Description: A delightful no-bake pie featuring layers of creamy peanut butter, sweet cream cheese filling, and a crunchy peanut butter crumble topping. This pie is simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Crumble Topping In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use a fork or your hands to mix these two ingredients together until they form a crumbly mixture. This mixture will serve as both a base layer and a topping for the pie, providing a delightful peanut butter flavor and textural contrast to the creamy filling. Once the mixture is well combined and crumbly, divide it in half. Set aside half of the peanut butter crumble mixture in the bowl. This portion will be used later to top the pie, adding a finishing touch of peanut butter goodness.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Filling Base In a large mixing bowl, place the softened 8 oz of cream cheese and 1 cup of granulated sugar. It is crucial to ensure that the cream cheese is adequately softened to room temperature. This will allow it to blend smoothly with the sugar, preventing any lumps in the final filling. Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer), beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Continue to beat for about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The goal is to create a light and airy base for the rest of the filling.
Step 3: Infuse the Filling with Creamy Goodness With the cream cheese and sugar mixture prepared, it’s time to add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. These ingredients will enhance the creaminess and flavor of the filling, making it irresistibly delicious. Pour the 2 cups of heavy cream into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that hint of vanilla flavor, which complements the peanut butter beautifully. Continue to beat the mixture with the electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually increase the speed to high as the heavy cream starts to incorporate. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the cream to curdle. The mixture should be smooth, stable, and thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie Layers With the peanut butter crumble topping prepared, the cream cheese filling base created, and the heavy cream whipped to perfection, it’s time to assemble the pie. This step involves layering the ingredients in the graham cracker crust to create a visually appealing and delicious treat. Take the pre-made graham cracker pie crust and place it on a flat surface or pie plate. Take half of the peanut butter crumble mixture that you set aside earlier and evenly spread it in the bottom of the graham cracker crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press the crumble mixture down slightly, creating a solid base layer.
Step 5: Construct the Pie Filling In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of milk and the 3.4 oz package of instant vanilla pudding mix. The vanilla pudding mix will add a touch of sweetness and help to stabilize the filling, ensuring that the pie holds its shape. Whisk the milk and pudding mix together vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. This will create a smooth and creamy pudding base that will enhance the overall texture of the pie. Once the pudding mixture has thickened, gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to fold the two mixtures together gently, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Continue to fold until the pudding mixture is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Step 6: Complete the Pie Assembly Now that the filling is fully prepared, it’s time to pour it into the assembled pie layers. This step completes the assembly of the pie and prepares it for chilling. Carefully pour the cream cheese filling over the peanut butter crumbles in the crust. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling evenly, ensuring that it reaches all the edges of the crust.
Step 7: Topping the Pie To finish the pie, sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbles evenly over the top of the filling. This will create a visually appealing topping that adds a final touch of peanut butter flavor.
Step 8: Chill and Serve Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld together. Once the pie has chilled sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator, slice, and serve.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is an absolute delight because it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking at all! The combination of creamy peanut butter, a light and fluffy cream cheese filling, and a crunchy peanut butter crumble creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. It’s a perfect dessert for peanut butter lovers and a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion. Plus, it’s customizable – you can easily add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert on a warm day.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overbeat the heavy cream, or it may curdle.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought whipped topping instead of making your own.
- To prevent the graham cracker crust from becoming soggy, brush it with melted chocolate before adding the filling.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake) Chill Time: 4 hours Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per slice, approximate) NOTE: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
Conclusion:
The Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a timeless classic that’s loved for its simplicity and deliciousness. The no-bake nature of this pie makes it a perfect option for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. With its creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavor profile, this pie is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a spectacular dessert every time. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of this creamy, dreamy pie!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust for this pie? A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a graham cracker crust, you can easily substitute it with an Oreo cookie crust or a homemade shortbread crust for a different flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, it’s recommended that you chill it for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the filling to set properly.
Q3: What can I use instead of instant vanilla pudding mix? A: If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding mix, you can use instant cheesecake pudding mix or even a homemade custard filling as a substitute. Just make sure the custard is cooled before folding it into the cream cheese mixture.
Q4: Can I add chocolate to this pie? A: Definitely! Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in heaven. You can add chocolate shavings to the top of the pie, drizzle it with chocolate syrup, or even add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra touch of indulgence.
Q5: How should I store leftover pie? A: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3-4 days. The pie may soften slightly over time, but it will still taste delicious!
