Peanut Butter Pie Recipe (The Ultimate No-Bake Treat)

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Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. This no-bake peanut butter pie recipe is the ultimate indulgence, delivering a rich, creamy, and decadent experience with minimal effort. It features a velvety-smooth peanut butter filling nestled inside a crisp, chocolatey Oreo crust, all chilled to perfection. Whether you need a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering or a simple treat to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion.

We’re ditching the oven for this one. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and the irresistible combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate. It’s a texture lover’s dream: the smoothest, creamiest filling you can imagine against a crunchy, buttery cookie crust. This is the peanut butter pie recipe you’ll make again and again.

The entire no-bake peanut butter pie in a white pie dish before being sliced, showcasing its smooth top and dark chocolate cookie crust. — This stunning peanut butter pie is ready for its close-up!

Why This Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is the Best

In a world of complicated desserts, this easy peanut butter pie recipe stands out. It’s designed for enthusiastic home cooks who want maximum flavor for their time. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Completely No-Bake: Free up your oven and keep your kitchen cool. This entire recipe comes together in the fridge.
Incredibly Creamy Texture: We use a combination of cream cheese and heavy whipping cream to create a filling that is unbelievably smooth and stable.
Rich & Decadent Flavor: The balance between the salty, nutty peanut butter and the sweet, rich chocolate crust is pure perfection.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From summer potlucks to holiday dessert tables, this pie is always a hit. Just like our No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, it’s a certified crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is short and sweet, using pantry staples to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Oreo Crust:

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: You’ll need about 24 Oreos to create the perfect crust.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together to form a sturdy base.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
Creamy Peanut Butter: A good quality, commercial creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy works best. Avoid natural peanut butters that can separate.
Powdered Sugar: This dissolves easily, ensuring the filling is silky smooth.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it makes the filling light, airy, and incredibly luxurious.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.

The creamy peanut butter filling for the pie being mixed in a glass bowl, showing its smooth and velvety texture before it goes into the crust. — The secret to this pie is the light-as-air, perfectly sweetened peanut butter filling.

How to Make the Perfect Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

This simple, three-step process makes assembling your pie a breeze. Follow these instructions for a flawless result every time.

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

First, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Place the crust in the freezer to set for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar, and continue to beat until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in two additions until just combined. This method keeps the filling light and airy.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill the Pie

Retrieve your chilled crust from the freezer. Spoon the peanut butter filling into the crust and spread it into an even layer with a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can create swirls on top. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely. This chilling time is crucial for the perfect slice.

Tips for the Best No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

A few simple tips can elevate your peanut butter pie from great to unforgettable.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid a lumpy filling.
Don’t Use Natural Peanut Butter: Stick to commercial brands like Jif or Skippy for the best texture and stability.
Chill the Crust: Freezing the crust while you make the filling helps it set firmly and prevents it from crumbling when you add the filling.
Don’t Rush the Chill Time: The pie needs a minimum of 6 hours to set properly. An overnight chill is even better for the cleanest slices. For another dessert that’s worth the wait, try these amazing Pecan Pie Truffles.

Fun Variations to Try

While this classic peanut butter pie recipe is a star on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creativity. If you enjoyed our Christmas Sugar Cookies, you’ll love customizing this pie!

Chocolate Ganache Topping: Pour a rich chocolate ganache over the chilled pie for an extra layer of decadence.
Pretzel Crust: Swap the Oreos for crushed pretzels to create a salty-sweet crust that perfectly complements the filling.
Add-Ins: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups into the filling before chilling.
Garnishes: Top with chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

How to Store Your Peanut Butter Pie

This pie stores beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the pie for longer storage. To freeze, let it set completely in the fridge, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this peanut butter pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is a perfect make-ahead dessert. It needs at least 6 hours to set, but it’s even better if made the day before you plan to serve it.