Have you ever craved a dessert that’s so indulgent it feels almost sinful? Meet the Memphis Mafia Pie, a treat that’s equal parts creamy, crunchy, and utterly decadent. This pie is a celebration of bold flavors—peanut butter, banana, chocolate. Named after Elvis Presley’s famed entourage, this dessert is as extravagant as The King himself. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a potluck, or just looking for an excuse to indulge, this pie will steal the show.
Growing up in the South, my grandmother always had a knack for creating desserts that combined sweetness with a little savory kick. Her Memphis Mafia Pie was a crowd favorite. I can still remember sneaking into the kitchen, spoon in hand, trying to steal a bite of the filling while she wasn’t looking. This pie has become my go-to dessert for special occasions, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of her warm kitchen and the sound of Elvis playing softly in the background.
What Is Memphis Mafia Pie?
The Memphis Mafia Pie is a luscious combination of flavors and textures. It starts with a buttery vanilla wafer crust and a peanut butter filling so smooth, it practically melts in your mouth. Creamy banana slices are layered in for a fruity kick, while chocolate ganache and peanut butter fudge drizzle over the top for the ultimate indulgence. But the real star? It’s a flavor explosion that works for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday night when you need a treat.
Why Our Memphis Mafia Pie is the Best
Our Memphis Mafia Pie takes dessert to the next level. It combines rich, creamy peanut butter with the unexpected crunch of Turkey bacon and a velvety chocolate ganache. It’s a pie that surprises and delights with every bite!
Ingredients Notes for Memphis Mafia Pie
Every ingredient in this Memphis Mafia Pie is carefully chosen to create its signature indulgent flavor. From the creaminess of peanut butter to the savory punch of Turkey bacon, every detail counts.
Crust and Fillings
- 9-inch vanilla wafer crust: Use store-bought or try a gluten-free option with Cheerios Oat Crunch Honey Oat crumbs.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy—your choice! This is the star of the show.
- Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy perfection for a light yet decadent filling.
- Chocolate chips: High-quality milk or dark chocolate works best for the ganache.
- Turkey Bacon: Cooked crispy for a salty-sweet finish.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Memphis Mafia Pie
To make your Memphis Mafia Pie, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls (at least 3 large ones)
- An electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
- A whisk
- 9-inch pie pan
- Saucepan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
How to Make Memphis Mafia Pie
Creating the Memphis Mafia Pie is like crafting a masterpiece—each layer adds its own touch of decadence.
1. Make the Chocolate Ganache
Warm heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over a bowl of chocolate chips and butter. Let sit for 10 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Fudge Topping
Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring each time until melted and smooth.
3. Mix the Peanut Butter Cup Topping
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and vanilla until the mixture is firm but moldable, like cookie dough. Chill until needed.
4. Make the Pie Filling
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture and mix gently until smooth.
5. Assemble the Pie
- Spread a thin layer of the filling over the vanilla wafer crust.
- Slice bananas and press them gently into the filling. Cover with just enough filling to seal the bananas.
- Mix some of the peanut butter cup topping into the remaining filling, then spread it over the pie.
- Top with crumbled peanut butter cup topping, drizzle peanut butter fudge and chocolate ganache, and sprinkle crumbled Turkey bacon over the top.
6. Refrigerate
Chill the pie for 4-5 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
How to Store Memphis Mafia Pie
The Memphis Mafia Pie is best stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the pie and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Memphis Mafia Pie Variations
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate mousse under the peanut butter filling.
- Fruit Twist: Replace bananas with sliced strawberries for a tangy kick.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chocolate ganache for a hint of heat.
What to Serve with Memphis Mafia Pie
Pair your Memphis Mafia Pie with a tall glass of cold milk or a frothy iced coffee. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top Tips for Perfect Memphis Mafia Pie
- Use ripe bananas: They’re sweeter and more flavorful.
- Chill the pie: Refrigerating for at least 4 hours ensures clean slices.
- Don’t skip the Turkey bacon: It adds a unique, salty balance to the sweetness.
- Quality matters: High-quality chocolate and peanut butter make all the difference.
- Work in layers: Assemble carefully to keep the pie visually stunning.
Helpful Notes
- Use gluten-free vanilla wafers or Cheerios Oat Crunch crumbs for a gluten-free crust.
- Make extra ganache or fudge to drizzle on ice cream or brownies later!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: Always use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Gordon Ramsay: Let the chocolate sit undisturbed before whisking—it ensures a smooth ganache.
- Christina Tosi: Add a touch of salt to the peanut butter filling to enhance the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.
Q: Can I skip the Turkey bacon?
A: Yes, but it adds a unique flavor contrast that’s worth trying!
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: It’s best to use fresh bananas as frozen ones may release too much moisture.
Q: How long does this pie last?
A: It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze the entire pie?
A: Yes, but slice it first for easier thawing and serving.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
Indulge in the richness of Memphis Mafia Pie—a dessert so good, it’s fit for a king!
Memphis Mafia Pie
Ingredients
- Vanilla Wafer Crust Gluten-Free option below
- – One 9-inch vanilla wafer crust
- Peanut Butter Filling:
- – 1 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- – 8 oz cream cheese
- – 1 cup powdered sugar
- – 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- – 1 tsp vanilla
- – 2 medium to large bananas
- Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- – 1 cup chocolate chips milk or dark
- – 3/4 cup heavy cream
- – 1 tbsp butter
- Peanut Butter Fudge Topping:
- – 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- – 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- Peanut Butter Cup Topping:
- – 1/3 cup peanut butter
- – 2 tbsp butter softened
- – 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- – 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free option
- – 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Chocolate Ganache: Place chocolate chips and butter in a glass or metal bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 10 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
- Peanut Butter Fudge Topping: Place the peanut butter and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Peanut Butter Cup Topping: Mix the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and vanilla in a bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl until fluffy (4-5 minutes). In another bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form (5-6 minutes). Mix the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread 1/2 to 3/4 cup of peanut butter filling into the crust. Slice bananas and gently press into the filling. Cover bananas with more filling to seal crevices.
- Mix 1 cup of the peanut butter cup topping into the remaining filling and spread over the pie. Top with crumbles of the remaining peanut butter cup mixture.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache and peanut butter fudge topping.
- Refrigerate for 4-5 hours. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Crust Option: Use 1 1/2 cups crushed Cheerios Oat Crunch Honey Oat (or Puffins Cereal) mixed with 5 tbsp melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie pan and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Optional Toppings: You can use either chocolate ganache or peanut butter fudge topping—both are not required.
– Store extra toppings in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.