Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

If you’re a true fan of that magical chocolate-and-peanut-butter combo, this Peanut Butter Cup Pie is about to become your go-to dessert. With silky ganache, a dreamy peanut butter base, crunchy peanuts, and plenty of mini Reese’s cups all nestled in a flaky crust, it’s impossible to stop at just one slice. Every bite is loaded with nostalgia and unbeatable flavor—making Peanut Butter Cup Pie the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion where you want jaws to drop (and plates to clear in record time).

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Peanut Butter Cup Pie is how a handful of irresistible ingredients come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Each plays a starring role in making this treat rich, creamy, and undeniably crave-worthy.

• Pre-baked pie crust: Using a ready-made crust saves time and provides the perfect crunchy foundation for all the luscious layers.
• Dark chocolate, chopped (1 cup): Dark chocolate balances the sweetness, giving the ganache a deep, sophisticated edge.
• Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (1 cup): These add extra peanut buttery goodness and pockets of texture—don’t skimp here!
• Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): The dreamiest base layer; it brings all the nutty, smooth richness you want in every forkful.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the peanut butter without any graininess for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth filling.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Helps make the chocolate ganache ultra-silky and decadent.
• Chocolate chips (1 cup): A double dose of chocolate flavor and melty bits in every bite.
• Peanut butter chips (½ cup): They add sweet, peanutty pops throughout—don’t skip if you’re a serious PB fan.
• Chopped peanuts (¼ cup): For a beautiful, crunchy finish right before serving.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by getting your oven ready at 350°F (180°C). Set your pre-baked pie crust nearby—it’s about to become the foundation of something glorious. This step guarantees everything bakes evenly and the crust stays crisp under all those creamy layers.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a mixing bowl, blend your creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar together until super-smooth and luscious. This is the backbone of your Peanut Butter Cup Pie and the first thing your fork will sink into. Press and spread this sweet peanut butter goodness evenly across the bottom of your crust.

Step 3: Whip Up Chocolate Ganache

Combine your chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream in a small saucepan. Stir constantly over low heat until you have a glossy, smooth ganache that could make any chocoholic weak at the knees. Pour this velvety chocolate layer onto the peanut butter base and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.

Step 4: Layer with Reese’s Cups

Sprinkle those irresistible mini Reese’s peanut butter cups generously over the ganache. They’ll melt just a little as they bake—becoming tiny pockets of gooey delight. You really can’t have too many here, so make sure you’re generous!

Step 5: Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

Next, toss a handful of chocolate chips and peanut butter chips over the entire pie. These scatter bursts of chocolatey and nutty flavor throughout, guaranteeing you get a little bit of magic in every forkful.

Step 6: Bake and Chill

Slide your pie into the oven and bake for just 10–15 minutes—just enough to set the ganache and melt those chips slightly. Remove and let it cool on the counter, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is essential for firming up all the gooey, chocolatey layers, so don’t rush it!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle chopped peanuts all over the top for crunch and visual flair. Slice up your Peanut Butter Cup Pie and serve cold for that perfect contrast of creamy, crunchy, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Garnishes

Peanut Butter Cup Pie deserves to be topped with a flourish. A handful of chopped peanuts adds irresistible crunch and rustic charm, but feel free to get creative—drizzle with extra melted chocolate, toss on some sea salt flakes, or even crown each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and another mini Reese’s.

Side Dishes

This pie is rich, so keep the sides light and refreshing. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas can help balance out all that decadent chocolate and peanut butter. If you’re feeling extra celebratory, a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream next to your slice will turn dessert into a totally unforgettable treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, try making mini versions in muffin tins or individual ramekins—guaranteed to wow! Stack slices on a pretty cake stand and scatter extra Reese’s cups around for a show-stopping centerpiece. Or, for a rustic twist, serve right from the pie dish with a big metal spoon for family-style comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Peanut Butter Cup Pie left, simply wrap the pie (or individual slices) in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers will stay beautifully set, and the flavors just get more amazing with time.

Freezing

This pie freezes like a dream! Place whole or sliced Peanut Butter Cup Pie in a freezer-safe container, separating slices with parchment if needed. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready for a decadent treat, let slices thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

While Peanut Butter Cup Pie is best served chilled, if you love a gooier texture, let a slice sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before devouring. There’s no need to bake or microwave—just a little warmth brings out the peanut butter aroma and softens the chocolate ever so slightly.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! A homemade pastry or graham cracker crust will make your Peanut Butter Cup Pie even more special. Just be sure to bake your crust fully and let it cool before adding the peanut butter base.

What’s the best chocolate to use for the ganache?

I recommend a high-quality dark chocolate for a more balanced richness, but you can use semisweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter pie. Just chop it finely so it melts quickly and evenly with the cream.

Can I substitute almond butter or another nut butter?

Definitely! Almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter will work in place of peanut butter. Each will give your Peanut Butter Cup Pie its own unique twist—just make sure to use a creamy (not crunchy) variety for the base.

How do I keep the chocolate ganache from becoming grainy?

Use gentle, low heat and stir constantly when melting the chocolate with cream. If your ganache does separate, a splash of warm cream and some vigorous whisking usually brings it back together.

Is this pie suitable for nut allergies?

Sadly, Peanut Butter Cup Pie is pretty heavy on the nuts and not safe for those with peanut or tree nut allergies. However, you could try a sunflower butter and nut-free chocolate alternative for a similar experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the magic of chocolate and peanut butter, look no further than this Peanut Butter Cup Pie. It’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Give it a try and savor every decadent bite!