Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon corn syrup

Jump to Recipe

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is the ultimate dessert for anyone who can’t resist the sweet harmony of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious peanut butter cream cheese filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache to finish, this pie is a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. It’s destined to become your go-to for potlucks, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to wow your family and friends.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a handful of pantry staples and watch them work magic. Each ingredient in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie contributes something special—flavor, creaminess, crunch, or a touch of sweetness. Here’s what makes this pie irresistible:

Graham cracker crumbs: These create that classic, slightly sweet, and toasty base that holds everything together.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the graham crust bind without falling apart.
Butter, melted: Gives the crust richness and helps it set firm and golden in the oven.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show—creamy, nutty, and utterly decadent in every bite.
Cream cheese, softened: Lends creaminess and a subtle tang, balancing all the sweetness perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter filling while keeping it smooth and silky.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to airy peaks, it makes the filling light and mousse-like—absolutely dreamy!
Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: Provides that deep, fudgy layer that every great Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie needs.
Heavy cream (for ganache): Makes the ganache ultra smooth and pourable.
Butter: Gives ganache its shiny finish and added richness.
Corn syrup: Just a touch keeps the chocolate layer irresistibly glossy and smooth.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with a solid foundation by making the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes—just enough time to lock in the flavor and get a gentle golden hue. Let the crust cool completely before moving on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until perfectly smooth and luxurious. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix again until no lumps remain and the filling is irresistibly fluffy and sweet. The goal here is a creamy, dreamy base that will pair beautifully with chocolate.

Step 3: Add the Whipped Cream

In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until you get stiff peaks—this is where the magic (and the mousse-like texture) happens. Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter filling, being careful not to deflate all that wonderful air. Spread the filling evenly into your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Layer

Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a sturdy, heatproof bowl. Warm the 3/4 cup heavy cream just to a simmer—don’t let it boil—then pour it directly over the chocolate. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to gently melt, then stir until the mixture is silky smooth. Stir in the butter and corn syrup to amp up the flavor and glossiness. Pour this luscious ganache over the peanut butter layer, spreading it all the way to the crust edge.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pie for at least three hours, or even better, overnight. This allows all the layers to firm up, making the pie easy to slice and ensuring every bite is perfectly set. When ready to serve, dip your knife into hot water before slicing for those picture-perfect wedges. Enjoy your gorgeous Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Garnishes

Bring some extra flair to your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with simple yet stunning garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, or a handful of mini chocolate chips look beautiful and add a playful crunch. For special occasions, try a drizzle of warm melted peanut butter or a few chocolate shavings right before serving.

Side Dishes

This pie is rich and decadent, so it pairs beautifully with fresh, bright flavors. Offer fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side; their tartness cuts through the richness perfectly. For a cozy touch, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee makes each slice feel extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie into a dessert centerpiece. Cut it into squares for bar-style servings at parties, or layer slices into mason jars with whipped cream for adorable parfaits. For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve small, elegant wedges on pretty plates with a zigzag of chocolate sauce, or top each piece with a chocolate-dipped pretzel for crunch and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together, making leftovers just as irresistible as the first slice.

Freezing

If you somehow end up with extra pie or want to plan desserts in advance, this pie freezes like a dream. Wrap the pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie is meant to be served chilled, no reheating is necessary! In fact, it tastes best straight from the fridge. If you prefer a slightly softer slice, let the pie sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the ganache and filling gently soften.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! If you love extra texture, swap in your favorite crunchy peanut butter for a delightful nutty crunch throughout the filling. Just keep in mind, the pie will have a slightly more rustic, chunky texture.

What type of chocolate works best for the ganache layer?

Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for balancing the sweetness of the peanut butter filling, but you can use dark chocolate if you like a bit more bitterness. Milk chocolate is also an option, though it will make the pie a touch sweeter and creamier.

Do I need to bake the crust, or can I use a no-bake version?

Baking the graham cracker crust helps it set firm and gives a wonderful toasted flavor, but if you’re pressed for time, you can chill the crust in the fridge until firm. Just be prepared for a slightly softer base.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to enjoy a gluten-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long does it take for the pie to set completely?

Plan on at least three hours in the refrigerator, though overnight is ideal. This ensures the filling and ganache are perfectly firm and the flavors really come together for that incredible dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s rich, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to steal the show, look no further than this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. From the first creamy bite to the last crumbly edge, it’s impossible to resist—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this unforgettable pie. You’ll be making it again and again!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent and irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. This dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate ganache layer.

Instructions

Prepare Crust – Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake.
Make Peanut Butter Filling – Beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Add Whipped Cream – Whip heavy cream and fold into the peanut butter mixture.
Make Chocolate Layer – Melt chocolate with hot cream, add butter and corn syrup.
Finish and Chill – Pour chocolate over the peanut butter layer and refrigerate until set.