If you are craving a dessert that is irresistibly creamy, super easy to make, and packed with rich, nutty flavor, this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It brings together velvety peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and a luscious whipped topping all layered in a crisp graham cracker or Oreo crust, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Without the fuss of baking, you can have a decadent pie ready in just a few hours, perfect for last-minute gatherings or a delightful treat whenever the craving strikes. Trust me, once you try this divine No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this pie is how few, yet essential, ingredients you need to whip it up. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and look. From the creamy peanut butter that delivers that unmistakable nuttiness to the fluffy Cool Whip that lightens things up, every component is there for a reason.
- Peanut butter (⅔ cup): Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest filling and the star peanut flavor that carries the entire pie.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, room temperature): Adds richness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling evenly and dissolves quickly to keep the texture silky.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the filling and makes it perfectly scoopable after freezing.
- Pie crust (1 9” graham cracker or Oreo): Provides the ideal crunchy base texture, complementing the creamy filling.
- Cool Whip (4 ounces, thawed): Whipped topping adds a fluffy layer of sweetness and a lovely contrast to the dense filling.
- Roasted peanuts (optional garnish): Sprinkle on top for an extra crunch and peanut punch that’s visually appealing too.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Peanut Butter Mixture
Start by combining the peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, slowly add the milk and mix until you achieve a light, creamy consistency. This forms the luscious base of your pie’s filling.
Step 2: Pour Filling into the Crust
Next, take your prepared graham cracker or Oreo pie crust and pour the peanut butter filling directly into it. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring every bite will have a consistent taste and texture. This step sets the stage for your pie, so take a moment to get a nice, level surface.
Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping
Now, gently spread the thawed Cool Whip over the peanut butter layer using a rubber spatula. This creates a beautifully soft and airy topping that complements the rich filling beneath. If you’re using roasted peanuts, sprinkle them generously on top now to add texture and a little visual wow factor.
Step 4: Freeze Until Ready to Serve
Transfer your pie to the freezer and let it chill for at least 3 hours. This step allows the pie to set completely so when you slice it, it holds its shape beautifully. Before serving, remove the pie from the freezer about 10 minutes ahead to let it soften slightly, making it easier to cut and serving up pure, melt-in-your-mouth bliss.
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic roasted peanuts are a go-to garnish adding crunch and enhancing the peanut flavor, you can also try drizzling melted chocolate or caramel on top for an indulgent twist. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes can create a delightful sweet-salty contrast. Fresh berries can also brighten the plate and add a pop of color if you want a fresh, fruity element.
Side Dishes
This No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of strong coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to round out the dessert experience. For a lighter option, fresh fruit or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pie, making your meal feel complete without being overly heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving the pie in individual clear cups layered with crushed cookies and whipped cream for a fun parfait style. You can also slice and serve the pie on a decorative platter with a dusting of cocoa powder or chopped nuts around it. For parties, adding festive decorations or themed serving plates makes this dessert even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if kept covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld even better after a day, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even more irresistible the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 1 month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready for dessert, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
This is a pie meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary. Just take it out about 10–15 minutes before serving to take off the chill and soften the texture, ensuring each bite is creamy and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture inside the filling, giving each bite a fun little peanut crunch. Just be aware the texture will be slightly less smooth.
What kind of pie crust works best for this recipe?
Both graham cracker and Oreo pie crusts work wonderfully. Graham cracker crust offers a classic, subtly sweet base while Oreo crust adds a deeper chocolate note that pairs deliciously with the peanut butter.
Can I make this pie nut-free?
If you want a nut-free version, unfortunately, this recipe centers around peanut butter as the star flavor. You might consider substituting with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter, but that will change the flavor profile and texture.
How long does it take for the pie to set in the freezer?
The pie should set firmly after about 3 hours in the freezer. If your freezer is particularly cold, you might check at the 2.5-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t freeze too hard.
Can I double this recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use two pie crusts or a larger dish. Freezing times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it to get the perfect set consistency.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe enough if you’re looking for a quick, mouthwatering dessert that feels like a slice of pure joy with every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family treat, it’s a deliciously easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without ever turning on the oven. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and indulgent no-bake peanut butter pie that’s perfect for a quick dessert. Made with a rich peanut butter and cream cheese filling, sweetened with powdered sugar, and topped with fluffy Cool Whip and optional chopped roasted peanuts, this pie requires no oven time and sets up in the freezer for a deliciously chilled treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- ⅔ cup peanut butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
Pie Base and Topping
- 1 9” graham cracker pie crust or Oreo pie crust
- 4 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
- Roasted peanuts (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: Begin by creaming together the peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the milk and continue mixing to create a creamy and pourable filling.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly into the 9-inch graham cracker or Oreo pie crust, smoothing the top to make it level.
- Add the Topping: Spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the peanut butter filling using a rubber spatula. If desired, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the freezer and freeze it for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set properly. Before serving, remove the pie from the freezer about 10 minutes prior to cutting to ease slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- You can substitute the pie crust with a store-bought graham cracker or Oreo crust for convenience.
- If preferred, use homemade whipped topping instead of Cool Whip.
- Letting the pie sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing helps prevent cracking.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
