If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping summer dessert that hits all the right notes — salty, sweet, creamy, and just a little bit crunchy — you’re going to fall in love with Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. This pie is the stuff daydreams are made of, with a crisp, buttery pretzel crust, a cloud of peanut butter mousse, and the kind of chocolate-studded finish that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re serving a crowd or sneaking a secret slice from the freezer just for yourself, this recipe is effortless to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is how a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together to create something magical. Each one plays its part to deliver that crave-worthy mix of tastes and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
- Crushed pretzels: The star of the crust, providing that salty crunch and golden color that makes every bite interesting.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust and balance the pretzel’s saltiness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Acts as the glue holding the crust together while adding rich flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The luscious base for the filling — go for classic creamy for smoothest results.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling body and a delightful tang that complements the peanut butter’s richness.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily into the peanut butter filling, offering sweetness without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch for warmth and depth in the filling.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped until it’s cloud-light, making the filling airy and indulgent.
- Mini chocolate chips for garnish: Because a little chocolate always makes things more festive.
- Extra crushed pretzels for garnish: A final sprinkle of crunch and color right before serving.
How to Make Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Step 1: Make the Pretzel Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix together your crushed pretzels, a touch of sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the combination resembles wet sand. Once thoroughly mixed, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, just to set it and get a lightly toasted flavor. Let it cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until it turns irresistibly smooth and fluffy. This is your moment to taste (no judgment!) and make sure everything is silky and perfectly blended.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
In a clean mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial; the air you whip in here is what gives the Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie its dreamy, mousse-like texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture, taking care not to deflate all those lovely air bubbles.
Step 4: Fill and Garnish the Pie
Spoon the creamy peanut butter filling into your cooled pretzel crust, smoothing the top as you go. Sprinkle on those mini chocolate chips and a scatter of extra crushed pretzels. This contrast of salty, sweet, and crunchy is what sets this pie apart.
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
Transfer the pie to your freezer and let it set for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!). When you’re ready to serve, let the pie sit on the counter for about 10 minutes so it slices easily. Savor every bite and watch it disappear in minutes.
How to Serve Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Garnishes
A flourish of mini chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of crushed pretzels bring just the right finish, but don’t hesitate to drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice for a restaurant-quality presentation. A dollop of whipped cream makes it extra special for celebrations.
Side Dishes
Since Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie delivers bold flavors, it’s best paired with lighter accompaniments. A fresh fruit salad, sliced strawberries, or even just crisp apple slices on the side will contrast the creamy richness and cleanse your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual mini pies using muffin tins lined with cupcake liners — these are perfect for parties or potlucks! You can also cut the pie into bite-sized squares and serve as frozen dessert bars for a fun twist at summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the freezer. Its sturdy texture means it won’t get icy or develop freezer burn for several days, though it rarely lasts that long in the house!
Freezing
The beauty of this pie is how well it handles the freezer. Make it up to a week in advance and freeze solid, garnished and all. Just remember to wrap it well with plastic wrap and a layer of foil to lock in freshness and prevent any unwelcome freezer flavors.
Reheating
No “reheating” required — simply let the pie thaw on the counter for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the crust and creamy filling just enough time to soften for the perfect texture and easy serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will bring an extra dimension of texture to the filling. Just be aware that your pie will have a bit more bite, which is a bonus for true peanut butter fans.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pretzels in the crust to make the entire Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie gluten free — the rest of the ingredients should already be safe.
Can I make this with a store-bought pie crust?
You can swap in a graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust if you’re short on time, but the salty-pretzel crust is what truly defines this pie. Give it a try at least once, and you’ll see why it’s worth the extra few minutes.
How long can the pie sit out at room temperature?
Since it’s a frozen pie, you’ll want to serve it within 30 minutes of removing from the freezer. After that, the texture may become too soft and the crust could lose its crispness.
Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
Go ahead and get creative! Swirl in some hot fudge, add chopped Reese’s cups, or toss in a handful of roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Just be gentle when folding additions into the whipped filling so you don’t lose too much fluffiness.
Final Thoughts
Every slice of this Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie delivers pure summer joy, right down to the very last crumb. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to wow guests at your next backyard bash. If you’re craving a no-fuss dessert with major crowd-pleasing potential, take this pie for a spin — I promise, one taste and it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this Frozen Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. A creamy peanut butter filling nestled in a crunchy pretzel crust, topped with chocolate chips, and frozen to cool perfection.
Ingredients
For the Pretzel Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
- 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 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, for garnish
- Extra crushed pretzels, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pretzel Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into peanut butter mixture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour filling into the cooled crust, top with chocolate chips and crushed pretzels. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
