The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie is a decadent no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter, chocolate ganache, and a crunchy Oreo crust. Inspired by the beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this pie offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Oreo Crust
- 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreos
- ½ stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, some cut in half, others chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Oreo Crust:
- Process the Oreos in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
- In a large bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with the melted butter.
- Press this mixture evenly into a 9 or 10-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack the crust down.
- Place the crust in the fridge to chill until ready to fill.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and cream cheese until well blended.
- Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust. Return the pie to the fridge while preparing the ganache.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chocolate chips in a medium heat-proof bowl.
- In a small pot over low heat, warm the heavy cream until just before boiling.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the mixture until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the peanut butter filling.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the cooled ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Before the ganache hardens, arrange halved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups around the edges of the pie. Add chopped peanut butter cups to the center.
- Cover the pie with foil and return it to the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours to set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 562 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Sodium: 323mg
- Potassium: 390mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 29g
- Vitamin A: 435 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 69mg
- Iron: 5mg
Why Peanut Butter and Chocolate Work So Well Together
Peanut butter and chocolate are a timeless duo that has been beloved by dessert enthusiasts for generations. Their combination works so well because of the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The richness and slight bitterness of chocolate are beautifully complemented by the creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter. The slight saltiness of peanut butter enhances the sweetness of chocolate, creating a satisfying contrast that delights the taste buds. Whether enjoyed in candy bars, cakes, or pies, this flavor pairing never fails to captivate those with a sweet tooth.
A No-Bake Dessert for Easy Entertaining
One of the standout features of this Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie is that it’s a no-bake dessert. This makes it a hassle-free option for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without the need for an oven. No-bake desserts are especially popular during the warmer months, as they help avoid heating up the kitchen, and they’re ideal for busy schedules when you want to prepare a crowd-pleasing treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
This pie also offers flexibility in terms of timing. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve it, making it a great option for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a family gathering, or a casual BBQ, this pie can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more time to enjoy the company of your guests.
The Oreo Crust: A Perfect Foundation
The Oreo crust is one of the key elements that set this dessert apart from other pies. Its crunchy, slightly sweet flavor is the perfect complement to the creamy and rich peanut butter filling. The crust also adds texture, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The use of Oreo cookies, rather than traditional pie crust, elevates this dessert with its rich, chocolaty flavor and convenience. Crushed Oreos and melted butter come together effortlessly to form a base that holds up well to the heavy, creamy filling on top.
The Peanut Butter Filling: Creamy and Irresistible
The peanut butter filling is the heart of this pie, and it delivers the creamy, nutty flavor that fans of peanut butter will adore. The filling is made from a combination of creamy peanut butter and cream cheese, which creates a rich, smooth texture. The addition of Cool Whip lightens the filling and gives it a fluffy consistency, making it easy to spread over the Oreo crust. The creamy peanut butter base provides a bold flavor that stands out in contrast to the chocolate ganache topping, while also balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
The Chocolate Ganache: A Velvety Topping
The smooth chocolate ganache is the perfect finishing touch to the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie. The ganache is made by combining semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream, which results in a velvety, rich topping that enhances the pie’s flavor. When poured over the peanut butter filling, the ganache creates a glossy, smooth layer that adds a luxurious element to the pie. As it cools, the ganache firms up, providing a satisfying contrast to the creamy peanut butter filling below.
The chocolate ganache is not only delicious but also easy to make. It requires just two ingredients—chocolate chips and heavy cream—and can be prepared in minutes. The key to making a perfect ganache is to allow the cream to heat up just enough to melt the chocolate, resulting in a smooth, pourable consistency. This topping can be customized by using dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness and richness.
Topping with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
To take this dessert to the next level, the Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie is topped with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This adds extra texture and flavor, making the pie even more indulgent. Some peanut butter cups are halved and placed around the edges of the pie, while others are chopped and scattered across the top for added crunch and flavor. The combination of the homemade pie with the iconic peanut butter cups brings the best of both worlds together, ensuring that every bite is packed with chocolate and peanut butter goodness.
You can also experiment with different candy toppings, depending on your preferences. Mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or even chopped peanuts can add variety and texture to the dessert. Whether you stick to the traditional topping of Reese’s or get creative with other options, the pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie is a versatile dessert that’s perfect for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday dinner, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, this pie will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Its rich, indulgent flavors make it a great choice for any chocolate or peanut butter lover. Plus, because it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy your event.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Pie is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a way that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With its no-bake preparation, easy-to-make Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and velvety chocolate ganache, this pie is a must-try for any dessert lover.