-colored sprinkles for Easter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigeration
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Ensure it remains covered to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
Freezing
Peanut butter pie freezes wonderfully:
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Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
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Freeze for up to three months.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Healthier Alternatives and Modifications
Reduced Sugar
Replace powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like powdered monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for the crust.
Protein-Packed Pie
Add a scoop of peanut butter or vanilla protein powder to the filling for a more nutritious dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Warm Ingredients
Make sure cream cheese and whipped cream are cold or room temperature appropriately, not overly warm, to achieve optimal consistency.
Overmixing the Filling
Mix just until combined to prevent deflating the whipped cream, maintaining the pie’s fluffy texture.
Insufficient Chilling Time
Chill the pie for a minimum of four hours to avoid a runny filling and messy servings.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Protein: 8g
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Fat: 30g
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Sugars: 20g
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Fiber: 2g
Nutritional values can vary slightly depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I Use Crunchy Peanut Butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds great texture. It may slightly alter the pie’s smooth consistency but adds a pleasant crunch.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
You can substitute whipped topping or coconut cream for heavy cream, though texture and taste may vary slightly.
Can Peanut Butter Pie Be Made Without Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt instead, though the consistency and tanginess will differ.
How Do I Cut Clean Slices?
Use a warm knife, wiping it clean between each slice for beautiful, clean cuts.
Can I Prepare It in Advance?
Absolutely! Peanut butter pie tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge.
Conclusion
Peanut butter pie is an undeniably delightful dessert, combining creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors in a no-bake masterpiece. Perfect for any occasion and easy enough for even novice bakers, this pie is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Follow these detailed steps and tips to achieve a beautifully creamy and delicious pie every time. Whether enjoyed casually with family or impressively presented at a gathering, peanut butter pie never disappoints. Go ahead—indulge in this irresistible classic dessert today.