Hey friends! Are you ready to whip up something that’s both indulgent and effortlessly crowd-pleasing? Today, I’ll share my go-to easy peanut butter pie—yes, it’s that dreamy dessert that’s creamy, nut-buttery, and borderline addictive. Whether you’re craving a no-bake delight or looking for an easy dessert to impress, this easy peanut butter pie has you covered. Let’s dive in!
Why This Easy Peanut Butter Pie Works
Let me tell you, this recipe is a life-saver when you need dessert without the drama. You only need a few ingredients—cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, Cool Whip, vanilla, and a prepared crust—and in under two hours, you have a chilled masterpiece. In fact, so much flavor is packed into this easy peanut butter pie that everyone goes back for seconds. And bonus: there’s no oven drama (except if you’re prebaking the crust).
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Plus, it’s flexible. Use a graham cracker crust for a classic vibe, or go bold with a chocolate cookie crust—either way, it screams “easy peanut butter pie” in the best way.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 prepared pie crust — graham-cracker or chocolate-cookie crust works great
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter (use your fave)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed & divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups (plus additional for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mx until well combined.
- Mix in half of the thawed Cool Whip and mini chips or chunked peanut butter cups until the mixture is silky and fluffy.
- Pour the filling into your pre-baked or pre-made pie crust, and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups across the surface—delicious, right?
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- For that perfect texture, once fully frozen, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Softening cream cheese: Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for just 10 seconds—careful, you don’t want it melted.
- Peanut butter choice: Creamy gives a smooth texture; chunky adds a little crunch—both work wonders in this easy peanut butter pie.
- Crust prep: If you love roasted-nut undertones, toast your graham-cracker crust for 5 minutes at 350°F—optional, but tasty.
- Texture check: If your whipped topping feels too soft, freeze for longer or try folding in a touch more Cool Whip.
- Decor ideas: Not into peanut butter cups or mini chocolate chips? Try crushed pretzels, chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.
- Serving tip: For clean slices, run your knife under hot tap water, dry it, and slice—quick wipe between cuts helps maintain pretty layers.
Peanut Butter Pie With Peanut Butter Cup Gaarnish
Storage
Good news: this easy peanut butter pie keeps beautifully! Simply:
- Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days. It stays creamy and perfect for quick slices whenever your sweet tooth calls.
- Want to keep it longer? You can freeze the whole pie for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the fridge for several hours, then let it rest on the counter for 10–15 minutes before serving to restore that luscious texture.
Why Readers Love It
This pie consistently gets major compliments. “So simple, yet so decadent!” is a common shout-out. Many tell me that they love the contrast of creamy filling in a crispy crust—simple ingredients, big payoff. Since “easy peanut butter pie” is the magic phrase that keeps drawing them back, it’s safe to say this recipe delivers on both flavor and search-friendly style.
So there you have it—a friendly, no-fuss easy peanut butter pie that feels cozy, tastes indulgent, and fits right into busy days (or any day you’re craving something rich without the fuss). Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just treating yourself, this pie has got your back.
Let me know if you try it—and trust me, you’ll be sending me pictures by slice two!
Happy baking (and indulging),
Your Peanut Butter Pie Pal
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Easy Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust
- 1 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter or chunky peanut butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 16 oz cool whip thawed & divided
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fully combined and silky.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in half of the Cool Whip until the filling looks light and evenly blended.
- Spoon the filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Spread the remaining half of the Cool Whip over the filling. Add chopped peanut butter cups (or your chosen topping).
- Chill to set: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.
- Serve: For the cleanest slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, and cut. If you froze the pie, let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Cream cheese temp: Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps.
- Crust options: Graham cracker keeps it classic; chocolate cookie crust makes it Reese’s-adjacent and extra rich.
- Fold gently: Overmixing the Cool Whip deflates the filling. Use broad, gentle folds for that cloud-like texture.
- Flavor boosts: Add a pinch of fine sea salt or swirl in 1–2 Tbsp melted chocolate for contrast.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for several hours, then rest on the counter 10–15 minutes before serving.