If you adore desserts that marry creamy, dreamy filling with a buttery crunch, this Peanut Butter Pie will become your new obsession. Every airy bite carries that unmistakable peanut butter flavor, gently mellowed by cool cream cheese and a cloud of whipped cream. Encased in a crumbly graham cracker crust, it’s sweet, salty, and entirely irresistible. Whether you’re gathering with friends or fixing a make-ahead treat for your own kitchen, this no-bake classic can turn the simplest moments into celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Peanut Butter Pie is how it relies on simple, star ingredients you probably already love. Each one brings its own magic: richness, sweet notes, and a perfect hint of saltiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a crunchy, honeyed foundation for the pie, never soggy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps the crumbs stick together.
Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust for that perfect press-and-chill texture.
Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the filling, delivering bold flavor and irresistible creaminess.
Cream cheese, softened: Balances peanut butter’s richness and creates the silkiest filling.
Powdered sugar: Adds fine sweetness, blending seamlessly into both the filling and topping.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and gives a comforting aroma.
Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipped to give the filling its signature light, mousse-like texture.
Powdered sugar for whipped cream topping: Sweetens the homemade whipped cream crown.
Chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional): For garnishes that add crunch and visual flair.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, blend graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Pat the mixture firmly into the base and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. For the best texture, pop the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you whip up the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Grab a large bowl and beat the creamy peanut butter with softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Next, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then keep mixing until everything is luxuriously combined. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in your cold heavy whipping cream and sprinkle in the two tablespoons of powdered sugar. Using a mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream just until stiff peaks form—this is what gives the Peanut Butter Pie its signature mousse-like airiness.

Step 4: Lighten the Filling

Gently fold your freshly whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, using wide, sweeping motions to keep the filling light and fluffy. Go slow and steady so all that lovely air you whipped in stays put.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Spread the finished filling into the chilled crust, using a spatula to make the top smooth and tempting. Slide the pie into the refrigerator and let it set for at least four hours, or overnight for best results—the waiting is the hardest part, but it’s worth every minute!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Just before serving, shower the top with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for crunch and an eye-catching finish. This step transforms your Peanut Butter Pie from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pie

Garnishes

Nothing brings out the beauty of your Peanut Butter Pie like a flourish of toppings. Think coarsely chopped, salted peanuts for a satisfying crunch or a scattering of chocolate shavings for richness. For extra decadence, drizzle on warm fudge sauce or a ribbon of melted chocolate just before serving.

Side Dishes

Balance the pie’s richness with a pot of robust coffee or a cup of hot tea—these classic drinks cut through the creaminess and complement the sweetness. If you’re serving a big spread, fresh berries on the side add brightness and a pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

Peanut Butter Pie looks stunning as a classic slice, but don’t shy away from fun presentations! Try individual mini pies in ramekins, layered parfait-style in glasses with extra graham cracker crumbs, or offer a build-your-own topping bar with nuts, sauces, and whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Peanut Butter Pie tightly with plastic wrap or a pie lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh for up to three days—if you can resist sneaking forkfuls in between meals!

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake delight, there’s no need to reheat! Peanut Butter Pie is at its best straight from the fridge (or after a gentle thaw from the freezer), creamy and cool all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Pie an extra nutty bite and a rustic texture. Just be aware the filling will be less silky, but every forkful will have an added crunch.

What type Dessert

Full-fat, brick-style cream cheese delivers the creamiest, richest results. Avoid whipped or light varieties, as they can make the filling watery or less stable once chilled.

Is there a gluten-free version of the crust?

Yes! Simply swap standard graham crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in this Peanut Butter Pie recipe remains wonderfully gluten-free.

How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?

Make sure your heavy whipping cream is as cold as possible, and beat it just until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the filling, and don’t rush—this ensures the pie stays light and fluffy.

Can I make Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the pie up to two days in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. It actually tastes even better after the flavors meld and the filling sets overnight.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, show-stopping dessert that wins hearts with every bite, you absolutely have to try this Peanut Butter Pie. It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that delivers pure comfort and joy. Gather your ingredients, whip up a pie, and share it with somebody you love—you’ll be glad you did!

Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of this no-bake Peanut Butter Pie. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a decadent peanut butter filling, this dessert is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup 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 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream topping)
Chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish.
Make the Filling: Beat peanut butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip cream separately and fold into the peanut butter mixture.
Assemble: Spoon filling into crust and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours.
Garnish and Serve: Top with peanuts or chocolate before serving.