Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a dessert that perfectly balances salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy, then this Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is your new obsession! Imagine layers of buttery, crunchy pretzels topped with velvety peanut butter cream and a rich chocolate pudding, all crowned with clouds of whipped topping and an irresistible chocolate drizzle. Every bite is like a party in your mouth, making this the kind of treat you want to share—or not!—with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie comes from a handful of simple yet standout ingredients. Each one brings its own story to the pan—salty, sweet, creamy, crunchy—all combining for a pie that’s way more than the sum of its parts.
- Pretzels (2 cups, crushed): These create the salty, crispy backbone of your crust—crushed well for the perfect base.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, melted): Holds the pretzel crust together and lends delicious richness.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the peanut butter layer and keeps it smooth as silk.
- Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): Adds creamy body and tang to the peanut butter filling, making it ultra-luxurious.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1¼ cup): The star of the show—go for your favorite brand for maximum peanut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1½ tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Whipped Topping (1 cup; plus 8 ounces for topping): Makes the peanut butter filling extra fluffy and soft, and adds that cloud-like finish.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding (2 packages, 3.9 ounces each): Offers a rich, chocolatey layer that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
- Milk (3 cups): Needed for the pudding—whole milk gives the silkiest texture.
- Crushed Pretzels (½ cup, for topping): Adds a final salty crunch right before serving.
- Chocolate Sauce (½ cup): Drizzled on top for a glossy, decadent finish.
How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Let the edges hang over—this will make it super easy to lift your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie out of the pan later for slicing (and admiring) those beautiful layers.
Step 2: Craft the Pretzel Crust
Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s liquid gold, turn off the heat and stir in the crushed pretzels until every bit is coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared dish and press it down firmly with a spoon, making a nice even layer. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool to room temperature—this helps keep your crust crisp and ready for creamy layers.
Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Cream Filling
In a big mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together with an electric mixer until the mixture is dreamy and smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to give your filling an airy lift. Carefully spread this over your cooled pretzel crust, ensuring an even layer.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pop the pie into the fridge for 30 minutes—this gives the cream cheese and peanut butter mixture a chance to set up, making sure you get clean, gorgeous layers in every slice.
Step 5: The Chocolate Pudding Layer
While your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie chills, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding and milk in a bowl until thick and silky. Spoon this lush pudding over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out gently. Return the pie to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to help everything set perfectly.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping
Spread 8 ounces of whipped topping over your pie, creating a pillowy crown that’s as inviting as a dessert should be. Now, for best results, let the pie chill for at least 3 hours—or overnight if you’re patient. The wait is the hardest part!
Step 7: The Final Flourish
When you’re finally ready to serve your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie, sprinkle it with extra crushed pretzels and drizzle generously with chocolate sauce. Not only does it look gorgeous, but the combination of textures will make dessert lovers swoon.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Garnishes
To really show off, finish your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with a flurry of additional crushed pretzels and a glossy drizzle of chocolate sauce just before serving. For an extra-special touch, you can also grate a bit of chocolate over the top or sprinkle with sea salt flakes—both add elegance and a punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
Since this pie is rich and decadent, it pairs perfectly with a simple cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk. If you want to go all out, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The ice cream melts into the filling and adds a cool, creamy contrast to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, try serving Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie in individual mason jars or parfait glasses—just layer each component for a pretty, portable dessert. Or cut into bars and serve as part of a dessert tray for parties. The layers look sensational and each style makes snacking a breeze!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare phenomenon!), cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store the Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the crust stays surprisingly crisp thanks to the sturdy pretzel base.
Freezing
Good news: this pie freezes like a dream! Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. You can freeze Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture, and add garnishes just before serving.
Reheating
This pie is meant to be enjoyed chilled, not warm, so there’s no reheating needed. Just remove from the fridge (or freezer) and let sit for a few minutes if you prefer a softer texture. It’s always ready to serve and devour right out of the pan.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie extra texture and a deeper nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that the filling will have more crunch, so it’s a fun way to switch things up if you like added texture.
What kind of pretzels work best for the crust?
Classic salted pretzel twists or rods work great—just crush them until you have coarse crumbs. You can also use mini pretzel sticks for an even saltier kick. Avoid flavored or coated pretzels so your pie doesn’t pick up any unexpected flavors.
Is there a way to make this pie gluten free?
Yes! Grab your favorite gluten-free pretzels for the crust and topping, and make sure to double-check that the instant pudding and other ingredients are gluten-free. The pie turns out every bit as delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Can I make Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it’s even better made a day ahead—the flavors meld, the layers set beautifully, and it slices like a dream. Just add the final pretzel and chocolate sauce topping right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to get neat slices?
For gorgeous slices, use a long knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. The cold, creamy layers will stay defined, and cleaning the knife makes every slice look like it came from a bakery.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing like sinking your fork into a chilled slice of Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie—the play of salty-sweet, crunchy-creamy, and a hint of chocolate is simply irresistible. If you love desserts that surprise and delight with every bite, this is the one to try next. Gather those simple ingredients, make some happy memories in your kitchen, and get ready for rave reviews around your table!
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Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent and irresistible Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. A perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. This easy no-bake dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups pretzels (crushed)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 2 (3.9 ounce) packages of instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping
Topping:
- ½ cup pretzels (crushed)
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare Pretzel Crust: Melt butter, mix with crushed pretzels, press into the dish, and bake.
- Make Peanut Butter Filling: Combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla. Fold in whipped topping, spread over crust, and refrigerate.
- Layer Chocolate Pudding: Mix pudding with milk, pour over the peanut butter layer, and chill.
- Add Topping: Spread whipped topping over the pie, chill for a few hours.
- Final Touch: Before serving, sprinkle crushed pretzels and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings by adding chopped nuts or caramel sauce.
- For a smoother crust, you can use a food processor to crush the pretzels.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie, No-Bake Dessert, Sweet and Salty Pie
