Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

8 to 10
Dead simple to make, this pie hits all the right notes. Sweet, nutty peanut butter mellows next to the tang of rich cream cheese and gets a lift from a little whipped cream. But if that doesn’t convince you, the chocolate cookie crust may. This version relies on five ingredients, instead of pre-made cookies, with the cocoa giving it a deep chocolate flavor. The crust is pressed into a well-buttered pie plate, baked, then cooled, ready to be filled and chilled. When it's time to serve, you have options: Finish it with a decorative chocolate topping or a puff of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons/85 grams unsalted butter

    melted, plus more for the pan

  • 3/4 cup/150 grams granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup/75 grams unsweetened cocoa powder

    not Dutch-processed

  • 1/2 cup/60 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cups/300 milliliters heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cup/405 grams smooth

    sweetened peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy

  • 1 8-ounce/226 grams block full-fat cream cheese

    at room temperature

  • 2/3 cup/133 grams light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ounces/57 grams semisweet chocolate

    chopped, optional

  • 1 tablespoon/14 grams unsalted butter

    optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the crust: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Have a nonstick standard 9-inch pie plate ready, or generously butter a 9-inch standard pie plate. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour and salt. Add butter, stirring and mashing with a fork, until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

  2. 2

    Transfer the crumbs to the prepared pan and press them evenly into the bottom and sides until crust is about 1/4-inch thick. Bake crust until it looks dry and set, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Make the filling: In a large bowl, whip the cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer at medium-high speed. Set aside. In another large bowl, beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla and salt on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Use a large rubber spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Chill uncovered for at least 4 to 6 hours, until filling is set.

  4. 4

    Make the topping, if using: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and the butter together in short bursts, stirring often. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a small plastic bag, and cut a 1/8-inch hole in one corner. Drizzle the chocolate over the top to make a decorative pattern. (You may have some left over depending on your taste.) Serve immediately.

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie

4.0(1.2k)50 min8 to 10

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About this Recipe

Craving a dessert that’s both deeply satisfying and surprisingly simple? This Peanut Butter Pie delivers on all fronts, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every creamy bite.

What sets this Peanut Butter Pie apart is its dedication to homemade quality, especially with its rich chocolate cookie crust. Unlike many store-bought versions, this crust is made from just five simple ingredients, including unsweetened cocoa powder, baked until perfectly set. This ensures a deep chocolate foundation that beautifully complements the creamy peanut butter filling.

Prepare yourself for a slice of pure indulgence. You'll find a delightful interplay of textures: a sturdy, subtly crunchy chocolate crust beneath a cloud of smooth, rich peanut butter filling. The sweetness of the peanut butter is expertly mellowed by the tang of full-fat cream cheese, with a hint of vanilla for warmth. A light lift from whipped cream rounds out the experience, making each spoonful a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and tangy notes.

While this pie is delicious as written, you can easily make it your own:

  • For an extra chocolatey kick, opt for the optional semisweet chocolate topping instead of, or in addition to, whipped cream.
  • If you prefer a less intense peanut butter flavor, you can slightly reduce the amount of peanut butter or add an extra dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to each slice.
  • Experiment with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to further enhance the sweet and savory notes.

This luscious Peanut Butter Pie is perfect for any gathering, from casual weeknight desserts to special occasions. Serve it chilled to fully appreciate its creamy texture, perhaps with a final dusting of cocoa powder or a fresh berry garnish.

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