If you love creamy desserts with a sweet and salty kick, this peanut butter pie recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s cool, rich, and satisfying, made with simple ingredients you probably already have. This no-bake pie is a classic Southern comfort dessert, but over the years, it’s gained fans everywhere.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect peanut butter pie—from equipment to nutrition. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a craving, this pie delivers the “wow” factor with zero stress.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot of the peanut butter pie recipe to help you plan ahead:
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American (Southern) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 (No-Bake) |
| Calories | Approx. 520 per slice |
Equipment Needed
Before you dive into mixing and whipping, make sure you have everything you need. Having the right tools can make prep faster and cleanup easier.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools:
- Mixing bowls: At least two medium to large bowls for mixing the filling and crust.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk: For whipping the filling until fluffy. A stand mixer is great, but a hand mixer works just fine.
- Rubber spatula: Helps scrape every last bit of filling from the bowl—no waste!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters, especially with rich flavors like peanut butter.
- 9-inch pie pan: A deep dish pie pan works best to hold all the goodness.
- Refrigerator space: You’ll need a clear, flat spot to chill the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make one creamy, dreamy peanut butter pie:
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (or crushed Oreos if you like it chocolatey)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate drizzle
- Whipped cream
Instructions
Making peanut butter pie is as easy as pie—literally!
- Prepare the crust:
Mix the crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of your pie pan. Chill for 10 minutes. - Make the filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy. - Fold in whipped topping:
Gently fold in the whipped topping until well combined. Don’t overmix—you want it fluffy! - Fill and chill:
Pour the mixture into the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Add toppings and serve:
Decorate with chocolate drizzle, nuts, or whipped cream. Slice and enjoy cold!
Essential Note:
Be sure the pie is completely chilled before slicing. This helps it firm up and gives you those clean, beautiful slices. You can also freeze the pie for a firmer texture, especially in hot weather.
