Easy No Bake Peanut Butter

This no-bake peanut butter pie brings together creamy, rich flavors with an effortless preparation that makes it perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion treat. The smooth peanut butter filling layered onto a buttery graham cracker crust creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you are craving something sweet to end the day or want to impress guests with a simple homemade dessert, this pie hits all the right notes.

I first made this pie for a casual family gathering, and it quickly became everyone’s favorite dessert to request again and again

Ingredients

• Graham Crackers: make the base crisp and slightly sweet for a perfect crust look for fresh crackers that snap easily
• Granulated Sugar: adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the salty crust
• Unsalted Butter: helps bind the crust while adding richness use high-quality, real butter for best flavor
• Cream Cheese: gives the filling a tangy creaminess that smooths out peanut butter’s thickness
• Creamy Peanut Butter: is the hero here so pick a creamy style that you enjoy for a full peanut flavor
• Salt: enhances the natural peanut butter taste and keeps the sweetness in check
• Powdered Sugar: sweetens the filling without a grainy texture sift for easier mixing
• Vanilla Extract: adds warm, fragrant notes that deepen the overall flavor
• Heavy Whipping Cream: lightens the filling creating that fluffy texture you want you can swap for whipped topping to save a step

Instructions

Spoon together the crust ingredients:

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture feels like moist sand

Press the crust into the pan:

Firmly press this mixture evenly into a 9inch pie dish pushing the crumbs up the sides a bit so the crust holds its shape when sliced

Chill the crust to set:

Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up while you make the filling

Beat cream cheese and peanut butter:

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer at mediumhigh speed to blend cream cheese and peanut butter until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes for best texture

Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla:

Stop the mixer and add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, then mix just until everything is fully combined and the filling is luscious and smooth

Whip the heavy cream:

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape firmly when you lift out the whisk

Fold cream into peanut butter mixture:

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula, careful not to deflate the air you’ve whipped into it. This step keeps the filling light and fluffy

Fill the crust:

Spread the peanut butter filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top evenly for a clean finish

Chill the completed pie:

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 to 6 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly

Decorate as desired:

Top the pie with whatever you like such as melted chocolate drizzle, chopped peanuts, whipped cream, or mini peanut butter cups for extra indulgence

The cream cheese adds a subtle tang that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the peanut butter and sugar. I have fond memories of making this pie with my kids who love licking the bowl after folding in the whipped cream. It’s one of those desserts that brings people together and sparks smiles every time.

Storage Tips

Store the pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. If freezing, wrap it in foil and place in a zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor. Keep toppings like chocolate drizzle or nuts separate if you plan ahead to add them fresh before serving for the best presentation and crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can replace heavy whipping cream with whipped topping like Cool Whip to simplify the process if you want a shortcut. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you do not have cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta can work, although the texture and tang will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream and extra chopped peanuts for added texture. Pair this pie with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for contrast and balance to the rich peanut flavor. It also pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or cold glass of milk.

This no-bake peanut butter pie is easy to assemble and delivers rich creamy flavor. Proper chilling ensures clean slices and the best texture.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, whipped topping can be used as a substitute for heavy cream to lighten the filling while maintaining a creamy texture.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

It’s best to refrigerate the dessert for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to achieve the ideal firm and creamy consistency.

→ What ingredients are used for the crust?

The crust is made with graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter pressed into a pie dish.

→ Can I customize the toppings?

Absolutely, toppings like chopped peanuts, chocolate drizzle, or mini peanut butter cups enhance flavor and texture.

→ How do I achieve a smooth filling texture?

Beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until creamy and smooth, then gently fold in whipped cream or topping to maintain lightness.