Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients
- 12 sheets graham crackers – crushed to fine crumbs (about 1.5 cups)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 1/8 tsp fine salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter – melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese – softened
- 1 cup peanut butter – creamy
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar – sifted if lumpy (120g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup heavy cream – cold
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts – chopped (for serving)

Instructions
- 1.
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2.
Make the crust: Crush the graham crackers to fine crumbs (you should have about 1.5 cups). In a bowl, combine crumbs, granulated sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt, then stir in melted butter until evenly moistened.
- 3.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake until fragrant and set, 8–10 minutes. Cool completely on a rack, about 30 minutes.
- 4.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, 1–2 minutes. Add the peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt; beat until creamy and well combined.
- 5.
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to medium peaks, 2–3 minutes.
- 6.
Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in two additions until no streaks remain.
- 7.
Spread the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Cover and chill until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight, until the center feels set and slices cleanly.
- 8.
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the top. Slice and serve cold.
Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, sweet-salty American dessert built on the familiar comfort of a crumb crust and a fluffy, nutty filling. The texture is luxurious yet light, with tang from cream cheese balancing the richness of peanut butter. A chilled set makes tidy slices, while a sprinkle of peanuts adds a pleasant crunch to each bite.
Rooted in the American pie and diner tradition, this pie rose to popularity in the mid-20th century alongside no-bake desserts. It appears frequently at potlucks and holidays, especially in regions where peanut cultivation is part of local identity. Over time, versions have ranged from whipped, no-bake fillings to older baked custard styles, but the cool, creamy style has become the most widely recognized standard.
