If you’ve been searching for the dreamiest, creamiest dessert that fuses nostalgia, comfort, and outright decadence, look no further than Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie. Each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and an irresistible peanut butter flavor, wrapped in a buttery graham cracker crust and topped off with a billowy whipped topping. This is the no-bake crowd-pleaser you’ll want to pull out for every special occasion — or just a Tuesday night when your sweet tooth is calling!

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie shine is the simplicity of the ingredients. Every item on this list plays a crucial role in building that signature taste and luscious texture, so don’t skip or skimp!

Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The essential creamy base that lends a velvety smoothness to the filling.
Creamy peanut butter (3/4 cup): The star of the show, providing rich flavor and that unmistakable nutty goodness.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the pie and ensures a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Milk (1/2 cup, at room temperature): Helps bring everything together for a perfectly smooth, scoopable filling.
Whipped topping (1 8-oz container, defrosted): Adds airiness and lightness, balancing the pie’s richness.
Graham cracker crust (1 9-inch): Delivers classic, buttery crunch beneath every creamy bite.

How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat it on high speed using a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy, with no lumps. This step is crucial for that signature silky texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Blend in the Peanut Butter

Add the creamy peanut butter to your bowl and mix until the two are completely combined and smooth. You’ll start to see (and smell) the wonderful peanut butter base that makes Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie so memorable.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar and Milk

Next, gradually add in your powdered sugar and milk. Mixing slowly at first helps prevent splashing, then beat until everything’s incorporated and the filling looks pleasingly creamy with no streaks.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Switch over to a spatula and gently fold the defrosted whipped topping into your filling. The goal here is to keep things light and airy for that cloud-like final texture. Take your time — gentle folding is the secret!

Step 5: Fill the Crust

Pour your luscious peanut butter filling into the graham cracker crust, then use a spatula or spoon to smooth it out evenly. The pie should hold its shape and look irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Freeze the Pie

Set your pie in the freezer for at least 4 hours, preferably a full 24 if you can wait. Freezing helps everything firm up and makes slicing a total breeze when you’re ready to serve.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top the frozen pie with a generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch and a hint of salty contrast. Slice, plate, and prepare for oohs and ahhs!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie

Garnishes

A finishing touch of chopped salted peanuts adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. You can also try a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, or even a dollop of extra whipped topping for a playful presentation.

Side Dishes

Because Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is so rich and satisfying, light accompaniments work best. Fresh strawberries or sliced bananas on the side add a refreshing element, while a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee is the dreamiest beverage pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the pie into petite squares and serving them on a platter as bite-sized treats for parties. Individual mini pie shells make for adorable personal servings. For an elegant touch, use a warm knife to get clean slices and dust the plate with cocoa powder before plating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any remaining slices of your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie back in the freezer, covered snugly with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh and dreamy for up to a week, so you can sneak a slice whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

One of the wonders of this pie is how perfectly it freezes. For long-term storage, wrap the whole (or sliced) pie tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to two months without losing its creamy texture or flavor.

Reheating

No oven or microwave needed here! Simply transfer the pie from the freezer to the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to eat. It’ll soften just enough to slice easily while still staying cool, creamy, and firm.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream works beautifully in place of the whipped topping. Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and fold it in as directed.

How do I prevent my pie from being too soft to slice?

The key is to let the pie freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. If your pie seems too soft, simply pop it back in the freezer for another hour before serving.

Can I use a chocolate crust instead of graham cracker?

Definitely! A chocolate cookie crust adds a deeper flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter filling. Either store-bought or homemade chocolate crusts will do the trick.

Is crunchy peanut butter okay to use?

If you love a little texture, go for it! Crunchy peanut butter introduces a bit more bite and peanutty chunks, giving your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie a fun twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a plant-based version, use your favorite non-dairy milk, and try coconut whipped topping. Double-check your crust to ensure it’s dairy-free, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for pure comfort and crave that perfect blend of creamy, nutty sweetness, you simply have to give Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie a try. It’s easy, impressive, and unforgettable — the kind of dessert that’ll make you the hero of any gathering. Don’t wait for a special occasion; every day is a good day to enjoy a slice!

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie. A delightful no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup milk, at room temperature
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, defrosted

Crust:

1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed until light and fluffy.
Add the creamy peanut butter and mix until smooth.
Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and milk until fully combined.
Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours until firm.
Garnish with chopped peanuts before serving, slice, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American