Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes
I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that combine chocolate and peanut butter, and this Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie is the ultimate indulgence. With a creamy filling and a delicious chocolate crust, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. We love making it for special occasions, but honestly, it’s a treat that we enjoy any day of the week. The combination of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate gives each bite an irresistible flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds!
This treat was born from a craving that turned into a delightful challenge. Crafting the perfect pie crust to complement the peanut butter filling took some experimenting, but after a few attempts, we found that using crushed chocolate cookies creates the ideal balance of flavors. The texture is key, so I make sure to whip the cream to just the right peaks, which gives the pie an airy lightness.
One important tip I learned was to refrigerate the pie for several hours before serving. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully but also helps the pie set properly, so every slice comes out clean. Trust me, waiting is worth it for that perfectly chilled slice!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with a creamy peanut butter filling
- Easy to prepare with no baking required
- Perfect for gatherings or as a special treat
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust significantly enhances the overall flavor of the pie. Look for cookies that are rich in cocoa and have a crisp texture, which will help create a sturdy crust. If you want to experiment with the crust, consider using Oreo cookies for a classic twist or gluten-free sandwich cookies to cater to dietary needs, keeping the same measurements intact for the best results.
The creamy peanut butter serves as the star of this dessert, so selecting a brand that you love will make a huge difference. Natural peanut butter, which may require a bit of stirring, offers a more authentic flavor compared to processed varieties. However, if you're looking for a sweeter taste, go for traditional creamy peanut butter brands. This choice will impact the sweetness of the filling, especially since you’ll be adding powdered sugar as well.
Perfecting the Whipping Technique
When whipping your heavy cream, use a chilled bowl and beaters; this helps achieve the stiff peaks required for the filling. It’s important to start at a medium speed and gradually increase to high, monitoring closely to avoid over-whipping. As soon as you see medium peaks forming, you’ll want to stop—over-whipped cream can become grainy and start turning into butter, which isn’t ideal for this pie's creamy texture.
Incorporating the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture requires gentle folding to maintain its airy consistency. If you aggressively mix, the filling may lose its lightness. I recommend using a rubber spatula and folding in a figure-eight motion until just combined. You should see a few small streaks of cream remaining; this will ensure a luscious, creamy filling once it’s fully combined.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ½ cup melted butter
For the filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (for garnish)
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create an even crust. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
Make the filling
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Assemble the pie
Spread the peanut butter filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until firm.
Serve
Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator and garnish with chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on top. Slice and enjoy!
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the crust and filling one day in advance, storing the pie tightly covered in the refrigerator. It can last for up to five days, but the flavors are always best enjoyed within the first few days to ensure the crust remains crunchy.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pie. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to a month. When you're ready to enjoy, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to thaw overnight for optimal texture, ensuring the filling remains creamy and luxurious.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful presentation, consider serving your pie with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips. You could also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch of decadence. This not only elevates the look but adds a layer of flavor that complements the rich peanut butter filling beautifully.
If you're entertaining guests or celebrating a special occasion, serve the pie with sliced fresh strawberries or bananas on the side. This adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the pie, making each bite even more enjoyable. You could even transform your slice into a sundae by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—truly indulgent!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter may alter the texture and sweetness; adjust the powdered sugar if needed.
→ How long does this pie keep in the fridge?
The pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.
→ What can I use instead of chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust?
Graham crackers or shortbread cookies can also work well for a different flavor profile.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie
I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that combine chocolate and peanut butter, and this Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie is the ultimate indulgence. With a creamy filling and a delicious chocolate crust, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. We love making it for special occasions, but honestly, it’s a treat that we enjoy any day of the week. The combination of smooth peanut butter and rich chocolate gives each bite an irresistible flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
- ½ cup melted butter
For the filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to create an even crust. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and smooth.
Spread the peanut butter filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until firm.
Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator and garnish with chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on top. Slice and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g