Arone H If you’re a fan of the unbeatable combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then this Peanut Butter Cup Pie is your new go-to dessert. With a rich, creamy peanut butter filling and a silky chocolate layer, this no-bake pie is the ultimate indulgence. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any baking, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. Plus, it’s a showstopper, both in taste and presentation.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Pie
This Peanut Butter Cup Pie is made with simple ingredients that create a perfectly balanced flavor profile of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 premade pie crust (store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer)
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup crushed peanuts (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (for lightness and creaminess)
For Garnish:
- Mini peanut butter cups (for decoration)
- Caramel drizzle (for an elegant finishing touch)
Directions: How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Layer
Start by melting 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of shortening in the microwave. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Once melted, pour the chocolate into the bottom of the pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring the bottom is completely covered. Place the crust in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
While the chocolate layer is setting, prepare the peanut butter filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, crushed peanuts, and vanilla extract. Mix them together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Next, fold in the whipped heavy cream gently. The whipped cream will add a light, airy texture to the peanut butter mixture, making it smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Once the chocolate layer has set, pour the peanut butter mixture over the chilled chocolate layer in the pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top and make it even.
Step 4: Add the Final Chocolate Layer
Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of shortening together as you did in Step 1. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the top of the peanut butter layer, making a decorative pattern.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Top the pie with mini peanut butter cups for a fun, decorative touch. Then, finish it off with a caramel drizzle over the top for a sweet and sophisticated finish.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to fully set. This will ensure that the layers are firm and the pie holds its shape when sliced.
Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- Ensure the Chocolate Layer Sets Properly: To get a clean and firm base, make sure the chocolate layer is fully set in the refrigerator before adding the peanut butter filling.
- Make Ahead: This pie is a great make-ahead dessert. It can be prepared up to two days in advance, just make sure to keep it covered and refrigerated.
- Vary the Chocolate: While milk chocolate is used in this recipe for its sweetness, you can swap it for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor.
- For a Crunchy Pie: The crushed peanuts in the filling add a lovely texture contrast to the smooth peanut butter, but you can also sprinkle some extra crushed peanuts on top of the pie for added crunch.
- Whipped Cream Tip: Make sure the whipped cream is fully whipped before folding it into the peanut butter mixture to maintain the fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its richness and add an extra layer of creaminess.
- Serve at your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or birthday party for a dessert that will delight your guests.
- For an extra touch, consider serving with a hot fudge drizzle or a sprinkle of sea salt for a contrast to the sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
This indulgent dessert is rich in flavor, and while it’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, here’s the nutritional breakdown for one slice (assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 500IU
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg
While this pie is rich in fats and sugars, it also provides a decent amount of protein thanks to the peanut butter and peanuts, making it a more satisfying dessert.
Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- Refrigeration: Keep the pie in the refrigerator at all times, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Storage Time: The pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Just be sure to wrap it well before freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Absolutely! Dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet flavor that complements the peanut butter filling beautifully. Use the same amount of dark chocolate chips and shortening as the recipe calls for milk chocolate.
- Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe? Yes! You can make this pie vegan-friendly by substituting the milk chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips, using a plant-based whipped cream like coconut cream or almond milk whipped topping, and opting for a vegan pie crust.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this pie up to two days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it.
- How can I prevent the pie from becoming too hard in the fridge? To keep the pie from becoming overly firm, be sure to store it properly by wrapping it tightly or placing it in an airtight container to avoid moisture loss.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Cup Pie is the ultimate indulgence for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. With a rich, creamy filling and a delicious chocolate crust, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this no-bake pie is sure to impress. Enjoy the layers of flavor, the smooth texture, and the decadent finish that will make this dessert a standout favorite!
