Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie: A Comforting Dessert That Steals the Show

There’s something heartwarming about enjoying a slice of pie after a long day. Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table with family or planning a holiday dessert spread, this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie brings a sense of tradition and indulgent comfort to any occasion. With its velvety, creamy filling and signature peanut butter crumbles, this pie is an irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Inspired by the simplicity and richness of Amish baking traditions, this pie recipe has been passed down and loved by generations. It captures the essence of homemade goodness while using everyday pantry ingredients. From church potlucks to Sunday dinners, this is the kind of dessert that sparks conversations and second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

  • No baking required – Perfect for summer or when you need a low-effort dessert.
  • Rich, creamy texture – Thanks to cream cheese, heavy cream, and pudding.
  • Perfectly sweet with a nutty crunch – Peanut butter crumbles add a delightful surprise.
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor – Nothing fancy, just tried-and-true comfort.

Whether you’re new to Amish desserts or already a fan of their famous pies and cakes, this peanut butter cream pie is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients. Many of these are pantry staples, making it easy to whip this up with minimal planning.

For the Crust and Crumbles:

  • 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust – Saves time and adds a delicious crunch.
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter – The heart of the recipe. Smooth is best.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – Helps create the sweet, crumbly peanut butter topping.

For the Creamy Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Adds richness and a tangy balance.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the base without overpowering it.
  • 2 cups heavy cream – Whips into a fluffy, decadent layer.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances all the flavors.
  • 1 cup milk – Used to mix the pudding.
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds structure and a smooth finish.

Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Crumbles

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until you get a crumbly texture. This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Reserve half of the crumbles for topping. The rest will form the first layer in your pie.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. This step is crucial for ensuring the filling is silky and lump-free.

Once smooth, add in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture on medium-high until it becomes light, fluffy, and airy—similar to whipped cream.

Pro Tip: Don’t overwhip or it can turn grainy. Stop once soft peaks form.

Step 3: Layer the Pie

Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumbles evenly on the bottom of the graham cracker crust. This layer adds a nutty, sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy filling.

Step 4: Mix the Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup of milk with the 3.4 oz package of instant vanilla pudding mix. Whisk until the pudding thickens, about 2–3 minutes. You’re not going for a pourable consistency—look for a thick, spoonable texture.

Step 5: Combine and Fill

Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese and whipped cream base. Use a spatula and fold slowly to maintain the airy texture.

Once well combined, pour the filling over the peanut butter crumbles in the pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 6: Top and Chill

Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbles over the top of the pie. These not only add texture but also give the pie a finished, bakery-style look.

Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. This helps the pie set and intensifies the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cream Pie

  • Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the richest texture.
  • Make ahead – This pie tastes even better the next day.
  • Chill thoroughly – Don’t rush the chilling process; the filling needs time to firm up.
  • Customize the crust – Try using an Oreo crust or a chocolate graham crust for a twist.
  • Garnish for extra flair – A drizzle of chocolate syrup or whipped cream rosettes makes it stunning for parties.

What Makes Amish Desserts So Special?

Amish cuisine is all about simple ingredients, homemade charm, and family traditions. There’s no reliance on fancy gadgets or complicated steps. Instead, Amish desserts focus on comfort and quality, often using ingredients like butter, cream, and sugar in just the right balance.

Peanut butter is a common ingredient in Amish kitchens, especially in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where it’s used in everything from spreads to pies and cookies. The inspiration for this pie comes from a beloved Amish peanut butter “church spread” that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is rich and creamy, so smaller slices are perfect. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:

  • Serve chilled with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream and a few chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
  • For an indulgent twist, drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel before serving.

It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries if you want to cut through the richness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This pie is ideal for prepping ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:

  • Refrigerator: Keep the pie covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container.
  • Freezing: While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly and eat within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade crust instead of pre-made?

Absolutely! A homemade graham cracker crust or even a baked pastry crust would work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before adding the filling.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter tends to separate and doesn’t produce the same crumbly texture. It’s best to use a classic creamy variety like Jif or Skippy.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

It’s tricky due to the cream and cream cheese, but there are alternatives:

  • Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based pudding.
  • Opt for a dairy-free graham crust or make your own.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Swap the pie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker crust and check that your pudding mix is certified gluten-free.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’re craving a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic, indulgent, and easy to make, this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is for you. It doesn’t require baking, it can be made in advance, and it delivers a taste experience that rivals any bakery dessert.

It’s perfect for:

  • Family gatherings
  • Church potlucks
  • Holiday dinners
  • Weeknight treats

Once you try it, this pie will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection—and you’ll probably be asked to make it again and again.

More Amish-Inspired Desserts to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are a few more Amish-inspired treats to explore:

  • Shoofly Pie – A molasses pie with a crumb topping, iconic in Amish country.
  • Amish Sugar Cookies – Soft, buttery, and incredibly simple.
  • Whoopie Pies – Cake-like cookie sandwiches filled with fluffy cream.
  • Oatmeal Cream Pies – Soft oatmeal cookies with sweet vanilla filling.

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