This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie delivers everything you dream of in a dessert—creamy, luscious peanut butter goodness nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust, all with zero need to turn on the oven! It’s the ultimate summer treat, perfectly chilled and ready to wow everyone at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Perfection: Skip the oven and keep your kitchen cool—this pie sets right in the fridge for ultimate convenience.
- Creamy, Dreamy Texture: The silky peanut butter filling is so smooth and rich, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Foolproof & Fast: Even beginner bakers can whip up this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie in minutes—no fancy tools required!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Sweet, salty, and oh-so-indulgent, it’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, parties, and summer BBQs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is easy to find and plays a starring role. The result is a crave-worthy dessert with irresistible creaminess, a hint of tang, and that classic peanut butter-chocolate combo everyone adores.
- Graham cracker pie crust (9-inch): The buttery, slightly sweet base offers a delicious crunch, and using a no-bake version means even less effort!
- Creamy peanut butter: Star of the show—opt for classic shelf-stable peanut butter for a perfectly smooth and spreadable filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness and texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and disappears completely for a silky-smooth bite.
- Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream: Gives the pie its light, fluffy lift—use Cool Whip for extra convenience or homemade for a more decadent touch!
Variations
Once you master this classic, you’ll see just how simple it is to customize your No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie. Use what you have on hand or play with flavors to suit your mood, dietary needs, or whatever your crowd is craving!
- Chocolate Graham Crust: Swap the regular graham crackers for chocolate ones, or try an Oreo cookie crust for extra decadence.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: For an added texture and peanutty crunch, use chunky-style peanut butter instead of smooth.
- Nut-Free Version: Sunflower seed butter or cookie butter both work beautifully for those avoiding peanuts!
- Dairy-Free Option: Choose dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for an easy, plant-based dessert that still tastes creamy.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
If you’re using a homemade graham cracker crust, press it firmly into your pie dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in the freezer). This helps the crust hold together when you add the creamy filling so each slice comes out picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until totally smooth—no lumps allowed! Sprinkle in the powdered sugar and beat again until the mixture is fluffy and dreamy. Finally, gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until everything is completely combined and light as air.
Step 3: Fill and Chill
Spoon that irresistible filling into your chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pie and set it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better! This step firms up the pie, making it sliceable and extra refreshing.
Step 4: Slice and Serve!
Grab your sharpest knife and cut generous slices. Each wedge reveals the layered beauty—and once you take a bite, you’ll see why No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is such a beloved classic!
Pro Tips for Making No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing—this ensures a silky smooth filling with zero little lumps.
- Folding, Not Mixing: When adding the Cool Whip (or whipped cream), gently fold it in to keep the pie filling light and fluffy—too much mixing can deflate those dreamy pockets of air.
- Chill Time is Key: The longer your pie chills, the better it slices and the more the flavors harmonize—if you can, make it the night before for extra wow-factor.
- Crust Firmness: A thoroughly chilled crust means no soggy bottoms—use the freezer if you’re pressed for time!
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is practically made for dramatic garnishes! Try a swoosh of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel, or even some mini chocolate chips. Each adds its own flair and fun.
Side Dishes
Because this pie is rich and creamy, serve it with fresh-cut strawberries or a fruit salad to add a burst of brightness. For a playful touch, offer tiny scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side—kids and grown-ups will cheer!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, you can turn this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie into adorable mini-pies using muffin cups or small jars—perfect for grab-and-go treats. Or, try piping the filling into chocolate cups for a truly decadent, bite-sized dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie covered in the refrigerator—plastic wrap or a pie dome works great. It’ll stay perfectly fresh and creamy for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long!).
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic, then foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best, creamiest results (or eat it frozen for a semifreddo-style treat!).
Reheating
No reheating needed! For best texture, serve this pie well-chilled directly from the fridge. If frozen, let it soften at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before slicing.
FAQs
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Can I use natural peanut butter in No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie?
Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the filling too runny. For best results, stick with classic shelf-stable creamy peanut butter, but if you use natural, make sure to stir it extremely well and expect a softer set.
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How far ahead can I make No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie?
This pie is made for advance prep! You can make it up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. In fact, the flavors are even better when chilled overnight.
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Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Replace the Cool Whip with 3 cups of homemade whipped cream. Whip until stiff peaks form for the best structure—it’ll make your pie even more luscious and decadent.
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Why isn’t my No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie setting up?
If your pie isn’t firm, it may need more chill time, or your filling was over-mixed or the ingredients weren’t at the right temperature. Always chill for at least 2 hours and make sure to gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the filling airy but sturdy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a fuss-free, blissfully creamy treat, No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is about to become your new favorite! You’ll love how simple it is to make and how quickly it vanishes from your dessert table—so grab your ingredients and let this easy pie bring a little extra joy to your next celebration!
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool and creamy peanut butter filling in a buttery graham cracker crust, this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is divinely delicious! It’s a summer treat that’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Pie Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust (see recipe)
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed or 3 cups of homemade whipped cream (see recipe)
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Pie Crust: Make a no-bake graham cracker pie crust and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
- Mix Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the prepared peanut butter filling into the graham cracker pie crust.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing and serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
