Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Craving a decadent peanut butter cup pie that melts in your mouth?

Silky chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible dance of flavors.

Layers of rich ganache blend seamlessly with smooth peanut butter filling.

Each bite promises a symphony of indulgent textures that will make taste buds sing.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts will absolutely adore this dreamy dessert.

Sweet memories emerge with every forkful of this incredible pie.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every single delectable moment.

Reasons Peanut Butter Cup Pie Hits The Spot

  • Speedy Chocolate Delight: Whip up this indulgent pie in under an hour, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic microwave melting technique, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Party-Perfect Dessert: Impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet takes minimal preparation time – ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and celebratory events.
  • Kid-Friendly Creation: Simple mixing process allows children to help, transforming dessert-making into a fun family activity with delicious chocolate and peanut butter rewards.

What’s Blended into Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Chocolate Layer:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich, dark chocolate provides the base and topping, perfect for creating a smooth, glossy shell and ganache.
  • Shortening: Helps chocolate melt smoothly and creates a shiny, stable coating.
Peanut Butter Filling:
  • Peanut Butter, Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creamy combination creates a rich, sweet filling with classic peanut butter flavor. Smooth, high-quality peanut butter works best for a silky texture.
Tart Pan:
  • Tart Pan: Essential for shaping and chilling the pie, preferably a 10-inch non-stick pan with removable bottom. Helps create clean, professional-looking dessert slices.

Peanut Butter Cup Pie Directions

Peanut Butter Cup Pie Directions

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Base

Create a smooth chocolate foundation by melting chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.

Stir every 30 seconds until chocolate transforms into a silky liquid.

Work carefully to prevent burning.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Shell

Generously coat a tart pan with the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.

Carefully rotate the pan to distribute chocolate evenly.

Place in refrigerator to solidify.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Combine ingredients for the filling:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Softened butter

Blend ingredients until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.

Mix thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.

Step 4: Layer Peanut Butter Mixture

Gently transfer the peanut butter mixture into the chilled chocolate shell.

Use a spatula to spread the filling smoothly, creating an even surface.

Step 5: Crown with Chocolate Ganache

Melt remaining chocolate chips and shortening using the same microwave technique.

Pour the glossy chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Return the pie to the refrigerator.

Allow chocolate to completely firm up, typically requiring about one hour of cooling time.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove pie from refrigerator.

Cut into elegant slices and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Pie Tips That Elevate Peanut Butter Cup Flavor

  • Melt chocolate slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to ensure smooth, glossy texture without scorching.
  • Use premium chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter for richer, more indulgent flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Gently tap the tart pan on the counter after adding each layer to remove air bubbles and create a perfectly even, professional-looking finish.
  • Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling consistency that blends seamlessly.
  • Substitute dairy-free chocolate and use alternative butter options like coconut oil to make this pie suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.

Peanut Butter Pie Stores Smooth and Easy

  • Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it cool and fresh.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month to preserve its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost without losing its creamy consistency.
  • Take the pie out of the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its rich, decadent taste.

What Works With Cup Pie

  • Pair Creamy Chocolate Stout: A rich, velvety chocolate stout beer complements the pie's deep chocolate notes, enhancing the dessert's decadent flavor profile.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie to balance the intense chocolate and peanut butter richness.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: The bold espresso and vodka cocktail cuts through the pie's sweetness, providing a sophisticated and refreshing contrast.
  • Accompany with Salted Caramel Latte: A warm, creamy latte with a hint of salt elevates the pie's sweet and nutty flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Fun Twists on Peanut Butter Cup Pie

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional chocolate chips with gluten-free chocolate chips and use a gluten-free crust made from ground almond flour and melted butter.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap dairy butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a plant-based treat.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free chocolate chips, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added creaminess and reduced sugar content.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or coconut butter, and use seed-based chocolate for individuals with nut allergies.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate for the base and topping?

Yes, you can substitute dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Just ensure they melt smoothly and have good quality.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this pie?

A 10-inch tart pan, microwave-safe bowl, and refrigerator are the main tools you’ll need. A hand mixer or whisk helps blend the peanut butter filling smoothly.

  • Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chocolate chips and ensure they are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free powdered sugar to guarantee the entire recipe is safe.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Always melt chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each 30-second burst. Add a small amount of shortening to help maintain a smooth, glossy texture and prevent burning.

Print
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Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet and creamy peanut butter cup pie delivers a chocolate lover’s dream dessert. Silky chocolate ganache and rich peanut butter filling create a heavenly slice perfect for satisfying deep dessert cravings you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups milk chocolate chips

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Binding/Preparation Ingredients:

  • 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Instructions

  1. Prepare a smooth chocolate base by gently melting chocolate chips with shortening in a microwave, stirring at brief intervals until completely liquefied.
  2. Create a chocolate shell by carefully pouring the molten chocolate into a tart pan, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides, then refrigerate until firmly set.
  3. Craft a creamy peanut butter filling by blending peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Delicately transfer the peanut butter mixture into the chilled chocolate-lined tart pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  5. Generate a glossy chocolate ganache by remelting chocolate chips with shortening, then elegantly drizzle and spread over the peanut butter layer, guaranteeing total and smooth coverage.
  6. Allow the pie to rest in the refrigerator, permitting the chocolate topping to solidify completely, which typically requires approximately one hour.
  7. Once set, slice the pie into elegant portions and serve chilled, revealing the decadent layers of chocolate and peanut butter.

Notes

  • Chocolate Melting Hack: Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy melted chocolate.
  • Crust Variation: Swap chocolate base with graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust for different texture and flavor profile.
  • Dietary Modification: Replace regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version, and use dairy-free chocolate for vegan option.
  • Decorative Touch: Sprinkle crushed peanut butter cups or sea salt on top before final chocolate layer to enhance visual appeal and add extra crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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