This No Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the perfect treat for peanut butter lovers! With a creamy filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s as easy as pie… no baking required!
Honestly, who can resist that rich, peanut buttery goodness? I always keep some in the fridge for late-night cravings. Just grab a slice and enjoy—it’s that easy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These are the base for your crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed almonds for a nutty twist.
Pearls Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives this pie its rich flavor. You can substitute it with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter you prefer. Just keep in mind that flavor profiles will change a bit!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess and a slight tang. Light cream cheese or Neufchâtel can be used for a lighter option. Vegan cream cheese is also a good substitute if you’re dairy-free.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The whipping cream is key to the pie’s light and fluffy texture. You can use a dairy-free whipping cream if needed, or try coconut cream for a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pie Crust?
Creating the crust is a crucial step! You want it to be firm and hold up against the creamy filling. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture feels like wet sand.
- Be sure to press the crumbs firmly into the pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to get an even surface.
- Chill the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. This helps it set and become firmer, making slicing easier later!
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping (Optional):
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
- Additional peanut butter or peanut butter chips
- 1 square of chocolate, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 20 minutes of prep time and requires at least 4 hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving. Just mix, chill, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until they look like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate to create your crust. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
2. Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s well combined.
3. Whipping the Cream:
In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it forms stiff peaks—this will give your pie that light and fluffy texture.
4. Combining the Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—this helps keep your pie light and airy.
5. Assembling the Pie:
Pour the creamy filling into your chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
6. Chilling Time:
Cover your pie and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until it is fully set and firm.
7. Serving the Pie:
Once the pie is set, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top (if you like!). You can also add a dollop of peanut butter or sprinkle some peanut butter chips on top for extra fun. If you’d like, garnish with a square of chocolate.
8. Enjoy!
Slice the pie and serve it chilled. Get ready for a delicious peanut butter delight!
Can I Substitute the Graham Cracker Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, Oreo cookies (for a chocolatey twist), or even a gluten-free crust made from nuts and coconut! Just adjust the ingredient amounts to ensure a similar crumbling consistency.
How Long Can I Store the No Bake Peanut Butter Pie?
Your pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days! Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but for best texture, enjoy it fresh!
What Should I Do If My Whipped Cream Doesn’t Form Stiff Peaks?
If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, it may help to chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Also, ensure your cream is fresh and has at least 36% fat content. If all else fails, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead!
Can I Make This Pie Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this pie vegan! Use a vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and coconut cream or almond milk whipped topping in place of dairy ingredients. Just check the labels to ensure all ingredients align with your dietary needs!
