Introduction
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshingly simple. It delivers everything you want from a show-stopping pie without ever turning on the oven. I started making this recipe during warmer months when baking felt like too much effort, and it quickly became one of my most requested desserts. The combination of silky peanut butter filling and smooth chocolate topping creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. What truly sets this pie apart is its texture. The filling is light and creamy, almost mousse-like, while the crust adds just the right amount of crunch. This dessert is ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or last-minute gatherings because it can be prepared ahead of time and chilled until ready to serve. If you enjoy classic flavor combinations and stress-free desserts, this pie is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe requires no baking, minimal prep, and delivers bold chocolate and peanut butter flavor. It is make-ahead friendly, visually impressive, and consistently delicious with very little effort.
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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie – Rich, Creamy, and Effortlessly Elegant
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a rich and creamy dessert with a smooth peanut butter filling, chocolate flavor, and a crunchy cookie crust—perfect when you want an easy, oven-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
- Optional topping: chocolate shavings or peanut butter drizzle
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture.
- Spread the filling evenly into the chilled crust.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or spread lightly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
- Chill overnight for cleaner slices.
- Can be frozen for 30 minutes before serving for a firmer pie.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chocolate cookie crust forms the base of the pie and provides a firm, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet filling. A store-bought crust works perfectly, but homemade is also an option.
Cream cheese creates structure and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
Creamy peanut butter is the star ingredient, delivering rich flavor and a smooth, velvety texture throughout the filling.
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it light and silky.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream is whipped and folded into the filling to create a light, airy consistency.
Semi-sweet chocolate forms the topping and adds depth without overpowering the peanut butter.
Butter helps create a glossy, smooth chocolate layer that slices cleanly once chilled.
Directions
Begin by preparing the filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix until fully combined, then blend in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick but creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, working slowly to maintain as much air as possible. Once fully combined, spread the filling evenly into the chocolate cookie crust and smooth the top.
To prepare the chocolate topping, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with butter using a heatproof bowl over simmering water or a microwave in short intervals. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then pour it over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly.
Refrigerate the pie until fully set. Once chilled, slice with a warm knife for clean edges and serve cold.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This pie serves eight generous slices. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, followed by at least four hours of chilling time for best results.
Storage/reheating
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is highly adaptable. You can use a graham cracker crust instead of chocolate for a milder base. For extra texture, chopped peanuts or chocolate chips can be folded into the filling. A drizzle of melted peanut butter over the chocolate topping adds visual appeal and extra flavor. If you prefer a darker finish, bittersweet chocolate works well. For individual servings, the filling can be spooned into small glasses and topped with chocolate for elegant no-bake parfaits. You can also experiment with flavored crusts, such as chocolate wafer or brownie-style bases, to change the overall profile without altering the filling.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert is rich and indulgent, offering fats and protein from peanut butter and dairy. It contains peanuts and dairy. Portion control is recommended due to its richness.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use room-temperature cream cheese
This ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
Fold gently
Careful folding keeps the filling light and airy.
Chill thoroughly
Allowing enough chilling time helps the pie set cleanly for slicing.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for preparing one day in advance.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, it freezes well for up to one month.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a knife warmed under hot water and wipe between cuts.
Is crunchy peanut butter suitable?
It can be used, but the texture will be less smooth.
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, but the pie will be noticeably sweeter.
Does the pie need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, it should remain chilled until serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a certified gluten-free crust.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich but balanced by the cream cheese and chocolate.
Can I add a topping?
Whipped cream or chocolate shavings work well.
What occasions is this best for?
It is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
Conclusion
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie is an effortless dessert that delivers bold flavor and a luxurious texture without complicated steps. Creamy, rich, and reliable, it is a recipe that never fails to impress while keeping preparation simple.
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