Rich, Creamy, and Irresistible — This No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. With a velvety filling and glossy chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect sweet treat for parties, potlucks, or a decadent weeknight indulgence. It combines the classic flavor duo of chocolate and peanut butter into one show-stopping, comfort food dessert that requires zero baking
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No oven required — perfect for hot days or busy weeks
Creamy, rich, and decadent — a true comfort food dessert
Great for parties or potlucks — always a crowd favorite
Simple ingredients — pantry staples come together easily
Make ahead friendly — ideal for entertaining or prepping in advance
Customizable — easy to add toppings or switch flavors
Ingredient Breakdown
Chocolate Cookie Crust: A ready-made crust gives this pie structure and deep cocoa flavor with zero prep.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the filling — smooth and nutty, it adds richness and flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling while keeping it ultra-smooth.
Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and adds a silky texture to the peanut butter layer.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luscious, pourable ganache for the top layer.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt down into the rich ganache topping.
Milk: Lightens the ganache to the perfect consistency for spreading.
Chopped Peanuts (optional): Add crunch and visual contrast if desired.
Pro Tips
Use room temperature peanut butter for easier mixing and smoother texture.
Let the ganache sit for 1 minute before stirring — it helps the chocolate melt evenly.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice cleanly through the pie.
Chill overnight for the cleanest slices if making ahead.
Top with mini peanut butter cups for extra flair before serving.
Swap in almond butter or cashew butter for a unique twist.
Add a layer of crushed pretzels under the filling for salty crunch.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer ganache flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free cookie crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with hot coffee or cold milk for the ultimate dessert experience.
Cut into mini slices or squares for a bite-size party treat.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire pie a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the pie (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Not recommended — serve cold for best texture.
Cultural or Historical Notes
This pie is a playful twist on the beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, an American candy icon since the 1920s. This no-bake dessert captures those nostalgic flavors while delivering the creamy indulgence of a classic chocolate pie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use natural peanut butter? Natural peanut butter may separate or be too oily. Stick to regular creamy peanut butter for best results.
Can I make this pie in advance? Yes! It’s perfect for making a day ahead and storing chilled until serving.
Can I use homemade crust? Absolutely. A crushed chocolate cookie crust made with butter works great if you prefer homemade.
What kind of milk should I use for the ganache? Whole milk works best for richness, but 2% can be used in a pinch.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Yes, but it will result in a sweeter ganache — great for milk chocolate fans.
