The Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
I have to admit, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie has become my go-to dessert for any occasion. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is simply divine, and it’s surprisingly easy to put together.
After perfecting this, I feel ready to explore more creative dishes. In fact, you might also like to try our guide for a savory main course like the Grilled Vegetable Wraps with Hummus Recipe. But for now, let’s focus on this sweet masterpiece.
Ingredients For Your Masterpiece
Here is everything you will need to create this decadent pie. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
For the Oreo Crust:
- 25 Oreos: Use the whole cookie for a rich, dark, and crunchy base.
- 5 TBSP Unsalted butter, melted: This is the glue that holds your crust together, adding a rich, buttery flavor.
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 6 oz Cream cheese, room temperature: Ensure it’s softened to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth texture.
- 2 TBSP Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a deep, intense chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
- 1/2 cup White granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
- 1/3 cup Sour cream, room temperature: Adds a slight tang and moisture, making the layer incredibly creamy.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate notes.
- 3.5 oz Chocolate bar, melted: I recommend a 70% or higher dark chocolate for a truly rich ganache.
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 10 oz Cream cheese, room temperature: The base of the filling, making it rich and stable.
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the peanut butter.
- 3/4 cup Creamy peanut butter: Use a standard commercial brand for the best consistency.
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract: Complements the peanut butter flavor.
- 1/4 cup Sour cream, room temperature: Creates a tangy, smooth texture.
- 2 cups Heavy cream, cold: Whipped to create a light, airy mousse-like filling.
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar: Helps stabilize the whipped cream and adds sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Peanut butter, melted: For drizzling and decoration.
- Peanut butter cups, for decoration: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a classic finishing touch.
Note: The ingredient quantities are sufficient for one 9-inch pie, serving approximately 8-10 people.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus at least 3 hours chilling time)
Equipment You Need
- Food processor: To finely grind the Oreos for a uniform crust.
- 9-inch pie dish: The vessel for your delicious creation.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for whipping the cream cheese and heavy cream to the perfect consistency.
- Rubber spatula: For gently folding ingredients together and spreading layers evenly.
- Saucepan: To melt the chocolate and create the ganache.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
This recipe breaks down into three main parts: the crust, the chocolate layer, and the peanut butter filling. By following these steps, you’ll assemble a dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
Step 1: Create the Perfect Oreo Crust
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the whole Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened, resembling wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Rich Chocolate Layer
In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently stir in the melted dark chocolate until the mixture is uniform and glossy. Pour this decadent chocolate layer evenly over your cooled Oreo crust and set it aside.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain, creating a light and airy mousse.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill Your Pie
Carefully spoon the peanut butter mousse on top of the chocolate layer, spreading it into an even layer. For a final touch, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups. Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely before slicing and serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience making this pie countless times, I’ve gathered a few tips that make a big difference.
- I always use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream. It’s the secret to a lump-free, velvety smooth filling. Cold ingredients just don’t mix as well.
- Don’t rush the chilling process. I’ve learned that letting the pie set overnight truly transforms the texture, making it firmer and the flavors more cohesive.
- When folding the whipped cream into the peanut butter base, I do it in thirds. This helps maintain the airy texture you worked so hard to create.
- For an extra crunch, I sometimes add a handful of chopped salted peanuts into the crust mixture before baking.
Variations to Try
This pie is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great canvas for creativity. If you’re looking for other dessert or dinner recipes, you can always explore more options. For this pie, try one of these variations:
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cream cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives and use full-fat canned coconut cream (the solid part) in place of heavy cream.
- Sugar-Free: Use a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol and a sugar-free dark chocolate to reduce the sugar content.
- Flavor Add-ins: Mix in a shot of espresso powder with the chocolate layer to deepen the flavor, or add a splash of bourbon to the peanut butter filling for a sophisticated kick.
- Crust Swap: Instead of Oreos, try a pretzel crust for a sweet and salty contrast or a classic graham cracker crust.
Serving Ideas
Presentation makes dessert even more special.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of stabilized whipped cream and a mini peanut butter cup.
- Drizzle the plate with both chocolate and caramel sauce for a restaurant-quality look.
- Serve with a side of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to cut through the richness.
- For another show-stopping dessert idea that pairs well with this pie’s flavor profile, consider making our Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs Recipe.
Calories Count
Nutritional information is an estimate for one slice (if the pie is cut into 8).
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Fat: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Protein: ~8g
- Sugar: ~35g
How to Store the Pie
Proper storage is key to keeping your pie fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerating: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month.
- Thawing: To serve after freezing, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this chocolate peanut butter pie is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Incredibly Easy: Despite its impressive look, the steps are simple and require no complex techniques.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s elegant enough for a holiday gathering but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a timeless classic that everyone loves.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day or two in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
More Important Details
Using a standard, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy is recommended over natural peanut butter, as the natural oils can separate and affect the final texture of the filling.
Also, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping; this helps it achieve maximum volume and stiff peaks much faster.
Don’t be afraid to let the crust cool completely before adding the fillings. A warm crust can cause the layers to melt and become messy. This dessert is rich, so a small slice goes a long way
Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the whole Oreos in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened, resembling wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gently stir in the melted dark chocolate until the mixture is uniform and glossy. Pour this decadent chocolate layer evenly over your cooled Oreo crust and set it aside.
- In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain, creating a light and airy mousse.
- Carefully spoon the peanut butter mousse on top of the chocolate layer, spreading it into an even layer. For a final touch, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups. Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely before slicing and serving.