If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts that combine just the right balance of sweet and salty, you are going to absolutely adore this No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe. It’s one of those magical treats that feels indulgent and sophisticated but comes together with such ease, it almost feels like cheating. The luscious peanut butter filling is perfectly complemented by the smooth cream cheese and a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a heavenly texture and taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, you don’t even need to turn on the oven, making this pie a perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion or a deliciously effortless weeknight dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward making this irresistible pie. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crunchy graham cracker crumbs that give the crust its perfect foundation, to the creamy peanut butter and rich cream cheese that create the dreamy filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provide a buttery, crunchy base that perfectly supports the creamy filling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust, balancing the salty peanut butter.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together and enriches their flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: Contributes a smooth, tangy texture that lightens the peanut butter filling.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, bringing that classic, rich peanut flavor everyone loves.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling evenly without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic undertone.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds a fluffy, airy texture to the filling.
- Chopped peanuts: Optional garnish that adds crunch and nuts-on-nuts goodness.
- Mini chocolate chips: An optional sprinkle that introduces lovely chocolate notes.
- Peanut butter drizzle: Perfect for drizzling on top to amp up the peanut flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until everything is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it’s compact and even. This forms the delicious, buttery base that will hold all the creamy goodness to come. Pop it into the refrigerator so it firms up nicely while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together until silky smooth and fully blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well incorporated and sweetly balanced. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture. This step is key to creating a light, fluffy filling that still packs a peanut butter punch without feeling heavy.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
Once your crust has chilled enough to hold firm, spoon the peanut butter filling into the pie dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it looks neat and inviting. The contrast between the crisp crust and the creamy filling starts becoming irresistible right now.
Step 4: Chill the pie
Refrigerate your masterpiece for at least four hours, or until the filling is fully set and sliceable. This resting time lets all the flavors marry beautifully and guarantees that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
When you’re ready to enjoy your pie, sprinkle chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips over the top, adding texture and bursts of flavor. A drizzle of peanut butter on top pushes this dessert into over-the-top delicious territory. Now it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips not only introduces a delightful crunch but also creates a beautiful contrast against the creamy surface. You can also get creative and add a swirl of melted chocolate or even a few fresh berries for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serving it alongside warm coffee or a cold glass of milk elevates the peanut butter flavor and cleanses the palate for every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual slices with a peanut butter drizzle in a dessert cup or jar. You can also sprinkle crushed pretzels on top for a salty crunch or layer the pie with chocolate ganache for a decadent double-layer delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Be sure to cover any leftover No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie for up to 2 months by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow any frozen slices to fully thaw in the refrigerator and then serve cold for the perfect creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and a bit of bite to your filling, making the pie even more interesting. Just make sure to stir it well so it blends smoothly with the cream cheese.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
How long does the pie need to chill?
A minimum of 4 hours in the fridge is essential to allow the filling to set properly. For best results, chilling overnight is even better so the flavors can meld and the texture firms perfectly.
Can I make this in individual servings?
Definitely! The filling and crust recipe can be divided and assembled into small dessert cups or jars, making them perfect for parties or portion-controlled treats.
What should I do if the filling is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, gently fold in a little extra whipped cream to lighten it up. If it’s too thin, try chilling it longer or adding a touch more cream cheese to thicken before folding in the whipped cream.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves creamy, dreamy desserts without the fuss of baking. Its inviting flavors, smooth texture, and effortless preparation make it one of those must-have recipes in your dessert arsenal. I encourage you to try it out, customize it to your taste, and watch it become a favorite at your table time and time again.
Print
No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious No Bake Cream Cheese Peanut Butter Pie combines a creamy peanut butter filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfectly chilled and topped with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, and a peanut butter drizzle, this pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that requires no baking and only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
For Garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Assemble the pie: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the crust, using a spatula to smooth the surface for a clean finish.
- Chill the pie: Place the assembled pie back into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, allowing the filling to set properly and develop its creamy texture.
- Garnish: Before serving, top the pie with chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, and an optional drizzle of peanut butter to add texture, flavor, and an appealing presentation.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture in the filling.
- Make sure to whip the cream to stiff peaks to maintain a stable, fluffy filling.
- This pie must be kept refrigerated and served cold.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
