No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Imagine sinking your fork into a silky layer of creamy peanut butter filling, generously dotted with chunks of chocolate peanut butter cups, all nestled inside a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. This No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie is pure dessert magic – rich, indulgent, and perfect for when you want an impressive sweet treat without turning on the oven.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. Simply prepare the crust, whip together the filling, fold in those irresistible peanut butter cup pieces, and let the refrigerator do the rest. Perfect for holidays, special celebrations, or a weekend indulgence, this pie will win over any crowd with its luscious flavor and gorgeous presentation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, crushed finely)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

• 1 1/2 cups chopped peanut butter cups (plus extra for garnish)

• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate (optional topping)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.

2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.

5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain.

6. Stir in the chopped peanut butter cups.

7. Spread the filling evenly into the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

8. If desired, drizzle chocolate ganache or melted chocolate over the top.

9. Garnish with extra chopped peanut butter cups.

10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)

Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie: The Ultimate Indulgent Dessert

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter – a sweet, salty, and creamy pairing that feels like it was simply meant to be. And when you take that irresistible duo and turn it into a rich, luscious pie without ever having to touch the oven, you’ve got yourself a dessert masterpiece: the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie.

This dessert is the kind of showstopper that will have friends and family hovering around the fridge, waiting for you to slice into it. With a silky peanut butter filling, a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, and generous amounts of chopped peanut butter cups mixed right in, every bite is a celebration of pure indulgence. Even better? It’s one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make – no baking, no fuss, just delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Pie

There’s a reason this pie is loved by both busy home bakers and dessert enthusiasts alike – it checks all the boxes:

• No Oven Required – Perfect for hot days or when you simply don’t want to bake.

• Quick Assembly – Most of the work is just mixing ingredients and layering them.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare it a day ahead, and it tastes even better after chilling.

• Crowd-Pleaser – Chocolate and peanut butter is a universally loved flavor combo.

• Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, change the crust, or swap in your favorite candy.

A Dessert for All Occasions

The No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie is versatile enough to fit into almost any event. Bring it to a holiday dinner, and it’ll hold its own next to pumpkin pie and cheesecake. Make it for a birthday party, and it will disappear faster than the cake. Serve it at a casual barbecue, and you’ll still get people asking for the recipe.

Its chilled, creamy texture makes it refreshing in summer, while its rich flavors make it comforting in the colder months. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or just a weekend family dinner, this pie feels right at home.

The Flavor Profile: Sweet, Salty, Creamy, and Crunchy

What makes this pie truly irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures:

• The Crust – A buttery chocolate cookie crust provides a firm yet tender base with deep cocoa notes.

• The Filling – Smooth peanut butter blends perfectly with cream cheese and whipped cream for a mousse-like texture that’s light but decadent.

• The Mix-Ins – Chunks of peanut butter cups add bursts of chocolate and a pleasant chewy bite.

• The Topping – A drizzle of chocolate ganache and extra peanut butter cup pieces give it a bakery-worthy finish.

This is not just a dessert, it’s a layered experience in every forkful.

Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie

While the recipe is very forgiving, there are a few tips to ensure your pie comes out picture-perfect every time:

1. Use Good Quality Peanut Butter – Creamy peanut butter works best for a silky texture. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oil unless you mix it thoroughly.

2. Softened Cream Cheese is Key – It blends more smoothly and prevents lumps in the filling.

3. Chill the Crust Before Filling – This helps it hold its shape and makes slicing easier.

4. Fold, Don’t Beat – When adding whipped cream to the peanut butter mixture, gently fold it in to keep the filling airy.

5. Chill Thoroughly – A minimum of 4 hours is essential for the filling to firm up.

6. Serve Cold – This pie tastes best straight from the fridge, as the texture and flavors are at their peak.

Variations and Creative Twists

One of the best things about this pie is how adaptable it is. You can easily put your own spin on it:

• Swap the Candy – Instead of peanut butter cups, try chopped Snickers, Butterfingers, or M&M’s.

• Go Nut-Free – Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.

• Add a Chocolate Layer – Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the filling.

• Make it Mini – Use muffin tins or small jars for individual servings.

• Use a Graham Cracker Crust – If you prefer a lighter base, switch the cookie crust for graham crackers.

Pairing Ideas

While this pie is incredible on its own, you can elevate the experience by pairing it with:

• A tall glass of cold milk – A classic choice that balances the richness.

• Hot coffee or espresso – The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly.

• Vanilla ice cream – Because sometimes more dessert is exactly what you need.

• Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries provide a tart contrast that cuts through the richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This pie stores beautifully, making it ideal for parties or special dinners:

• In the Fridge – Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store for up to 4 days.

• In the Freezer – Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

• Make-Ahead – Prepare the crust and filling separately the day before, then assemble and chill overnight.

The Secret to Its Crowd Appeal

Part of the magic of the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie lies in how it makes people feel. It’s nostalgic for anyone who grew up loving peanut butter cups, yet it feels elevated enough for adults to appreciate at a dinner party. It’s a dessert that bridges generations – easy enough for kids to help make, but sophisticated enough to serve at a formal gathering.

The fact that it’s so simple to put together also means less stress in the kitchen. You can focus on enjoying your time with friends and family while still serving something that looks and tastes amazing.

Conclusion

The No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Pie is more than just a dessert, it’s a statement of comfort, joy, and indulgence. Its combination of rich peanut butter, silky cream cheese, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy chocolate crust creates a flavor experience that’s nothing short of decadent. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want to impress but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, surprising a loved one, or just treating yourself after a long week, this pie will deliver every single time. Keep it cold, keep it creamy, and keep it coming because once people get a taste, they’ll be asking for seconds.