A Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie combines the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate into a dessert that’s both luxurious and satisfying. This pie is a perfect choice for any special occasion or a delightful treat to enjoy with family and friends. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache creates a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through making a pie that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – finely crushed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – smooth and not crunchy
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – optional for extra gloss
For Garnish:
- Chopped peanuts – for topping
- Whipped cream – for garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings – for garnish (optional)
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the crumbs down firmly and evenly.
- Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to set. For a firmer crust, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool before filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or a hand mixer for this.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until well combined. This helps to avoid a sugar cloud.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want to keep the filling light and airy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. You can also melt the chocolate and cream together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method).
- Stir in the butter if using, which will give the ganache a glossy finish. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the peanut butter filling.
- Top the Pie:
- Once the ganache has cooled to a pourable consistency, pour it evenly over the peanut butter filling. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the ganache over the top.
- Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the ganache to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, garnish the pie with chopped peanuts, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings if desired. You can also drizzle some extra chocolate ganache over the top for added indulgence.
- Slice the pie with a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, rich flavors of this delectable dessert.
About the Main Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide a buttery, slightly sweet base for the pie. They are crushed into fine crumbs and mixed with melted butter and sugar to form the crust.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the pie filling. Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture without chunks.
- Cream Cheese: Contributes to the smooth, creamy consistency of the filling and balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
- Heavy Cream: Used both in the filling and for the chocolate ganache, it adds richness and helps create a light, airy texture in the filling and a smooth, glossy finish on the ganache.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted to make the ganache, providing a rich chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter filling.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. It’s perfect for any celebration or as a special treat to enjoy at home. With its easy preparation and indulgent flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
