No Bake Peanut Butter Pie: The Creamy Dessert You’ll Crave All Year Long

Imagine this: it’s a warm summer evening, the sun’s beginning to dip below the horizon, and your family has just finished a delicious dinner on the patio. The only thing that could make this night even better? A chilled, creamy, peanut-buttery dessert that didn’t require you to turn on the oven.

Enter the No Bake Peanut Butter Pie—a luscious, silky-smooth treat that’s rich in flavor, quick to assemble, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard gathering, need a last-minute holiday dessert, or just want something sweet without the stress, this easy peanut butter pie delivers.

This recipe was inspired by my grandmother, who loved keeping dessert simple but indulgent. She often made a version of this pie during the holidays, keeping it tucked in the fridge for unexpected guests or late-night cravings. It became a staple at family reunions, summer cookouts, and cozy winter evenings alike. Over time, I gave her traditional recipe a few modern tweaks—like adding a chocolate graham cracker crust and mini peanut butter cups—to elevate the flavor and texture.

Now, it’s your turn to fall in love with this no bake dessert that tastes like nostalgia wrapped in a peanut butter hug.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

There are dozens of dessert recipes floating around the internet, but this one stands out for several reasons:

✅ No oven required – Perfect for warm days or busy schedules
✅ Just 15 minutes of prep – Set it and forget it
✅ Creamy, dreamy texture – Thanks to whipped topping and cream cheese
✅ Versatile and customizable – Add your own toppings or crust
✅ Perfect make-ahead dessert – Make it the night before and chill overnight

Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert, this pie is guaranteed to win over every sweet tooth at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need for this decadent No Bake Peanut Butter Pie. Most of these are pantry staples, and the recipe itself is super forgiving.

Main Ingredients:

8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 ¼ cups (660 g) creamy peanut butter, divided
¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar
8 ounces (750 ml) whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
1 9-inch chocolate graham cracker crust
1 cup mini peanut butter cups, chopped (optional but highly recommended)

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality peanut butter for maximum flavor. If you prefer natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, this recipe is virtually foolproof. Here’s how to bring this peanut butter pie to life.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of peanut butter, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy, and cohesive texture. No lumps!

Why it matters: Cream cheese gives the pie structure, while the peanut butter adds depth and richness. Powdered sugar sweetens it just right without adding grit.

Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into your peanut butter mixture using a spatula. Work carefully to maintain the airiness and lightness of the whipped topping—it’s what gives your pie that cloud-like texture.

No whipped topping? You can use homemade whipped cream (just beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp of sugar until stiff peaks form).

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the filling into your prepared chocolate graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top for a professional look—you’ll be garnishing it later.

Tip: Don’t overfill. If there’s extra filling, use it to make mini parfaits in jars for bonus desserts!

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for optimal firmness and flavor meld. Don’t skip this step—it’s what transforms your mixture into a sliceable dessert.

Time-saving hack: Want to speed things up? Pop the pie into the freezer for 1–2 hours (just don’t forget it in there overnight).

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the top of your pie with chopped mini peanut butter cups. Then, melt the remaining ¼ cup of peanut butter in the microwave (about 20–30 seconds) and drizzle it over the top for a show-stopping finish.

Optional Garnishes:

Crushed graham crackers

Chocolate shavings

Crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist

A dollop of whipped cream per slice

Serving Suggestions

This pie is rich and indulgent, so a little goes a long way. Slice it into 8–10 servings, and serve with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a peanut butter-flavored milkshake if you’re feeling extra!

When to Serve It:

Summer BBQs and picnics
Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table
Valentine’s Day treat for peanut butter lovers
Birthday parties
Movie night dessert

Storing and Freezing Tips

Refrigerator:

Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezer:

You can also freeze this pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To serve, thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Freezing tip: Freeze individual slices for grab-and-go treats.

Customizing Your No Bake Peanut Butter Pie

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. Here are some fun and delicious variations to try:

Flavor Variations:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the filling or drizzle with chocolate ganache.
Oreo Crust – Swap the graham cracker crust for a crushed Oreo cookie crust.
Nutella Swirl – Swirl Nutella into the filling before chilling.
Pretzel Crust – Use a salty pretzel crust to contrast the sweetness.

Diet-Friendly Versions:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free crust and ensure your whipped topping is gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut-based whipped topping.
Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free peanut butter and a sugar substitute like Swerve or monk fruit powder.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! It’ll add some texture and crunch. Just note the filling might be a bit more difficult to smooth out.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance, decorate just before serving, and keep it chilled.

What’s the best way to drizzle the peanut butter?

Microwave the peanut butter for 20–30 seconds, stir until smooth, and use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the top.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, but be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and used right away. Homemade whipped cream can deflate if overmixed or left out too long.

Why This Peanut Butter Pie Is a Must-Try

This no bake peanut butter pie combines ease and elegance with a rich, indulgent flavor that rivals even the most complicated desserts. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, passed down and reinvented with every generation.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a dessert aficionado, you’ll love the simplicity of this recipe—and your guests will think you spent hours making it.

Ready to Make It? Share Your Creation!

We’d love to see your spin on this pie! Tag us on social media or drop a photo in the comments if you give it a try. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist, this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie is bound to become a go-to dessert in your kitchen.

📝 Printable Recipe Card

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Final Thoughts

In a world of complicated baking techniques and time-consuming recipes, this No Bake Peanut Butter Pie stands as a beacon of dessert simplicity. With just a few ingredients, 15 minutes of prep, and no baking involved, it proves that decadence doesn’t have to be difficult.

Make it once, and you’ll be hooked. Make it twice, and it’ll be tradition.