Looking for the ultimate dessert that will make everyone’s jaw drop? This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is what chocolate-peanut butter dreams are made of! Think of your favorite Reese’s peanut butter cup, but supersized into a glorious, creamy pie that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to make. Trust me, this showstopper is going to be requested at every gathering from now on.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a total showstopper that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but it’s actually so simple!)
- The perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter in every bite
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes even better after chilling overnight
- No baking required – perfect for hot summer days or when your oven is occupied
- Scalable for crowds – easily feeds a gathering of chocolate-peanut butter enthusiasts
- The ultimate crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults go crazy for
Ingredients
- Chocolate cookie crust – provides that classic chocolate foundation that pairs perfectly with peanut butter
- Cream cheese – creates that silky-smooth texture we’re after
- Peanut butter – the star of the show! Use creamy for the smoothest texture
- Powdered sugar – sweetens without adding graininess
- Vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors
- Heavy cream – whips up to create that cloud-like texture
- Chocolate ganache – that glossy chocolate layer that makes everything better
- Reese’s peanut butter cups – for decorating and that unmistakable candy flavor
- Peanut butter chips – adds extra peanut buttery goodness and visual appeal
How to Make This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this impressive dessert! We’re layering creamy peanut butter filling over a chocolate crust, then topping it with glossy ganache and all the Reese’s goodies. The best part? No oven required!
First, you’ll press that chocolate cookie crust into your pie dish – I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and even. Then we’ll beat together that luscious peanut butter filling until it’s super smooth and fold in some whipped cream for that cloud-like texture we’re after.
After spreading that dreamy filling over your crust, you’ll chill it until it’s set, then pour over that shiny chocolate ganache. The final touch? Decorating with chopped Reese’s cups and peanut butter chips for that unmistakable candy shop appeal. Each bite is like the perfect peanut butter cup, but somehow even better!
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Pie
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing – trust me, this makes all the difference for a silky-smooth filling
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for maximum fluffiness
- Use creamy peanut butter rather than natural (the oil separation in natural PB can affect the texture)
- For a next-level presentation, reserve some of the whipped cream to pipe decorative swirls around the edge
- Allow at least 4 hours of chill time, but overnight is even better for flavors to meld
- Remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving for the perfect texture
Variations to Try
Got the peanut butter pie basics down? Here are some fun twists:
- Swap in a pretzel crust for that sweet-salty magic
- Fold mini chocolate chips into the filling for extra texture
- Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving
- Add a layer of sliced bananas between the crust and filling for a banana-split inspired treat
- Use chunky peanut butter if you love a bit of texture in every bite
How to Store
This pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (if it lasts that long!). Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap to protect that gorgeous top. You can even freeze slices for up to 3 months – just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when the craving strikes.
I promise this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is going to become your new go-to dessert for potlucks, birthdays, or honestly, just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something amazing. The combination of that silky peanut butter filling and rich chocolate is absolutely game-changing. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Perfect Occasions for Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
This show-stopping dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s practically made for celebrations! Need a birthday treat for the peanut butter lover in your life? This pie beats a regular cake any day. Hosting a summer cookout? This no-bake wonder won’t heat up your kitchen. Family movie night? Imagine everyone’s faces when you bring this out with some coffee or cold milk!
I’ve made this for holiday gatherings and it disappeared faster than all the traditional pies combined. There’s something about that peanut butter-chocolate combo that makes people go wild! And if you need a potluck dish that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, this is absolutely it.
Serving Suggestions
While this pie is absolutely perfect on its own, there are a few ways to take the experience to the next level:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside brings a wonderful temperature contrast
- Drizzle individual slices with warm chocolate sauce tableside for a restaurant-worthy presentation
- A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving intensifies all those flavors
- Serve with ice-cold milk or hot coffee to cut through the richness
- For extra indulgence, add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on each slice
FAQ for Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Can I use natural peanut butter? I don’t recommend it for this recipe, friends. Natural peanut butter has that oil separation thing happening, which can mess with the texture and stability of your filling. Stick with classic creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for that perfect consistency we’re after.
Is this pie gluten-free? Not as written, since the chocolate cookie crust typically contains gluten. But good news! You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. This pie actually gets better after a night in the refrigerator when all those flavors have time to meld together. You can make it up to 2 days ahead of your event.
I don’t have a pie dish. Can I use something else? Yes! A 9-inch springform pan works beautifully and makes serving even easier. You could even make this in a square 8×8 baking dish and cut it into bars for a fun twist.
My ganache seized up! What happened? This usually happens when chocolate gets too hot too quickly. The fix: next time, make sure your heavy cream is hot but not boiling, and that your chocolate is chopped into small, even pieces. And remember to stir gently rather than whisking vigorously!
The Story Behind This Recipe
I first created this pie for my nephew’s birthday when he requested “something with Reese’s that wasn’t cake.” Challenge accepted! After a few test runs (which my family enthusiastically volunteered to taste-test), this giant peanut butter cup in pie form was born.
What makes this recipe special is that perfect balance—it’s indulgent without being too sweet, creamy without being heavy, and impressive without being complicated. I’ve shared it at countless gatherings since then, and it never fails to get those “OMG, you HAVE to give me this recipe” reactions that make sharing food so rewarding.
There’s something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that just speaks to the soul, isn’t there? It’s nostalgic yet sophisticated, familiar yet exciting. This pie celebrates that perfect pairing in the most delicious way possible.
So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Life’s too short not to enjoy something this delicious once in a while. And remember, calories don’t count when you’re making memories!
Conclusion
There you have it, friends—a Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie that’s guaranteed to become a legend in your recipe collection! I honestly can’t overstate how much joy this dessert brings to any table it graces. That silky-smooth peanut butter filling, the rich chocolate elements, and those perfect Reese’s cup garnishes create a dessert experience that’s nothing short of magical.
What I love most about this recipe is how it manages to be both impressive and approachable. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to create something that looks and tastes this amazing. And the smiles that spread across people’s faces when they take that first bite? Absolutely priceless.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself because you deserve it (you do!), this pie delivers in every way. So grab those ingredients, set aside a little time for fun in the kitchen, and prepare to amaze everyone—including yourself—with this showstopping dessert.
I’d love to hear how yours turns out! And remember, in the world of desserts, there’s nothing quite like the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter. Happy baking, friends!
If you’re a dessert lover, these indulgent treats are a must-try!
For a gooey and rich delight, the Gooey Peanut Butter Lava Cupcakes offer a molten peanut butter center that melts in every bite. If you prefer a classic, the Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies deliver the perfect balance of softness and nutty goodness. For a fruity twist, the Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes combine rich chocolate with a burst of tart raspberry. If you’re looking for a creamy and easy-to-make dessert, the Creamy No-Bake Cassava Cake is a smooth, tropical treat. And for a comforting, fruit-filled dessert, nothing beats the Homemade Kentucky Blackberry Cobbler—sweet, juicy berries baked under a golden crust for the perfect finish to any meal!
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- 9-inch Pie Dish
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs such as Oreo crumbs
- 6 tbsp butter melted
Peanut Butter Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy, not natural
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaks
Chocolate Ganache & Toppings
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream heated until warm
- 6 Reese’s peanut butter cups chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter chips for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture.
- Spread the filling evenly over the chilled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled pie and spread evenly.
- Top with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips. Chill until the ganache is set.
- Slice and enjoy!