No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

It goes without saying that every dessert spread needs an easy no-bake pie that not only frees up oven space on busy cooking days, but also can be made up to 24 hours in advance (you're welcome). And if the pie is reminiscent of everybody’s favorite peanut-chocolate candy, well then all the better.

This no-bake peanut butter pie sports a chocolate crust with peanuts dotted throughout. They add a wonderful texture and flavor, but you can omit them if you like (or if opting for a store-bought crust as a shortcut option). A layer of rich chocolate ganache coats the crust before topping with a homemade peanut butter pudding, and the remaining ganache is poured over for a chocolaty finish that gives this pie an impressive presentation. With a pie that looks and tastes as good as this, we can pretty much guarantee there won't be any leftovers.

Learn how to make this no-bake peanut butter pie, and prepared to see it fly out of the pie plate.

Ingredients for No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

To make a no-bake peanut butter pie, you'll need:

• Finely ground chocolate cookie crumbs: Whether Teddy Grahams, chocolate wafers, Oreo cookies, or any type you prefer.
• Salted roasted peanuts: For bits of peanuts running throughout the crust.
• Light brown sugar: Sweetens the crust.
• Dark brown sugar: Sweetens the pudding. If needed, you can opt to use either light or dark brown sugar for both the crust and filling.
• Unsalted butter: Binds the crust and adds richness to the pudding.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the crust and pudding.
  

• Semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show for the chocolate ganache. Can substitute with other types of chocolate, from dark to milk, if preferred.
• Heavy whipping cream: Heated with chocolate to create a rich, silky ganache, and helps to create a velvety peanut butter pudding.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness of the peanut butter pudding.
• Whole milk: Pairs with heavy cream as the liquid base of the pudding.
• Large egg: Binds and help set the pudding.
• Creamy peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest pudding texture.

How To Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

While there are a few steps involved in making this no-bake pie, each one is simple and quick. The piecrust is pulsed to combine in a food processor, cream and chocolate are brought together in the microwave for a silky ganache, and pudding is cooked within minutes on the stovetop. The hardest part will be waiting for it all to cool before serving. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare the Chocolate-Peanut Crust: In a food processor, pulse cookie crumbs, peanuts, and sugar until finely ground. Add butter and vanilla; pulse to combine. Spoon into a greased pie plate and coat bottom and sides. Freeze for 5 minutes.
• Step 2. Prepare the Ganache: Microwave chocolate chips and cream until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour half of mixture evenly over bottom of crust and freeze. Cover and refrigerate remaining ganache.
• Step 3. Prepare the Peanut Butter Pudding: Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in milk, cream, and egg. Bring to a simmer, and cook, whisking, until thickened. Remove from heat; whisk in peanut butter, butter, and vanilla. Spoon into a large bowl and refrigerate until slightly cooled, whisking occasionally.
• Step 4. Add Pudding to Crust: Spread pudding over ganache in crust. Place plastic wrap directly on pudding's surface and refrigerate until set, 6 to 12 hours.
• Step 5. Return to the Ganache: Microwave remaining ganache to melt. Remove plastic and spread over pudding layer. Garnish with peanuts.

Variations for No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

If you're looking to switch this pie up a bit, consider these variations:

• Switch up the crust: Almost any type of cookie crumb can be used to create this peanut-studded crust, from graham crackers to vanilla wafers. You can also opt for a store-bought, premade crust in a pinch.
• Amp up the flavor: A splash of bourbon, garnish of flaky sea salt, or hint of spice can add extra flavor to this decadent pie.
• Type of chocolate: From milk to dark chocolate, you can go as sweet or bitter as you like when making the chocolate ganache. You can also substitute the chips with chopped chocolate from your favorite chocolate bar in an equal quantity.
• Almonds vs. peanuts: If peanuts are a no-go, swap with almond butter for a unique twist.
• Garnishes: A drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter, chocolate curls, mini chocolate chips, chopped peanut butter candies, crumbled cookies, and more can all be used to top this pie.

How To Store No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

You can assemble and chill this no-bake peanut butter pie up to one day ahead. Store leftovers well-wrapped in the refrigerator for up to two days, or freeze for up to two months, whether sliced or whole. Let sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften up before serving. You can also serve this pie straight out of the freezer on hot summer days for a luscious frozen treat.

More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes You'll Love

If you love peanut butter, these cakes, bars, cookies, and pies will be right up your alley:

• Peanut Butter Cake
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fudge Bars
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Monkey Bread
• Peanut Butter Pie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
• Georgia Peanut Pie with Brown Sugar-Bourbon Whipped Cream
• Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.