Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
If a dreamy, decadent treat that pairs two beloved flavors together sounds irresistible, then Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is about to become your new obsession. This luscious dessert is a no-bake masterpiece that delivers a creamy, silky peanut butter filling nestled in a rich chocolate cookie crust, topped with a layer of glossy ganache. Every bite balances the nostalgia of classic peanut butter cups with an elegant, dinner party-worthy presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and absolutely rewarding—the hardest part is waiting for it to chill!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The simple ingredients in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie recipe work together to create the ultimate harmony of taste and texture. Don’t skip or substitute here—each element lends a memorable twist, whether it’s unmistakable peanutty richness or smooth, silky chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the chocolatey, crunchy base that supports the entire pie and adds a deep cocoa backdrop to the peanut butter filling.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the crumbs, butter binds the crust and gives a melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing salty-sweet creaminess that’s impossible to resist.
- Cream cheese: Adds tang and a bit of structure, creating that perfectly thick yet airy filling.
- Powdered sugar: Lends just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the filling super smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Subtle but essential, vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped cream lightens up the filling, while a bit reserved for the ganache yields a silky, professional chocolate topping.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into the cream, these create a decadent ganache layer to seal the deal.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie by mixing chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl, stirring until every crumb glistens. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Pop the crust into the refrigerator to chill while you work on the filling. This quick step gives your pie a firm, fudgy base and allows the butter to set for perfectly clean slices later.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until velvety smooth—this is when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly! Next, whip 1 cup of heavy cream separately until it stands in stiff peaks. Gently fold this fluffy cream into the peanut butter mixture, carrying pockets of air and creaminess throughout the filling. Spread the luscious mixture evenly into your chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Make and Add the Chocolate Ganache
To create the glossy ganache that crowns your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for two minutes—this lets the chocolate melt gently. Stir until the ganache is completely smooth, shiny, and irresistibly rich. Pour it over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
Step 4: Chill the Pie Until Set
Place the assembled pie in your refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until every layer is firm and sliceable. This time is key—the chilling sets the filling, thickens the ganache, and melds all the flavors together. You’ll be tempted to peek, but patience pays off with those flawless, picture-perfect slices.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Garnishes
If you want to take your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie to new heights, sprinkle on some chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or delicate chocolate curls right before serving. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds a bakery-level finish and makes every piece just a little more festive.
Side Dishes
Since the pie is so delightfully rich, it pairs wonderfully with things that offer a bit of contrast. Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side for a tart, juicy counterpoint. Even a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee can balance out the dense, creamy filling and enhance the pie’s chocolate and peanut butter magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, try cutting your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie into bite-sized squares or bars and serve them on a platter for easy sharing. Make mini pies using a muffin tin and cupcake liners for individual treats or layer the filling and ganache in small glasses for a playful, deconstructed parfait. However you slice it, presentation can be as fun and creative as the pie itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. The crust remains crisp and the filling stays creamy for up to four days. For the freshest flavor, store the pie in its original dish and avoid stacking other items on top.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this pie is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap the entire, uncut pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—no need to reheat!
Reheating
Since Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. Simply let it rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving, bringing out all the best flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a lovely texture to your filling, giving every bite an extra little surprise. Or, if you only want some crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the ganache just before serving.
What’s the best way to crush chocolate cookies for the crust?
You can pulse the cookies in a food processor for perfectly even crumbs, or simply seal them in a zip-top bag and go over them with a rolling pin—the old-fashioned way works just as well.
Can I make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie in advance?
Yes, in fact, the pie is even better when made a day ahead! It gives the layers enough time to set perfectly and allows the flavors to fully meld. Just store it in the fridge, loosely covered, until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Certainly! A ready-made chocolate pie crust will save a few minutes and works well if you’re tight on time. Homemade crust has a deeper flavor, but store-bought is a great shortcut when needed.
What if I don’t have a mixer for the filling?
You can mix the filling by hand using a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. Just make sure to soften the cream cheese ahead of time and whip the cream until fluffy—it may take a little longer, but you’ll get there!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie enough—it’s the kind of show-stopping dessert that brings smiles and happy sighs with every forkful. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this pie is pure comfort and always disappears fast. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your table!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter with this luscious no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. A creamy peanut butter filling is nestled in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with a rich chocolate ganache, creating a dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 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 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the Filling: Beat together peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip 1 cup of cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into peanut butter mixture.
- Fill the Crust: Spread filling into prepared crust.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Heat 1/4 cup cream, add chocolate chips, and pour over pie. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Notes
- For a crunchy twist, use crunchy peanut butter or sprinkle chopped peanuts over the chocolate topping.
- This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg