This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a dream dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a creamy, fluffy peanut butter filling, a smooth chocolate ganache topping, and an assortment of Reese’s candies, this pie is rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert for parties, holidays, or any time you’re craving a Reese’s-style treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity: Quick and easy to make, with no baking required.
- Creamy Peanut Butter Filling: Smooth and fluffy, the filling combines peanut butter, cream cheese, and whipped cream for the perfect texture.
- Rich Chocolate Ganache: Adds a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth layer of chocolate to complement the peanut butter.
- Fun Candy Toppings: Decorate with Reese’s Pieces, mini Reese’s Cups, or any of your favorite peanut butter treats for extra flavor and fun.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Assorted Reese’s candies (Reese’s Pieces, Mini Reese’s Cups, etc.) for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fully combined.
Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This step makes the filling light and fluffy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated, creating a fluffy texture.
Assemble the Pie
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Make the Chocolate Ganache
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
Top with Ganache
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire top of the pie.
Add Candy Toppings
- Decorate the top of the pie with an assortment of Reese’s candies for added texture, color, and flavor.
Chill and Set
- Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer for whipping cream and mixing the filling
- Microwave-safe bowl for ganache
- Large mixing bowl for peanut butter filling
- Spatula for smoothing and spreading
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve this pie chilled for the best texture. Slice carefully as it’s rich and indulgent!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate Crust: Use an Oreo cookie crust or chocolate graham cracker crust for extra chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cup Center: Add whole mini Reese’s Cups to the filling layer for a surprise in each slice.
- Extra Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter or additional chocolate ganache over the top for a beautiful presentation.
- Crunchy Texture: Add chopped roasted peanuts to the peanut butter filling for extra crunch.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Careful Folding: Fold in the whipped cream gently to keep the filling light and airy.
- Chill for Clean Slices: Chilling the pie thoroughly helps it set properly and makes it easier to slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust?
Yes! A graham cracker crust or chocolate cookie crust adds great flavor and works perfectly with this no-bake filling.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?
You can use whole milk instead, but the ganache may be slightly thinner.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the filling, which can be a nice twist.
4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate ganache from hardening too quickly?
Pour and spread the ganache over the peanut butter filling while it’s still warm for the smoothest, most even layer.
This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for any special occasion. Each slice is packed with chocolate and peanut butter goodness that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for ganache
- Assorted Reese’s candies Reese’s Pieces, Mini Reese’s Cups, etc. for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated, creating a fluffy texture.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Top with Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire top of the pie.
- Add Candy Toppings: Decorate the top of the pie with an assortment of Reese’s candies, adding a fun, colorful touch.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until fully set before serving.
Notes
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Careful Folding: Fold in the whipped cream gently to keep the filling light and airy.
- Chill for Clean Slices: Chilling the pie thoroughly helps it set properly and makes it easier to slice.