Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Peanut butter pie is a decadent and creamy dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a rich pie crust. This beginner-friendly, step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious peanut butter pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment Needed:

• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan (for ganache, if making)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are moistened.
3. Press Into Pie Dish: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

1. Mix Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.
3. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold In the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Fill and Chill the Pie

1. Fill the Crust: Spoon the peanut butter filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Chill: Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Step 4: Optional Chocolate Ganache (Decoration)

1. Make the Ganache: If desired, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
2. Decorate: Pour the chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter pie and spread it evenly with a spatula. Allow the ganache to set before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice and Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the peanut butter pie into pieces. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, indulgent flavors!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Pie

• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Press the crust firmly into the pie dish to ensure it holds together when sliced.
• Chocolate Variation: You can skip the ganache or substitute it with chopped peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for variation.

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some texture in your pie filling. It will add bits of peanuts for added crunch.

How should I store leftover pie?

Store any leftover peanut butter pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Can I freeze peanut butter pie?

While the pie can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the whipped cream. Freeze without the ganache and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

This creamy peanut butter pie recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of peanut butter with a smooth, fluffy texture. With its buttery graham cracker crust and optional chocolate ganache topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat!