If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is the ultimate answer. This no-bake delight brings together a crisp chocolate cookie crust and a luscious peanut butter filling topped with a silky chocolate ganache that sets up beautifully in the fridge. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this pie is indulgence in every forkful, guaranteeing smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: from the chocolate cookie crumbs forming a crunchy base to the smooth peanut butter and cream cheese providing that dreamy filling, all topped off by velvety ganache to bring it all together.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides a chocolatey, crunchy crust that holds all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Binds the crust ingredients for a firm, yet tender base.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star of the filling offering irresistibly rich and nutty flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds smoothness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling while keeping the texture perfectly light.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm aromatic note.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 ½ cups, divided): Whipped for airy creaminess in the filling and melted into the ganache.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (¾ cup): For that glossy, rich chocolate topping that accents the peanut butter perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by combining the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even layer. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill and set while you move on to the luscious filling.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. This step is where those irresistible creamy textures really start to take shape.
Step 3: Whip and Fold in the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of the heavy whipping cream until it forms stiff peaks—light, airy, and fluffy. Gently fold this whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture. Folding carefully keeps the mixture light and airy, giving the filling a melt-in-your-mouth texture that you’ll adore.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the creamy peanut butter filling into the chilled chocolate cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful layering before moving on to the next crucial step: the chocolate ganache topping.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s just simmering—don’t let it boil! Remove from heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it gently over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly across the surface. This glossy finish is the perfect contrast to the creamy filling below.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow it to set fully. This step is essential for achieving the pie’s perfect sliceability and lets all the flavors meld beautifully. After chilling, your pie is ready to slice and serve.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the pie is stunning on its own, adding some crunchy crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream brings extra texture and visual appeal. These little touches personalize your pie and make every bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pie with simple accompaniments like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can balance its richness, creating a well-rounded dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or milk also complements the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe in mini tart pans for adorable individual portions, or drizzle a bit of caramel sauce across the top for an extra layer of indulgence. You can even layer some chopped bananas beneath the ganache for a fruity surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pie should be kept covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. Proper storage keeps the crust from becoming soggy and the filling perfectly smooth.
Freezing
This pie can be frozen if needed. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake chilled dessert, reheating is not necessary. Serving it cold is part of its charm, highlighting the creamy peanut butter filling and silky chocolate ganache.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast to the smooth filling, giving each bite a little extra crunch and nutty goodness.
Is it okay to substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone?
Yes, mascarpone can be used as a substitute for cream cheese. It will make the filling even more rich and creamy, with a slightly sweeter taste.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, chilling the pie for at least 4 hours is recommended, but overnight chilling will enhance the sliceability and meld the flavors even better.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or cookie alternatives that suit your dietary needs. The filling and ganache remain naturally gluten-free.
What can I use instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Bittersweet or dark chocolate chips work well too, depending on how intense you want the chocolate flavor. Milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter, milder topping.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s easy to make and hard to resist. It’s one of those recipes that brings joy with every creamy, chocolatey bite and is perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Once you try this, it just might become your go-to dessert for celebrations or whenever the craving strikes.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a chocolate cookie crust filled with a smooth peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, topped with a silky chocolate ganache, it’s a decadent treat that comes together quickly and requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Ganache Topping
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Press this firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the peanut butter filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream just until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly to thicken.
- Add ganache and chill: Pour the cooled ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: Once set, slice the pie and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, top the pie with crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
