This no-bake chocolate peanut butter pie is a rich, creamy dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. A buttery graham cracker crust supports a smooth peanut butter filling, all finished with a glossy chocolate topping. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make, with no oven required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven. The texture is luxuriously creamy, the flavors balance sweet and salty beautifully, and the steps are straightforward enough for beginners. It’s also ideal for warm days, make-ahead gatherings, and busy schedules since it needs time to chill rather than bake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Graham cracker crumbs: 1.5 cups
Unsalted butter, melted: 0.5 cup
Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces
Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup
Powdered sugar: 1 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup
Chocolate chips: 1 cup
Heavy cream (for chocolate topping): 0.5 cup
Directions
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth and airy.
Spoon the peanut butter filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly. Return the pie to the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate topping.
Heat the heavy cream for the topping until just beginning to steam, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly, then pour it over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set, before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8 generous slices.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes.
Chilling time is approximately 4 hours.
Total time from start to finish is around 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
You can add a crunchy texture by folding chopped peanuts into the filling. For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the powdered sugar slightly or drizzle melted chocolate over each slice before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individual slices can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This dessert does not require reheating and is best enjoyed chilled.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is perfect for making a day in advance since it needs time to fully set in the refrigerator.
Do I need a mixer for this recipe?
A mixer makes the process easier, but you can mix by hand with a sturdy whisk and spatula if needed.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Creamy, stabilized peanut butter works best. Natural peanut butter may affect the texture due to oil separation.
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies for a different crust flavor.
How do I know when the pie is set?
The pie is set when the center feels firm to the touch and holds its shape when sliced.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips?
Yes, milk chocolate will work and will give the topping a sweeter, milder flavor.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the peanut butter adds balance. You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly if preferred.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and chocolate, though the texture may vary.
Why did my filling turn out soft?
This can happen if the whipped cream was not whipped to stiff peaks or if the pie was not chilled long enough.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of melted chocolate make great toppings.
Conclusion
No-bake chocolate peanut butter pie is a simple yet decadent dessert that never fails to impress. With its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and smooth chocolate topping, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again for celebrations or everyday treats.
This no-bake chocolate peanut butter pie features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate topping. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make—no oven needed!
Ingredients
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup chocolate chips
0.5 cup heavy cream (for chocolate topping)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the peanut butter mixture.
Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate while preparing the topping.
Heat 0.5 cup heavy cream until steaming and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
Cool the chocolate slightly, then pour over the pie and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Slice and serve.
Notes
Chill the pie for the full 4 hours for best results.
Use stabilized creamy peanut butter for optimal texture.
Dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer flavor.
Top with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for garnish.
