This no-bake chocolate peanut butter pie is a decadent treat that's perfect for those who love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It's a great dessert for any occasion, especially when you want to impress without turning on the oven!
The base of our pie starts with chocolate wafer cookies which are crushed into crumbs and mixed with unsalted butter to form a firm, flavorful crust. For the filling, creamy peanut butter provides rich flavor and texture, while cream cheese adds a tangy smoothness that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. Powdered sugar sweetens the mixture without making it gritty, and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The heavy whipping cream is whipped to soft peaks to lighten the filling, making it airy and luscious. Finally, semi-sweet chocolate chips are melted for a drizzle of chocolate on top, and chopped peanuts add a delightful crunch.
This pie is rich and indulgent on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. A sprinkle of sea salt just before serving can also enhance the flavors beautifully.
First, you'll want to crush your chocolate wafer cookies until they're fine crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them in a food processor. Once crushed, mix them in a medium bowl with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Pop it into the fridge to firm up while you work on the filling.
Next, grab a large bowl and beat together the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer. You're aiming for a smooth and fluffy consistency here. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form β this means when you lift your whisk, the peak should slightly droop. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the cream. This step ensures your filling stays light and airy.
Once combined, pour the filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until the chocolate is completely smooth. Drizzle this over the pie, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture. Place the pie back in the fridge for at least four hours to set before slicing into it.