Unbelievable Peanut Butter Pie

This unforgettable peanut butter pie layers a crunchy Oreo crust with silky peanut butter filling and rich chocolate ganache, all topped with bursts of Reese’s Pieces and chopped peanuts. It is a celebration-worthy treat that satisfies both chocolate and peanut butter lovers with every bite. I love how it combines simple pantry ingredients into a slice that feels over-the-top special for birthdays or family get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Oreo Cookies These offer intense chocolate flavor and set up a sturdy crust Always use regular not Double Stuf
• Unsalted Butter Adds richness and binds the crust together Choose high-quality real butter for best taste
• Heavy Cream Whipped for the filling and used in the ganache Look for fresh cream for stable whipped peaks
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Gives the ganache a fudgy texture Opt for chocolate with at least fifty percent cacao for better depth
• Full Fat Brick Cream Cheese Forms the base of the peanut butter filling Use brick style not spreadable tubs for stability
• Creamy Peanut Butter Gives the signature taste Use classic Jif or Skippy avoid natural types for best texture
• Confectioners Sugar Sweetens and lightens the filling Sift if lumpy for smoothness
• Pure Vanilla Extract Rounds out the flavors Choose real vanilla for best flavor
• Reeses Pieces and Chopped Peanuts Add crunch and fun color Go for lightly salted roasted peanuts for extra snap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Oreo Crust:

Pulse whole Oreos with cream centers in a food processor until finely ground Transfer to a bowl and stir in melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand Use your hands to press it firmly into a nine inch pie dish working up the sides Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes and set aside to cool

Make Chocolate Ganache:

Chop chocolate very finely and put in a heatproof bowl Heat cream in a saucepan just until it simmers then pour over the chocolate Let sit three minutes to soften then gently stir until completely smooth Let cool slightly to thicken

Whip Cream for Filling:

In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer whip cold heavy cream on medium high until stiff peaks form This takes about three minutes Transfer to a clean bowl

Mix Peanut Butter Base:

In the same mixing bowl beat softened cream cheese on medium until totally smooth Add peanut butter confectioners sugar and vanilla and beat until thick and creamy

Fold and Layer:

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter base in batches using a spatula Mix gently to keep the filling airy Spread into the cooled Oreo crust with an offset spatula

Spread Ganache:

Pour and spread the cooled chocolate ganache in an even layer over the peanut butter filling Smooth the top with a spatula

Chill Pie:

Refrigerate the pie uncovered for at least six hours so the layers set longer is fine If chilling over one day loosely cover

Top and Serve:

Pipe or dollop fresh whipped cream right before serving Sprinkle generously with crushed Reeses Pieces and chopped peanuts Slice with a sharp knife and serve slices cold

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Storage Tips

Store leftover peanut butter pie covered in the refrigerator for up to five days The crust stays crisp and the filling keeps its texture well If you want to freeze wrap the whole pie or slices tightly and freeze for up to three months Serve straight from the freezer or let thaw overnight in the fridge If topping with whipped cream do that just before serving for freshest look

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust if you prefer less chocolate You can use chopped dark chocolate in the ganache instead of semi sweet but avoid chocolate chips as they do not melt as smoothly Light cream cheese is not recommended as it can make the filling runny If you have a peanut allergy try almond butter but use a classic creamy version not the natural or oily styles

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Serving Suggestions

Peanut butter pie is best served cold Straight from the fridge it slices clean and holds its fluffy texture beautifully For special occasions try a drizzle of warm fudge sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside For a playful twist use mini peanut butter cups or chopped chocolate bars as toppings

Cultural Context

Peanut butter pie is an American classic inspired by the popularity of both peanut butter and creamy chilled pies in twentieth century home kitchens It brings together familiar dessert techniques such as cookie crusts and no bake fillings with the flavor pairing Americans love most chocolate and peanut butter Families have been bringing it to potlucks and reunions for decades and it remains a true Southern cookout favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ Why use Oreo cookies for the crust?

Oreo cookies provide a sweet, chocolatey foundation that complements the creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate ganache, adding both structure and flavor.

→ Can I substitute natural peanut butter?

It's best to use processed peanut butter, as natural varieties tend to separate, leading to uneven texture or a greasy filling.

→ What is the benefit of chilling the pie overnight?

Chilling allows the layers to firm up, making clean slices possible and enhancing the overall texture and flavor melding.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a firmer, colder treat.

→ What's the best way to garnish the pie?

Pipe or dollop whipped cream, then sprinkle generously with chopped peanuts and Reese’s Pieces for extra crunch and color.