If you're a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combo, you're in for a treat with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. It's creamy, decadent, and surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little indulgence.
The base of our pie starts with chocolate cookie crumbs, which form a sweet, crunchy crust. Mixing them with unsalted butter helps bind the crumbs together and adds a rich flavor. The star of the filling is creamy peanut butter, providing that classic flavor we all love. Cream cheese gives the filling a smooth texture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness. Powdered sugar sweetens the filling without making it grainy, and vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. Folding in whipped heavy cream creates a light, fluffy filling. For the ganache, semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream form a luscious chocolate layer to top it all off.
This pie shines on its own, but you can elevate each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for a bit of crunch. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds another layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peanut butter.
First, let's get that crust ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, making sure to cover the bottom and slightly up the sides. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 10 minutes, just to set. Once done, take it out and let it cool completely.
While the crust is cooling, let's tackle the filling. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is incorporated. It's time for the whipped cream; gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture until you have a luscious, fluffy filling. Spread this evenly into your cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth the top.
Now for the fun part: the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. Pour this chocolatey goodness over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly. Your masterpiece is nearly complete; just chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let everything set nicely.