No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Quick & Silky No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Creamy, dreamy no-bake peanut butter pie has been my secret weapon for quick desserts that always spark joy.

Friends go wild whenever I bring this silky treat to gatherings.

Chocolate graham cracker crusts provide a delightful crunch against smooth, rich filling.

Minimal ingredients and zero oven time make this recipe perfect for lazy afternoons or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Whipped cream and chopped peanuts add dramatic texture to each delectable slice.

Cool, indulgent moments await you with this simple yet stunning dessert that feels like pure culinary magic.

Whip up this pie and watch smiles bloom around your table.

What Makes No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie So Tempting

  • Whip Up Effortlessly: No baking required, making this pie a breeze to prepare with minimal kitchen skills needed.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Irresistible combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth cream cheese guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.
  • Quick Chilling Delight: Simple refrigeration sets the pie, creating a perfect make-ahead treat for spontaneous gatherings or unexpected guests.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible garnishing options like chocolate syrup and chopped peanuts let you personalize the dessert to match your mood or occasion.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Essentials

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a no-bake pie crust.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides rich and creamy texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Main flavor and creamy component.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth consistency.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Chocolate Syrup, Chopped Peanuts: Optional garnishes for extra flavor and crunch.

Peanut Butter Pie (No-Bake) Preparation

Step 1: Make the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until sandy. Press evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add milk while beating until silky. Pour over chilled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Chill to Set

Refrigerate pie for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chopped peanuts. Serve chilled.

Notes for a Great Peanut Butter Pie

  • Chill Crust Completely: Ensure the graham cracker crust is fully set and cold before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free consistency.
  • Control Filling Consistency: Add milk gradually while beating to control the texture, stopping when the mixture reaches a thick, creamy state that will set properly.
  • Freeze for Faster Setting: Reduce chilling time by placing the pie in the freezer for 2-3 hours instead of refrigerating, which helps it firm up more quickly.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cream cheese, and replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter version.

Storing No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Without The Mess

  • Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain freshness.
  • Carefully cover the entire pie with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean, smooth slices that showcase the creamy texture.
  • Let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

What Goes Nicely with Peanut Butter Pie

  • Elevate Chocolate Indulgence: Pair this creamy peanut butter pie with a bold, dark chocolate stout for a rich, decadent experience that complements the dessert's nutty sweetness.
  • Create Contrasting Cooling: Serve alongside a crisp, chilled espresso martini to cut through the pie's richness and provide a refreshing, sophisticated counterpoint.
  • Match Nutty Harmony: Select a smooth caramel-forward bourbon that echoes the pie's peanut butter notes, creating a warm, complementary flavor profile that enhances every bite.
  • Refresh with Contrast: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to provide a cool, creamy contrast that balances the pie's dense texture and amplifies its sweet-savory elements.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and replace milk with almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free chocolate syrup to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for those with peanut allergies or seeking different flavor profiles.

FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for a more textured pie filling. Just ensure it’s well mixed to maintain a creamy consistency.

  • How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Press the graham cracker crust firmly and refrigerate it before adding the filling. This helps create a solid base that won’t get mushy quickly.

  • Is this dessert suitable for people with dairy allergies?

No, the recipe contains cream cheese and milk, which are dairy products. You would need to find dairy-free substitutes to make it allergy-friendly.

  • What's the best way to get clean pie slices?

Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps create smooth, neat slices without dragging the filling.

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No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy, no-bake peanut butter pie delivers a dreamy dessert experience that blends rich nutty flavor with silky smooth texture. Chocolate cookie crust and whipped peanut butter filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Topping and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)
  • Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Create a cohesive crust mixture by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, ensuring thorough incorporation of ingredients.
  2. Press the crumb mixture evenly and firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, compacting the base to form a solid foundation.
  3. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to allow it to set and stabilize.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, preparing it for additional ingredients.
  5. Incorporate peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  6. Gradually introduce milk while continuously beating the mixture, ensuring a silky and well-integrated filling.
  7. Carefully pour the peanut butter filling over the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a level surface.
  8. Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting the filling to firm and set completely.
  9. Before serving, embellish the pie with a generous layer of whipped cream, creating an elegant topping.
  10. Enhance the presentation by drizzling chocolate syrup across the surface and sprinkling chopped peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
  11. Keep the pie chilled until ready to serve for optimal flavor and consistency.

Notes

  • Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t crumble when slicing.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps and achieve a silky-smooth filling texture.
  • Freeze the pie for a firmer, ice cream-like consistency that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a celiac or vegan-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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