If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, let me introduce you to my favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. This no-bake dream combines a silky, rich peanut butter filling set in a crisp chocolate cookie crust, crowned with chocolate ganache and sprinkled with peanut butter cup pieces. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a lazy weekend indulgence, you’ll fall in love with every luscious, creamy, and chocolatey bite. Trust me, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is always a showstopper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one plays an important role in delivering the luscious layers and crave-worthy flavors that make this pie unforgettable. Don’t skip or substitute if you want true Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie magic!
- Crushed chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the classic, crunchy chocolate base everyone loves—Oreos work perfectly here!
- Melted unsalted butter: Binds those cookie crumbs together and adds rich flavor to your crust.
- Creamy peanut butter: Smooth, salty, and absolutely essential for that iconic filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides tang and creaminess, balancing the sweetness and giving the filling structure.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, so everything stays smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Heavy whipping cream (for filling): When whipped, it lightens up the peanut butter mixture and adds that irresistible airiness.
- Granulated sugar: Stabilizes the whipped cream and adds light sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into a glossy ganache that gives the pie its decadent finish.
- Heavy cream (for ganache): Transforms chocolate chips into a velvety ganache layer.
- Chopped mini peanut butter cups (for topping): The ultimate garnish—more chocolate, more peanut butter, total temptation!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by combining your chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl—don’t be afraid to use your hands to make sure every crumb is coated. Press this flavorful mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. You want a nice, sturdy base that holds together when sliced. Pop the crust in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes so it sets while you whip up the irresistible filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s completely smooth and dreamy. You’re looking for a thick, luscious texture—don’t worry if it seems dense, it will lighten up beautifully in the next step.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. This gives the filling its signature cloud-like texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture. Take your time with this step; a light hand ensures your filling stays airy and soft.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the filling into your chilled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. There’s something so satisfying about seeing those clean swirls! Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the filling is set and holds its shape.
Step 5: Make the Ganache Topping
To push this pie over the top, make a quick ganache by heating up half a cup of heavy cream until it’s just simmering, then pour it over your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute to melt, then stir until completely smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over your chilled pie, spreading it evenly to the edges for that professional look.
Step 6: Finish with Peanut Butter Cups
The final flourish: sprinkle chopped mini peanut butter cups generously over the top. This adds texture, extra peanut butter flavor, and a little hint at what’s inside. Put the pie back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving. Now comes the hardest part—waiting!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, a little garnish goes a long way. Try piping whipped cream along the edges, sprinkling crushed cookies or peanuts for extra texture, or drizzling a bit of melted peanut butter for an eye-catching finish. Fresh berries are also a lovely, slightly tart counterpoint.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and let your pie shine! This decadent dessert pairs perfectly with freshly brewed coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. If you want to add something light, a mixed berry salad works beautifully alongside this rich treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual mini pies in cupcake tins, or serve slices in mason jars layered with extra cookie crumbs and ganache. You can even create parfait-style desserts using the pie components for a playful, modern take on Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors just get better as they meld together—if you can resist eating it all at once!
Freezing
This pie is a superstar for make-ahead occasions because it freezes so well. Simply wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.
Reheating
No actual reheating needed! If your pie has been frozen, a quick thaw in the refrigerator is all it takes to return it to perfect, creamy form. For best texture, avoid microwaving, as this can make the filling separated or melty.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought chocolate crust for this pie?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust is a great time-saver and works perfectly with this recipe—just make sure it’s fresh and not cracked for best results.
Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter gives the filling its signature silky smoothness, you can absolutely swap for crunchy if you love extra bits of peanut and texture.
How do I prevent the crust from crumbling when slicing?
Be sure to press the crust tightly into the pan and chill it thoroughly before adding the filling. Using a sharp, warm knife (run under hot water and wiped dry) makes for clean, beautiful slices.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply choose gluten-free chocolate cookies for your crust, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese adds tang and structure, but in a pinch, you could use mascarpone for a milder flavor or full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter, slightly tart filling.
Final Thoughts
Give this dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie a spot on your dessert table—you’ll see it disappear in record time! It’s the kind of uplifting treat that brings everyone together for a moment of pure, chocolate-peanut butter bliss. There’s no better time to treat yourself and the people you love!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter with this irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. A creamy, no-bake dessert that is sure to satisfy all your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped mini peanut butter cups (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into a pie dish and chill.
- Make the Filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Whip cream and fold into the peanut butter mixture. Pour into crust and chill.
- Create the Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir, and spread over the pie. Top with peanut butter cups and chill before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought chocolate crust for convenience.
- For added crunch, mix in crushed peanut butter cups into the filling.
- This pie freezes well but should be slightly thawed before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
