If you’re dreaming of a decadent, show-stopping treat that comes together with minimal effort, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is the magical answer. Featuring a buttery chocolate cookie crust and a creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling, all crowned with a glossy layer of chocolate ganache, this dessert brings together two classic flavors in perfect harmony. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a little indulgence, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is guaranteed to spark pure joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s no need for complicated ingredients to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie truly unforgettable. Each component brings essential taste, texture, and even that signature layered look—so let’s walk through what you’ll need and how every bit shines.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These give the crust its rich, chocolatey crunch—Oreos work wonderfully, but any similar cookie is great.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together and adds a subtle richness to the base.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the filling, creamy peanut butter offers texture, bold flavor, and a perfectly smooth bite.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the filling tang and that classic silky texture.
- Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and dissolves effortlessly for the smoothest result.
- Vanilla extract: Just a dash elevates the entire filling with sweet aroma and warmth.
- Whipped topping: This makes the filling light and airy—Cool Whip is easiest, but any stabilized whipped cream will do.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the ganache layer; they provide luscious chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
- Heavy cream: Blended with the chocolate chips, it creates a pourable, shiny ganache topping for the pie.
- Additional whipped topping and chocolate shavings: These garnishes are optional, but they add the perfect finish—both for beauty and taste!
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by mixing the crushed chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl until every crumb is coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, paying special attention to the edges for that classic pie shape. Pop it into the freezer for about 15 minutes—this sets the crust so you’ll have a sturdy and delicious base.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
Grab a large bowl and beat together the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until you get a silky-smooth mixture. Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix again until everything is evenly combined and fluffy. Gently fold in the whipped topping; this step is where the magic happens! The filling becomes ultra-light and irresistible.
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Spoon the peanut butter filling into your chilled chocolate cookie crust. Use a spatula to spread it out and smooth the top, making sure it reaches every edge. Admire those layers—each one is a promise of deliciousness!
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Ganache
To make the glossy chocolate topping, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl. Do this in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and shiny. Let it cool just a bit, then pour over the pie, spreading gently for an even, luscious layer.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Cover and refrigerate your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! Right before serving, crown it with dollops of whipped topping and a shower of chocolate shavings for an extra bit of flair.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
This pie loves a little extra attention! Finish it with a whipped topping border, chocolate curls, mini peanut butter cups, or even a light sprinkle of flaky salt. Each garnish adds not just beauty, but also a tempting variety of textures in every bite.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is rich and decadent, so keep accompaniments simple—think a mug of hot coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries can also add a wonderful, tart contrast to the pie’s creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice the pie into classic wedges, cut it into elegant mini-squares for a dessert tray, or even make individual mini pies using a muffin tin or small tart pans. For a playful twist, serve small, chilled squares on popsicle sticks as “pie-on-a-stick”—perfect for parties or kids!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. This pie actually tastes even better after some chill time, as the flavors meld beautifully.
Freezing
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie freezes wonderfully! Wrap it well or store individual slices in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and enjoy a convenient, ready-to-eat treat whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
There’s no need for reheating—this is a no-bake, serve-chilled pie. If you’d like a slightly softer filling for serving, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular creamy?
Absolutely! Just make sure to stir it well so there’s no oily separation. Natural peanut butter will make the filling slightly less sweet and a touch more earthy, which some people adore.
Is it necessary to bake the crust?
No, not at all! The crust sets perfectly in the freezer, but if you want a little extra crunch, you can bake it at 350°F for 8 minutes and then let it cool completely before filling.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it chill for several hours (or overnight) allows the textures and flavors to develop even more. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or potlucks.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
If you prefer homemade, you can whip about 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold it into the filling as you would with store-bought whipped topping.
How do I get neat slices when serving?
For beautiful slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. This helps glide through the ganache and filling for that picture-perfect presentation.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a favorite time and again: it’s easy, incredibly luscious, and never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients, bring your appetite, and share a slice (or two!) with the people you love—you’ll be creating sweet memories that last long after the last crumb is gone.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of this no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie! A luscious blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate on a buttery cookie crust, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
- 5 tablespoons 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 whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Additional whipped topping and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in whipped topping. Spread filling into crust.
- Add the Topping: Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream, then pour over the pie. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with whipped topping and chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version.
- For a crunchier crust, bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
- The pie can be made a day in advance and chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
