Decadent No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie

Ah, peanut butter pie. That rich, creamy comfort food that melts in your mouth and sends shivers of pure happiness down your spine. I, like many, have fallen victim to its tasty charms. But my obsession wasn't born in any ordinary kitchen. No, it all started many years ago with a bite of Emeril Lagasse's legendary peanut butter pie at one of his restaurants. Forget the fork, I practically inhaled that slice!

Peanut Butter Pie Perfection

Name: Peanut Butter Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9" graham cracker or chocolate pie crust; 1 8-ounce pkg cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; ¾ cup confectioner’s sugar; 1 8-ounce carton of Original Cool Whip, thawed; 1 12-ounce jar of hot fudge sauce; 12 Reese's mini peanut butter cups, optional

Now, replicating a restaurant masterpiece at home can be daunting. Mountains of chopped peanuts? Hours of whisking? Not in my kitchen! I craved that silky, peanut-buttery perfection, but with an easy-breezy twist. Enter my Emeril-Inspired Peanut Butter Pie Recipe: it makes a symphony of creamy indulgence, made possible with a few strategic shortcuts and a secret weapon you won't believe is homemade.

A Peanut Butter Pie topped with hotfudge sauce and mini Reese's peanut butter cups.

This recipe is all about flavor without fuss. We're talking about a store-bought crust (graham or chocolate, your choice!), pre-made hot fudge for kicked-up decadence, and the star of the show: double the creamy peanut butter for a filling that's pure, bliss. But wait, there's more! Because I wanted over-the-top deliciousness, like Emeril, I added more hot fudge sauce, Reese's peanut butter cups, and a touch of homemade magic, a dollop of homemade whipped cream that takes this pie from good to mind-blowingly good.

Why You'll Love THIS Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

This Emerald-inspired peanut butter pie isn't just any ordinary pie. It's creamy perfection, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Here's why you (and your tastebuds) will be singing its praises:

1. Double the Creamy Peanut Butter: Forget blah fillings! I've doubled the creamy peanut butter for a rich, intense peanut flavor that melts in your mouth. It's like a silky peanut butter cloud trapped in a pie crust!

2. Easy Breezy, Store-Bought Shortcuts: This recipe is perfect when you are short on time? No worries! I use a pre-made crust and hot fudge sauce for ultimate convenience.

3. Kicked Up Decadence: Chocolate sauce and peanut butter cups take this peanut butter pie to new heights. Then level up even more with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. It adds a touch of luxury that store-bought versions can't compete with. (Plus, homemade whipped cream is surprisingly simple to make!)

4. Customizable for Every Craving: Want a bit more chocolate? Drizzle extra hot fudge! Feeling playful? Top with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or pretzel pieces. This recipe is your canvas, so get creative and make it your own.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you're hosting a potluck, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this decadent pie is sure to impress. It's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for seconds and the recipe!

Here's How You Can Make This Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

You Will Need

Reese's peanut butter cups, a jar of peanut butter, cream cheese in a bowl, hot fudge sauce, Cool Whip ingredients on a counter.

Base:

1 pre-made graham cracker or chocolate pie crust (your call!), or make a crust of your own.

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter (double the love!) I use Jif peanut butter.
¾ cup powdered sugar
8 oz container of Cool Whip whipped topping (thawed)

Toppings:

Jar of your favorite hot fudge sauce. I used Hershey's Hot Fudge Sauce in the video.
Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (optional, but highly encouraged!)

Bonus:

Homemade sweetened whipped cream (recipe below)

The Easy, 3-Step Recipe:

1. Blend the Dreamy Filling:

In a large bowl, grab your whisk and get ready to create magic. Combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, and creamy peanut butter, beating until smooth and creamy. Think peanut butter cloud! Finally, fold in the thawed whipped topping gently, ensuring everything is beautifully combined.

2. Layer Up the Flavor Frenzy:

Get your pre-made pie crust ready. Drizzle half of the hot fudge sauce evenly on the bottom, creating a delicious chocolatey base.

Next, pour your luscious peanut butter filling onto the prepared crust, smoothing the top for a picture-perfect look.

Now, here comes the fun part: unleash the rest of the hot fudge sauce! Drizzle it generously over the filling, letting it cascade down the sides for a truly decadent effect, or just in the center so your guests can see the smooth, creamy peanut butter filling.

Feeling fancy? Top it all off with mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, because why not?

3. Chill & Conquer:

Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. Patience is key to letting the flavors meld and the pie set perfectly.

Optional: Prepare the Homemade Whipped Cream Upgrade:

While your pie chills, whip up a batch of homemade whipped cream. It's easier than you think and adds a whole new level of luxury.

Simply combine 1 cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a chilled bowl. Whip it up with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Trust me, this homemade touch will have everyone licking their lips!

Serving & Sharing:

Slice your pie, add a generous dollop of the homemade whipped cream (if you went the extra mile), and prepare to be blown away. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and a touch of homemade magic. Enjoy every bite, and don't forget to share your peanut butter pie masterpiece with friends and family. They'll be begging for the recipe!

A slice of peanut butter pie with whipped cream on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! While graham cracker or chocolate crusts are classic choices, you can experiment with other options like Oreo cookie crust, pretzel crust, or even a gingersnap crust for a unique twist. Just make sure the crust is sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Do I have to use Cool Whip?

Not at all! You can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or even stabilized whipped cream from the grocery store. If you choose homemade, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the heavy cream before whipping for better stability.

Can I leave out the Reese's peanut butter cups?

Of course! The recipe is delicious even without the topping. However, if you're looking for more texture and chocolatey goodness, feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

My pie isn't setting properly. What should I do?

Make sure to use good quality cream cheese and that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Additionally, ensure you chill the pie for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the filling to set completely. If using homemade whipped cream, make sure it's whipped to stiff peaks before adding it to the pie.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, I encourage it! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble the pie up to 2 days before serving and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just add the homemade whipped cream right before serving for optimal freshness.

The Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

icebox pie, no bake pie, Reese's pie

dessert

American

Yield: 10

Author: Donna Urso