Easy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Introduction

This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate quick dessert with just 5 minutes of prep time. It features a creamy peanut butter filling in a graham cracker crust, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven. For more decadent peanut butter and chocolate pairings, try this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe or this Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This no-bake peanut butter pie delivers a dreamy, creamy texture with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy any peanut butter craving.

• 1 pre-made 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (for crumbs topping, optional)

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)

Context: This no-bake Peanut Butter Pie is about 20% faster than similar recipes since it skips oven time entirely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Crush 1½ cups of graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2 — Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of creamy peanut butter with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results.

Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 3 — Whip the Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1½ cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks hold their shape.

Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream can become grainy. For best results, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold before starting.

Step 4 — Combine Filling and Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula. Use a folding motion to maintain airiness—overmixing can deflate the cream.

The final filling should be light, fluffy, and uniform in color with no streaks of white remaining.

Step 5 — Assemble the Pie

Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator. Spoon the peanut butter filling into the crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

Smooth the top and tap the pie gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles before chilling.

Step 6 — Chill Thoroughly

Cover the Peanut Butter Pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The filling needs time to set completely before serving.

For faster setting, you can place the pie in the freezer for 1–2 hours, but return it to the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving for ideal texture.

Step 7 — Add Toppings and Serve

Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or chopped peanuts. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Use a warm knife to slice clean portions. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	11g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	33g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	320mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for cream cheese — Adds protein and tang while reducing fat.
• Almond flour crust — Provides a gluten-free, lower-carb base with nutty flavor.
• Coconut cream for heavy cream — Creates a rich, dairy-free filling with tropical notes.
• Natural peanut butter — Lowers sodium and sugar compared to conventional brands.
• Monk fruit sweetener for sugar — Reduces carbs and calories without sacrificing sweetness.
• Protein powder blended in — Boosts protein content while maintaining the classic peanut butter pie texture.
• Dark chocolate drizzle — Adds antioxidant benefits over milk chocolate toppings.
• Date-sweetened crust — Offers natural sweetness and fiber instead of refined sugars.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture.
• Pair with a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich peanut butter flavor.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings or mini peanut butter cups for a festive presentation.
• Accompany with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
• Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor in your Peanut Butter Pie.

This Peanut Butter Pie is perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting dessert after a family dinner. For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag to add decorative whipped cream borders around each slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using natural peanut butter, which can separate and create an oily filling. Fix: Opt for commercial creamy peanut butter with stabilizers for a consistently smooth texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the filling, which incorporates too much air and lightens the texture. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain the signature dense, creamy consistency of Peanut Butter Pie.
• Mistake: Not pre-baking a crumb crust, resulting in a soggy bottom. Fix: Always bake a graham cracker or cookie crust for 8-10 minutes to help it set and stay crisp.
• Mistake: Adding hot ingredients to the filling, which can cause it to break or become grainy. Fix: Ensure all components, like melted chocolate, are cooled to room temperature before incorporating.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling time, leading to a slice that doesn’t hold its shape. Fix: Chill your Peanut Butter Pie for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, for perfect slicing.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cream cheese or whipped topping, which can water down the flavor and texture. Fix: Use full-fat ingredients to achieve the richest, creamiest Peanut Butter Pie possible.
• Mistake: Over-sweetening the filling, masking the savory peanut butter notes. Fix: Taste as you go and balance sweetness with a pinch of salt to enhance the peanut flavor.
• Mistake: Pouring a hot ganache or topping onto a chilled pie, which can crack the surface. Fix: Cool toppings slightly or apply them before the final chill to allow everything to set together smoothly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Refrigerate your Peanut Butter Pie in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it at or below 40°F for food safety.
• Freezer: Freeze Peanut Butter Pie tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Peanut Butter Pie is best served chilled. If desired, let individual slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

Always store your Peanut Butter Pie promptly after serving to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Conclusion

This easy Peanut Butter Pie is the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our No-Bake German Chocolate Pie Recipe next! Let us know how your pie turned out in the comments and subscribe for more delicious dessert ideas.

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FAQs

Can I make this Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Peanut Butter Pie a day in advance. It needs several hours to set in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

What is the best way to store leftover Peanut Butter Pie?

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Pie covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its creamy texture.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

We recommend using conventional creamy peanut butter for the best texture and consistency in your Peanut Butter Pie. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and affect the filling’s stability.