Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that truly dazzles, look no further than Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. This creamy, dreamy treat features a chocolate cookie crust, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something special. Each bite is a perfect harmony of rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter, making it impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie so magical is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such a showstopping result. Every component has a starring role, from the crunchy crust to the pillowy filling and decadent topping.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the base of the pie and add an irresistible chocolate crunch—use Oreos or your favorite chocolate cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps bind the crust, giving it structure and that classic, rich flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart and soul of the filling—choose a smooth, good-quality peanut butter for the silkiest texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds tang and creaminess, balancing the sweetness and making the filling extra luscious.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling while keeping it beautifully smooth—no graininess here!
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash elevates all the flavors and deepens the aroma.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped cream in the filling makes it fluffy and light, while more cream creates a rich chocolate ganache.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into a glossy, decadent topping that perfectly contrasts the peanut butter layer.
- Chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings: Optional, but they add crunch and a gorgeous finishing touch when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter, mixing until every crumb is coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish—use the bottom of a measuring cup for an even layer. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let the crust cool completely. This step ensures your base is crisp and holds up under all that creamy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture is silky smooth with no lumps. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix again until everything is well combined and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this is what gives the filling its light, airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate it, until you have a uniformly creamy filling. Spread this evenly over your cooled crust.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping
For the glossy chocolate layer, heat the heavy cream just until it’s steaming but not boiling, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the chocolate begins to melt, then stir until you have a smooth, shiny ganache. Let it cool slightly—just enough so it thickens a bit but is still pourable. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter filling and gently spread it to the edges with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Now, patience! Cover the pie and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps the filling firm up and the flavors meld together beautifully. Just before serving, garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
Dress up your pie with a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts, a flurry of chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate. These simple touches add both texture and visual appeal, making each slice look as impressive as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’d like to round out your dessert table, pair it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a tall glass of cold milk. These sides help balance out the indulgence and refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try making mini pies in muffin tins for individual servings or layering the components in small jars for a fun, portable twist. For special occasions, pipe swirls of whipped cream around the edges or decorate with edible gold leaf for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or entertaining guests.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the whole pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This decadent dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer filling, let a slice sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie?
Natural peanut butter can work, but the filling might be softer and less stable due to the oil separation. For best results, stick with a creamy, no-stir variety for that perfect, sliceable texture.
Is it possible to make this pie without baking the crust?
Absolutely! For a no-bake version, simply freeze the crust for 15 minutes after pressing it into the dish. This will help it firm up enough to hold the filling without needing any oven time.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Sure! If you’re in a hurry, a pre-made chocolate cookie crust is a great shortcut. The flavor and texture will still be wonderful, though homemade always adds a little something special.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
Just swap out the regular chocolate cookies for your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies, and you’re all set. Double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a treat everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?
For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This helps the knife glide through the creamy layers without sticking or dragging.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is the answer. Its rich, creamy layers and bold flavors win hearts every single time. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a rich and creamy dessert combining a chocolate cookie crust with a luscious peanut butter and cream cheese filling, topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for indulgent occasions, it requires minimal baking and can be prepared ahead of time. The pie offers a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
For the topping:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely before adding filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine fully. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. Spread the filling evenly into the cooled crust.
- Prepare the topping: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to soften the chocolate. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy ganache forms. Allow to cool slightly, then pour over the peanut butter filling and spread evenly.
- Chill the pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until the filling is fully set and firm. Optionally, garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings just before serving. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a no-bake version, skip baking the crust and freeze it for 15 minutes before filling to allow it to set.
- This pie freezes well for up to 1 month; thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of powdered sugar to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
