Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight Recipe
Dreamy, decadent, and always a showstopper, Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight is the kind of dessert that wows every single time. Imagine a crush of chocolate sandwich cookies forming the base, a silky peanut butter-cream cheese layer in the middle, and a flurry of whipped topping, mini peanut butter cups, and drizzled chocolate crowning it all. This no-bake pie is pure comfort—rich, fluffy, and easy enough to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples. If you adore the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, this recipe is your new go-to for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever your sweet tooth demands something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to create this luscious dessert, but each plays a crucial role: the crust is fudgy and crisp, the filling ultra-creamy and nutty, and the toppings take it over the top. Gather your ingredients and discover how simplicity can yield delicious magic in every bite.
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (24): These create a rich, crunchy base—choose your favorite brand for maximum chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Helps bind the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust the perfect texture.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Brings tangy creaminess to the filling—be sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The star ingredient, lending a nutty flavor and smooth texture to the pie.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling and adds a delightfully delicate texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a touch boosts the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- Whipped topping (3 cups, divided): Makes the pie light and fluffy—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Mini peanut butter cups (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds bursts of chocolate and peanut butter throughout every slice.
- Chocolate syrup (1/4 cup, optional): For an extra drizzle of chocolate, adding elegance and even more decadence.
- Crushed cookies or peanuts (optional): A crunchy finish that plays up texture and visual appeal—totally customizable.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until you have fine crumbs—no big bits allowed! Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture is evenly moistened and slightly sticks together when pressed. Transfer this glorious crumb blend to a 9-inch pie dish and press it down firmly, making sure to get an even layer along the bottom and up the sides. Pop the crust into your refrigerator for at least 20 minutes while you move on to the filling; this helps the crust set up perfectly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. The secret is to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature—this makes beating a breeze and ensures a silky texture. Once everything is well mixed, gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping with a spatula. You’re aiming for an airy, mousse-like consistency, so take your time and don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the peanut butter filling onto your chilled cookie crust and smooth it out evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Aim for a luscious, thick layer that fills the crust edge-to-edge. The aroma alone at this stage is sure to bring anyone wandering into the kitchen!
Step 4: Top and Decorate
Dollop the remaining 1 1/2 cups whipped topping over the filling and gently spread it to cover the surface. Now for the fun: shower the top with chopped mini peanut butter cups for bites of chocolatey-peanutty bliss. If you’re feeling extra, zigzag on a rich swirl of chocolate syrup and add a sprinkling of crushed cookies or peanuts for texture and flair.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Slide your masterpiece into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until firm. This step is non-negotiable—it allows the filling to set and flavors to meld into true Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight. Once chilled, slice into wedges and serve cold for the best experience.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight
Garnishes
For the most eye-catching finish, I love to sprinkle extra chopped mini peanut butter cups and crushed cookies over each slice of Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight right before serving. A drizzle of chocolate syrup adds dramatic flair, while a handful of roasted peanuts brings a salty crunch. If you’re in a playful mood, try using chocolate curls or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside—truly dreamy!
Side Dishes
Since Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight is so rich and satisfying, keep side dishes simple and light. A bowl of fresh strawberries or sliced bananas balances the sweetness perfectly, while hot coffee or a cold glass of milk is a classic pairing that highlights all those creamy, chocolaty notes. For a celebratory meal, serve with a side of fresh berries tossed in a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, use mini tart pans to make individual Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight servings—adorable and portable! You can also layer the filling and cookie crumbs in clear glasses for a fun parfait-style dessert. For a dramatic effect, use a large star tip to pipe swirls of whipped topping before adding the peanut butter cup topping. However you choose to slice it, guests will rave about your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep perfectly for up to 3 days, maintaining both the texture and the heavenly flavor. Just keep in mind that once you take that first slice, it will be hard to resist “evening out” the rest of the pie!
Freezing
Looking to plan ahead? This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) well with plastic wrap and then foil to lock out any freezer odors. Freeze for up to one month. For best results, let the pie thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—this keeps the texture creamy and delightful.
Reheating
No reheating needed! Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight is best served cold right from the fridge or after thawing from frozen. If you like a slightly firmer bite, pop a slice in the freezer for about 30 minutes before serving for an icebox treat.
FAQs
Can I make Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is a dream for advance prep. You can make it one to two days ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to impress your guests. In fact, the flavor and texture get even better after a night in the fridge.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, homemade whipped cream works just as well in Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight. Whip heavy cream with some powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks, then substitute it cup-for-cup for the whipped topping in the recipe.
Do I need a food processor to make the crust?
If you don’t have a food processor, simply add the sandwich cookies to a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. It’s old-school, but highly effective and a great way to blow off some steam!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter for more texture?
Definitely! While creamy peanut butter ensures a silky smooth filling, using crunchy peanut butter will give you some delightful peanuty bits in every bite. Go with your personal preference; it’s your Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight!
What’s the best way to slice and serve this pie cleanly?
For picture-perfect slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This keeps the layers sharp and ensures each piece of Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight looks as amazing as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple, stunning, and sure to steal the spotlight, Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight is your ticket. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two!) of pure peanut butter-chocolate bliss. I can’t wait to hear how much you adore this recipe!
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Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy decadence of this Peanut Butter Cup Pie Delight. A luscious no-bake dessert featuring a chocolate cookie crust, a velvety peanut butter filling, and a topping of whipped cream and mini peanut butter cups.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, like Cool Whip, thawed
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup (optional)
- additional crushed cookies or peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Crust: Place cookies in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Add melted butter, pulse until combined. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Filling: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping. Spread over crust.
- Topping: Add remaining whipped topping over filling. Sprinkle with chopped peanut butter cups, drizzle with chocolate syrup. Add extra garnish if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- This pie can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a firmer texture, freeze for 1 hour before serving.
- You can substitute homemade whipped cream for whipped topping if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
