Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Peanut butter pie is a classic American dessert that has its roots in the Southern United States. The exact origins of this pie are unclear, but it is believed to have become popular in the mid-20th century when peanut butter became a household staple.
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or zip-top bag (for crushing graham crackers)
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil (for chilling)
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for whipping cream)
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped peanuts
- Drizzled chocolate or caramel sauce
Instructions
- Crush the Graham Crackers: Use a food processor to finely crush the graham crackers. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it firmly.
- Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
- Cream the Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with ¼ cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the peanut butter filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pie to set.
- Add Toppings: Before serving, you can top the pie with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the pie into slices, and enjoy!