Easy No Bake Peanut Butter

This nobake peanut butter pie is a creamy, rich dessert that comes together with minimal effort. The silky filling paired with a buttery graham cracker crust makes it an irresistible treat that can be ready without turning on the oven. Whether you want a simple dessert for a weeknight or something special to impress guests, this pie delivers big on flavor and texture.

I first made this pie before a family gathering and it disappeared so fast that I started making it for every occasion. It reminds me of cozy weekends with my loved ones and simple, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

• Graham Crackers: for the crust, they provide the perfect slightly sweet and crunchy base look for fresh crackers without any added flavoring
• Granulated Sugar: adds just a touch of sweetness to the crust, balancing the buttery texture
• Unsalted Butter: melts into the crust to hold it together and adds richness, choose high quality butter for a better flavor
• Cream Cheese: creates a smooth base in the filling and balances the sweetness, so make sure it is softened for easy mixing
• Creamy Peanut Butter: is the star of the show: opt for a natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a pure flavor
• Salt: enhances the peanut butter’s richness and balances sweetness, just a pinch is enough
• Powdered Sugar: sweetens the filling without making it gritty, sift if you want an extra smooth texture
• Vanilla Extract: deepens the flavor, choose a pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best taste
• Heavy Whipping Cream: lightens the filling and makes it silky and smooth, if you want a shortcut, Cool Whip can be substituted but it changes the texture slightly

Instructions

Sculpt the Crust:

Combine crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated. Firmly press this mixture into a 9inch pie dish, making sure to compact it well along the bottom and sides. Place it in the refrigerator to chill and set while working on the filling. This step ensures a solid crust that holds together when sliced.

Whip the Filling:

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on mediumhigh speed to beat cream cheese and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps. This builds the rich texture and brings out the peanut butter flavor upfront.

Sweeten and Flavor:

Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Beat again until these ingredients are fully incorporated. The salt will heighten the peanut butter taste while the vanilla adds complexity.

Whip the Cream:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This aerates the cream, giving the pie filling a light and fluffy texture.

Combine and Fold:

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches. Use a spatula and gentle folding motions to combine without deflating the whipped cream.

Assemble and Chill:

Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and place the pie in the refrigerator for at least four to six hours or preferably overnight so it can set properly.

Decorate and Serve:

Before serving, decorate the pie with your favorite toppings such as melted chocolate drizzles, chopped peanuts, whipped cream, or mini peanut butter cups. This adds texture and a personal touch.

Peanut butter is my favorite ingredient here because it makes the pie so flavorful and nostalgic. I remember the first time I served it at a birthday party and how many people went back for seconds, proving peanut butter really is everyone’s favorite!

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the filling firm and the crust crisp. If you want to save it longer, you can wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the cream cheese for mascarpone to create a slightly richer and creamier filling. Use natural or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference. If you want a dairyfree version, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts for texture contrast. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to balance the richness.

This nobake peanut butter pie is easy to make and perfect for entertaining or a simple weeknight dessert. Chill well before serving for clean slices and the best texture.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes the filling smooth and creamy?

The combination of cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and whipped heavy cream ensures a silky, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

→ How is the graham cracker crust prepared?

Graham cracker crumbs are mixed with melted butter and sugar, then pressed firmly into the pie dish to create a crunchy, rich crust.

→ Can I substitute whipped topping for heavy cream?

Yes, using whipped topping is a convenient alternative to heavy cream while still providing a light texture to the filling.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chill the dessert for at least 4-6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the filling to set properly and flavors to meld.

→ What are some popular topping options?

Popular toppings include melted chocolate drizzles, chopped peanuts, whipped cream, or mini peanut butter cups to enhance flavor and presentation.