Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients:
For the Pie Filling:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (This gives a creamy base for the pie.)
- 1 cup peanut butter (Choose smooth peanut butter for a silky filling, or crunchy for added texture.)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (The heavy cream makes the pie filling rich and smooth.)
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) (This sweetens the filling and also helps thicken it.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (Vanilla enhances the flavor of the peanut butter.)
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (Used to create a smooth, glossy ganache topping.)
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (This is the primary ingredient for the topping, giving it a rich chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter filling.)
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (This is the easiest option, but you can make your own crust from graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter if desired.)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Begin by softening the cream cheese. It should be room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. Soft cream cheese will blend better, preventing lumps.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, and mix until fully incorporated. The powdered sugar helps thicken and sweeten the filling without leaving any gritty texture.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the peanut butter. Mix everything until smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the heavy cream slowly while mixing, allowing the mixture to become smooth and light. This will make the filling fluffy and creamy.
- Tip: If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more whipping cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Carefully pour the peanut butter filling into the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) to let the filling firm up and set completely.
- Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat until the cream starts to simmer (small bubbles should form around the edges) but don’t let it boil.
- Add the chocolate chips to the hot cream, and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This forms a ganache-like topping that will harden as it cools.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes before spreading it over the peanut butter layer. This prevents the chocolate from melting the peanut butter filling when poured on top.
- Top the Pie:
- After the chocolate has cooled slightly, pour it gently over the pie. Use a spatula to smooth the chocolate across the top of the pie.
- Chill the pie for an additional hour or until the chocolate topping has fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pie has chilled and the chocolate has set, slice it into wedges and serve!
- It’s best served cold, so store any leftovers in the fridge. You can even freeze this pie for later! If frozen, let it thaw for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
Additional Tips:
- Make-ahead option: This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the pie and store it in the fridge overnight, or even freeze it for up to a few weeks. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Graham Cracker Crust: If you’d prefer to make your own crust, crush 1 ½ cups graham crackers (about 10-12 crackers), and mix with ¼ cup sugar and 6 tbsp melted butter. Press into the bottom of a pie pan and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then let it cool before filling.
- Flavor variations: To add a little extra texture, consider adding some crushed peanuts or chopped peanut butter cups on top before the chocolate ganache sets. For a more decadent pie, add a layer of chocolate between the peanut butter filling and the ganache.
- For a smoother finish: To get an even smoother topping, you can strain the chocolate ganache mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps before pouring it over the pie.
This peanut butter pie is so creamy, with layers of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate, and the graham cracker crust adds a perfect crunch. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any peanut butter lover!