Easy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe and How to Make Fresh Graham Cracker Crust

Making a peanut butter pie at home is simpler than most people think. This recipe uses basic ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. The result is a rich, creamy pie that tastes better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

For the filling:

- 1 cup smooth peanut butter

- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the crust:

- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)

- Or use fresh pie crust (see recipe below)

For topping:

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. It needs to be soft for mixing.

2. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter and soft cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.

3. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together for another 2 minutes until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. This takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Use a large spoon and mix slowly. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Pour the filling into your pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. The surface should be smooth and flat.

7. Put the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. For best results, leave it overnight. The pie needs time to set properly.

8. Before serving, make the topping. Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until thick. Spread this on top of the pie and add chopped peanuts.

A homemade graham cracker crust makes your peanut butter pie even more special. Fresh graham crust has better flavor and texture than store-bought versions. This sweet, crunchy crust pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter filling.

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 whole crackers)

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 6 tablespoons melted butter

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Put the graham crackers in a food processor or blender. Crush them until they become fine crumbs. You can also put crackers in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

3. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Stir everything together with a fork until well combined.

4. Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture. Mix everything together until the crumbs look like wet sand. All crumbs should be coated with butter.

5. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down. The crust should be even and compact.

6. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it is lightly golden brown. The edges should be slightly darker than the center.

7. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely. This takes about 30 minutes. The crust must be completely cool before adding the peanut butter filling.

These helpful tips will ensure your peanut butter pie turns out perfectly every time. Follow these suggestions to avoid common mistakes and create the best possible dessert.

- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold cream cheese and other ingredients do not mix well together. Take your cream cheese and eggs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before you start cooking. This makes mixing much easier and creates a smoother filling.

- Choose The Right Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter works better than crunchy for this recipe. Natural peanut butter can make the pie too oily. Regular store-bought smooth peanut butter gives the best texture and flavor.

- Do Not Overmix The Whipped Cream: Stop whipping the cream when it forms soft peaks. If you mix for too long, the cream becomes thick like butter. This makes the pie filling heavy instead of light and fluffy.

- Chill The Pie Long Enough: The pie needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. If you cut the pie too early, the filling will be too soft and messy. Overnight chilling gives the best results.

- Store Leftovers Correctly: Keep any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Do not leave the pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially in warm weather.

- Make Decorative Toppings: Add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or caramel sauce on top for extra flavor. These toppings make your pie look professional and taste even better.

- Serve At The Right Temperature: Take the pie out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut clean slices. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for the best presentation.

This peanut butter pie recipe creates a dessert that everyone will love. The creamy texture and rich peanut butter flavor make it perfect for any occasion. With practice, you can make this pie quickly and easily whenever you want a special treat.