Easy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Introduction

This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients and no oven required. The creamy, rich filling in a chocolate cookie crust is perfect for any occasion. For more easy no-bake desserts, try the Milky Way No Bake Cookies Recipe or the No-Bake German Chocolate Pie Recipe.

Ingredients

This no-bake Peanut Butter Pie delivers a rich, creamy filling with a satisfying crunch from the graham cracker crust—a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that comes together effortlessly.

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

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This Peanut Butter Pie recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.

Bake the crust at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before filling to ensure a crisp texture.

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 well combined. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results, scraping down the sides as needed.

Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The filling should be thick, creamy, and free of lumps.

Step 3 — Whip the Cream

In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form. For stability, you can add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar while whipping.

Be careful not to overwhip—the cream should hold its shape but remain smooth and spreadable for folding into the peanut butter mixture.

Step 4 — Combine Filling and Cream

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter filling in two additions, using a spatula and a light hand to maintain airiness. Stop folding as soon as no white streaks remain.

Overmixing can deflate the cream, so work quickly but carefully to keep the filling light and fluffy.

Step 5 — Assemble the Pie

Spoon the peanut butter cream filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. Smooth the top for a clean, professional finish.

Tap the pie plate gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and help the filling settle into the crust.

Step 6 — Chill Thoroughly

Cover the Peanut Butter Pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set fully and the flavors to meld.

For best texture, avoid freezing unless serving later—refrigeration keeps the pie creamy and sliceable.

Step 7 — Add Toppings Before Serving

Just before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

Slice with a warm, dry knife for clean edges, wiping the blade between cuts. Serve chilled for the perfect Peanut Butter Pie experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	11g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	33g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	290mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for cream cheese — Adds protein and tang while reducing fat content
• Almond flour crust — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb base with nutty flavor
• Coconut cream for heavy cream — Provides dairy-free richness with subtle tropical notes
• Natural peanut butter — Reduces added sugars and sodium compared to conventional brands
• Monk fruit sweetener for sugar — Maintains sweetness without the carbs or calories
• Dark chocolate topping — Offers antioxidant benefits with less sugar than milk chocolate
• Protein powder enhancement — Boosts protein content while maintaining the classic peanut butter pie texture

Serving Suggestions

• Top slices with whipped cream and crushed peanuts for extra crunch
• Pair with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added richness
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination
• Garnish with fresh banana slices for a refreshing contrast to the creamy peanut butter pie
• Accompany with a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness
• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual family gatherings
• Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, neat portions

This Peanut Butter Pie is a versatile dessert that shines with simple garnishes and pairs beautifully with both hot and cold beverages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using natural peanut butter, which can separate and make the filling oily. Fix: Opt for commercial, stabilized peanut butter for a consistently creamy texture.
• Mistake: Overmixing the filling, which incorporates too much air and can cause cracking. Fix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth.
• Mistake: Not pre-baking a crumb crust, leading to a soggy bottom. Fix: Always bake your graham cracker or Oreo crust for 8-10 minutes to set it.
• Mistake: Adding hot cream cheese directly to the mix, which can curdle the filling. Fix: Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before blending.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling time, resulting in a slice that doesn’t hold its shape. Fix: Chill your Peanut Butter Pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Mistake: Using powdered sugar that isn’t sifted, creating a grainy texture. Fix: Sift your powdered sugar to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the filling.
• Mistake: Whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks too early, causing it to deflate when folded in. Fix: Whip the cream to soft peaks just before you’re ready to fold it into the base.
• Mistake: Pouring a hot topping like ganache onto a chilled pie, which can melt the filling. Fix: Allow any chocolate toppings to cool to room temperature before adding them.
• Mistake: Not tasting the filling before chilling, missing the chance to adjust sweetness. Fix: Always do a quick taste test and adjust sugar or salt levels to your preference.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Peanut Butter Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use an airtight container or wrap the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent other flavors from being absorbed.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Peanut Butter Pie for up to 2 months. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: This Peanut Butter Pie is typically served chilled. If you prefer a softer texture, let a refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Do not microwave or heat it, as this can cause the structure to collapse and is not recommended for food safety.

Always keep your Peanut Butter Pie refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure it stays safe to eat.

Conclusion

This simple Peanut Butter Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you love peanut butter desserts, try our Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe or Thai Peanut Chicken Wrap Recipe. Make this pie today and share your results in the comments! Subscribe for more easy recipes.

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FAQs

Can I make Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Peanut Butter Pie a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the filling to set perfectly.

What can I use if I don’t have a pre-made crust?

You can make a simple graham cracker or Oreo crust. Combine crushed cookies with melted butter, press into the pie dish, and chill before adding the filling. This homemade crust works wonderfully with the Peanut Butter Pie.

How should I store leftover Peanut Butter Pie?

Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. For best texture, avoid freezing as it can alter the creamy consistency.