If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests swooning, Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is here to become your new obsession. This irresistible treat delivers the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, a thick ribbon of molten hot fudge, and a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. It’s rich, dreamy, and indulgent — and the best part is, it doesn’t even require you to turn on your oven. Whether you’re making it for a special event, potluck, or just for fun, Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie promises smiles and empty plates every single time!

Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of classic pantry staples come together so effortlessly in this decadent pie. Each ingredient brings its own flair, making the texture unbelievably light and the flavors absolutely unforgettable.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the base of the pie, adding crunch and that irresistible cocoa flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted): Holds the crust together and adds richness without overwhelming with salt.
Creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of the filling, giving it a lush, nutty flavor that’s pure comfort.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and silkiness, balancing out the peanut butter’s richness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and fluffs the filling for amazing melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens everything and deepens the dessert’s flavor profile.
Heavy whipping cream (divided): Whipped into soft clouds, it lightens the filling and creates a gorgeous topping.
Hot fudge sauce (warmed): The decadent layer and drizzle—make sure you choose a fudge sauce you love!
Chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish): Sprinkling these on top adds a satisfying crunch and nutty finish.

How to Make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by combining the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated in butter, resembling delicious, damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Pop it in the fridge to chill and set while you move on to the luscious filling. The colder the crust, the better it will hold up to all the creamy goodness you’re about to layer on!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, thick, and utterly dreamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this is key for that cloud-like, airy texture. Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into your peanut butter base, using broad strokes to keep the mixture light and fluffy. This step gives the Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie its signature silky texture and peanut buttery richness.

Step 3: Fill the Crust and Add Hot Fudge

Remove the chilled crust from the fridge and lovingly spread the peanut butter filling into it, smoothing the top with a spatula. Warm your hot fudge sauce just enough so it’s pourable, then pour or drizzle half of it over the peanut butter layer. Let it pool and ripple—this is where the magic really happens. The contrast between cool and warm, creamy and gooey, is out of this world.

Step 4: Whip, Top, and Layer Again

Whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Either spread it over the fudge-drizzled filling or use a piping bag for extra flair. Drizzle the rest of the hot fudge on top, creating swoops and stripes that look straight out of a bakery window. Finish it all off with a scattering of chopped peanuts for crunch and a hint of saltiness, if you want that extra pop.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let your masterpiece chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the filling has set up and the flavors have had time to mingle. Don’t rush this step! When ready to serve, slice generously and watch the smiles appear. Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is just as stunning as it is scrumptious.

How to Serve Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie

Garnishes

There’s endless fun to be had dressing up your pie just before serving! A sprinkle of chopped peanuts adds texture and a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. Swirls of freshly whipped cream or extra ribbons of hot fudge sauce can lend a classic touch. If you want to go big, add chocolate curls or even a dusting of cocoa powder for a decorative flourish that looks super impressive but takes seconds.

Side Dishes

Because Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is so rich and satisfying, simple sides are your best friends. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or some tart raspberries to cut the sweetness. Coffee or espresso makes a lovely pairing too—the bitterness balances the pie’s deepest chocolate and peanut flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Pull out all the stops for your next potluck or dinner party! You can make individual mini pies in ramekins or in a muffin tin for perfect single servings. For an elegant dessert bar, slice the pie into slim bars and plate with fresh berries and a mint sprig on each. Or, for birthdays, top with candles and let the pie become the centerpiece of the celebration. However you serve it, your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is guaranteed to charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie will stay gorgeous and crave-worthy for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or late-night cravings.

Freezing

If you want to extend the magic, you can freeze your pie! Once assembled, wrap it well in plastic and then in foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor. Just remember: Add any toppings like whipped cream or peanuts after thawing for freshest results.

Reheating

Since Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is a chilled, no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat. However, if you’d like slightly gooier fudge when serving, warm a little extra hot fudge sauce and drizzle just before plating. This little twist makes every bite doubly decadent and swoon-worthy.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and little peanut pieces throughout the filling, making your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie even more delightful if you love a bit of crunch in every bite.

Can I prepare the pie a day in advance?

Yes, this pie actually tastes even better after a night in the fridge. As it chills, the flavors meld and the texture becomes perfectly set, so it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy hosts.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?

For those picture-perfect slices, use a sharp knife run under hot water and wiped dry between each cut. The warm blade will smoothly glide through the filling and fudge, giving you those professional-looking pieces everyone will admire.

Can I use a store-bought cookie crust?

Definitely! If you’re pressed for time or just want to keep things simple, a pre-made chocolate cookie crust works beautifully for Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. Just pour in your filling and keep on going with the easy steps.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

You can absolutely make dairy-free swaps: use a plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and vegan butter. There are even dairy-free hot fudge sauces available, so everyone can enjoy this luscious dessert!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you owe it to yourself to whip up a Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie! With its supremely creamy filling, fudgy layers, and simple, satisfying crust, this dessert is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and prepare to bask in compliments—there’s truly nothing quite like it!

Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie, a luscious no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
1 jar (12 oz) hot fudge sauce, warmed
1/4 cup chopped peanuts, optional for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter, press into pie dish, and chill.
Make the Filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip 1 cup of cream separately and fold into the mixture.
Assemble the Pie: Spread filling in crust, drizzle with hot fudge, top with whipped cream, more fudge, and peanuts. Chill before serving.