Traditional Peanut Butter Pie

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Traditional Peanut Butter Pie is a luscious, creamy delight that brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter and cream cheese in a heavenly dessert. Perfect for any occasion, it's a classic treat that never fails to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients for Traditional Peanut Butter Pie

The graham cracker crumbs form a sturdy yet tender base that holds the pie together beautifully. Combined with granulated sugar, they add a touch of sweetness to the crust. The unsalted butter binds the crumbs and sugar, giving a rich, buttery flavor.

Creamy peanut butter is the star, providing that signature nutty flavor and smooth texture. Confectioners' sugar sweetens the filling without any graininess, while the cream cheese adds a slight tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness. A hint of vanilla extract subtly enhances all the flavors.

The heavy cream, when whipped, adds airiness to the filling, making it light and fluffy. Finally, chopped roasted peanuts offer an optional garnish for a delightful crunch and extra peanutty goodness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
  • For a sturdier crust, press the crumb mixture firmly into the pie pan using a flat-bottomed glass.
  • If you're in a hurry, chill the pie in the freezer for about 2 hours instead of the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a savory contrast, consider serving alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar or blue cheese. It’s also wonderful after a light, fresh salad meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter?
While you can use natural peanut butter, the texture may be slightly different. Creamy, processed peanut butter is recommended for the best consistency.
How long does this pie last in the fridge?
The pie will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it's covered to prevent it from drying out.

Traditional Peanut Butter Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, grab a medium bowl and mix the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it's all combined, resembling wet sand.

Press this mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan to form your crust. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, let it cool completely to room temperature before moving on.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form; you'll know it's ready when it holds its shape but still has a slight droop.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Be gentle to keep the airiness intact. Pour this filling into the cooled crust and use a spatula to smooth the surface.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until it's completely set. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts if you like that extra crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with no fancy equipment needed.
  • A perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet textures.
  • Great for peanut butter lovers yearning for a decadent dessert.
  • Make-ahead friendly, ideal for parties or gatherings.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan evenly to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined.
8. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
10. Before serving, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts if desired.

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