Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Whenever I think of indulgence, Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie comes to mind. This dessert combines the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter and cream cheese with a delightful chocolate crust. I love how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Each slice is an explosion of flavors, and the first bite truly feels like a luxurious treat. If you're a peanut butter lover like I am, this pie will soon become your go-to dessert recipe!
Making Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie has been a delightful adventure for me! The balance of sweet and salty in the creamy filling absolutely elevates this dessert, making it a staple in my household. During my first attempt, I was amazed at how quickly the pie came together, and the reaction from friends and family was priceless. It disappeared almost instantly!
One tip I found essential was allowing the pie to chill adequately before serving. This not only helps the flavors meld beautifully but also gives the pie a nice, firm texture that's easy to slice. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you taste that first, creamy bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent peanut butter flavor with a chocolate crust
- No baking required – super easy to prepare
- Perfect for parties or a cozy dessert night at home
Understanding the Ingredients
The star of this Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie is obviously the peanut butter, which lends its signature rich and nutty flavor. When selecting peanut butter, opt for a creamy variety that has no added sugar or hydrogenated oils to ensure a smooth filling. Natural peanut butter will enhance the flavor, but be mindful that it may require additional stirring to mix well with the creamy texture of the softened cream cheese. This will keep your pie from becoming too oily or unbalanced.
Cream cheese plays a crucial role in achieving the pie's smooth consistency. It not only stabilizes the filling but also adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Ensure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this helps it blend seamlessly without lumps. A quick tip is to cut it into small cubes and let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing for optimal results.
Mastering the Assembly
As you assemble the pie, the key is to achieve a smooth layer of filling. Pour the peanut butter mixture gently into the chilled chocolate graham cracker crust, starting from the center and working your way to the edges. This technique prevents air bubbles from forming and ensures an even spread. To achieve a perfectly smooth top, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, sweeping from the center outward to eliminate any excess peaks or bumps.
Refrigerating the pie is essential for achieving the right texture. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, but if time permits, letting it set overnight will deepen the flavors and firm up the filling for easier slicing. When ready to serve, if it seems too soft, you can gently pop it back into the fridge for another 30 minutes. This will ensure clean slices and a beautifully presented dessert.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie:
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made chocolate graham cracker crust
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or Reese's cups for topping (optional)
Once you have everything, you're ready to get started on this delicious pie!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your wonderful peanut butter cream pie:
Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
Whip the Cream
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the peanut butter filling into the chocolate graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly and smooth the top.
Chill the Pie
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, slice the pie, and if desired, top with chocolate shavings or chopped Reese's cups before serving.
Serve this pie chilled and watch it become a favorite among your guests!
Pro Tips
- For an even richer flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter or adding a swirl of chocolate sauce on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful serving experience, consider pairing each slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy addition contrasts beautifully with the rich peanut butter filling. You can whip your cream fresh or use store-bought, but homemade will always have a superior taste and texture.
If you're looking to elevate this dessert even further, add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the top before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds layers of flavor that complement the pie beautifully. I've also tried sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top, which brings out the sweet and savory notes of the peanut butter.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best features of this Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie is how well it keeps. If you're planning for an event, you can assemble it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the pie to set perfectly. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.
This pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, but I recommend consuming it within two days for optimal freshness and taste. If you want to freeze it, consider slicing the pie first, then wrapping each slice individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. This makes for easy desserts at a moment’s notice. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
→ What can I use instead of a pre-made crust?
You can make your own crust using crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter if you prefer.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
The pie will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
→ Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure it is well wrapped and thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Whenever I think of indulgence, Reese's Peanut Butter Cream Pie comes to mind. This dessert combines the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter and cream cheese with a delightful chocolate crust. I love how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home. Each slice is an explosion of flavors, and the first bite truly feels like a luxurious treat. If you're a peanut butter lover like I am, this pie will soon become your go-to dessert recipe!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made chocolate graham cracker crust
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or Reese's cups for topping (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring not to deflate the whipped cream.
Pour the peanut butter filling into the chocolate graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly and smooth the top.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Once chilled, slice the pie, and if desired, top with chocolate shavings or chopped Reese's cups before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an even richer flavor, try using crunchy peanut butter or adding a swirl of chocolate sauce on top before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g