This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers who crave luscious flavor without the fuss. With its cool, creamy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, every slice delivers pure summer bliss—and there’s absolutely no oven required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Needed: Keep the kitchen cool and skip the baking—this pie sets up perfectly right in your fridge.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The fluffy peanut butter filling is ultra-creamy, soft, and luscious in every bite.
- Just Five Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, and each element is chosen for flavor and ease.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is guaranteed to disappear quickly at any summer BBQ, holiday feast, or weeknight dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples for No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie, but each one plays an essential role—ensuring the crust holds together, the filling is ultra-creamy, and every bite bursts with nutty happiness.
- Graham cracker pie crust (9-inch): The classic buttery base—store-bought or homemade—adds a sweet, crunchy contrast and is wonderfully sturdy enough to slice.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient! Choose a smooth, shelf-stable peanut butter for a perfectly luscious filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Balances sweetness with just the right amount of tang, and gives the filling structure and richness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the filling so it’s light, but sliceable.
- Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream: Folds in lovely airiness for a cloud-like texture—choose your favorite!
Variations
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is the perfect canvas for your own sweet twists! Whether you need a gluten-free option, want more crunch, or just feel creative, it’s easy to customize this recipe based on what you have and love.
- Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham cracker base for a chocolate cookie crust for a chocolate-peanut butter dream.
- Chunky Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for an irresistible nutty texture in every bite.
- Dairy-Free: Choose plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped topping for a completely dairy-free version.
- Mini Pies: Make adorable individual pies using muffin tins or mini tart pans—perfect for parties or lunchbox treats!
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Whether you opt for a store-bought graham cracker crust or your own homemade version, make sure it’s well chilled before filling. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or the freezer for 15), so it sets up nice and firm for slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture is velvety smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and keep mixing until everything’s beautifully blended—no lumps allowed!
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) until it’s fully incorporated and the color is uniform. This step gives your No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie its signature cloud-like texture, so take your time and use a spatula to keep things fluffy.
Step 4: Fill and Chill
Spoon the peanut butter filling into your chilled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you have the patience!) so everything can set up perfectly for neat, dreamy slices.
Pro Tips for Making No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream cheese and peanut butter sit out to take the chill off before mixing—this ensures a silky, lump-free filling.
- Gentle Folding: When adding the whipped topping, use a spatula and a gentle touch—this keeps your filling irresistibly airy.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the refrigeration step. Giving your pie a full 2 hours (or longer) in the fridge ensures perfect slices every time.
- Clean Slices Every Time: For picture-perfect servings, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice—repeat for every cut.
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
This pie loves a little flair! Try a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or extra piped whipped cream around the edges for a finish that looks bakery-fancy and brings out even more flavor.
Side Dishes
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is rich enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs nicely with a tall glass of iced coffee, fresh berries on the side, or even a scoop of vanilla (or chocolate!) ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice it traditional-style and pile high with toppings, serve mini pies in mason jars for adorable single-serve desserts, or layer the filling and crust parfait-style in glasses for a stunning (and portable) twist at picnics and parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie tasting fresh and creamy, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a pie lid and store in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days—if you can resist eating it all before then!
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully! Just wrap tightly and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, or try it semi-frozen for a cool, icebox-style treat that’s perfect on hot days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—this dessert shines best when served cold from the fridge (or slightly thawed from the freezer). Just slice and enjoy that dreamy, chilled filling!
FAQs
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Can I use natural peanut butter for No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie?
If you use a natural peanut butter, make sure it’s fully stirred so there’s no separation; however, for best results, a classic, shelf-stable creamy peanut butter yields the smoothest and most stable filling.
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Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
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What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
You can use homemade whipped cream—just whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, which equals about 3 cups after whipping.
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How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Chilling your crust before adding the filling helps prevent sogginess and makes slicing much easier. If making a homemade crust, pressing it firmly and letting it set will give best results.
Final Thoughts
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is pure dessert joy—cool, creamy, and a snap to whip up whenever you crave something sweet. Grab your ingredients, let your creative side shine with toppings, and enjoy sharing this dreamy treat with family and friends. You’re going to fall in love bite after bite!
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 (store-bought or homemade)
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 homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Pie Crust: Make or use a store-bought 9-inch graham cracker pie crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Mix Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the peanut butter filling into the prepared 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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
