If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts that bring together the incredible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, then the Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is going to be your new obsession. This no-bake pie is a luscious blend of velvety peanut butter filling nestled in a chocolate cookie crust, topped with indulgent hot fudge sauce and crunchy roasted peanuts. It’s a dessert that feels decadent yet comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for sharing at any gathering or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the crunchy crust to the smooth filling and the glossy topping. These simple essentials come together to deliver that unforgettable bite you will crave again and again.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: Using finely crushed chocolate cookies like Oreos forms a rich and sturdy base with a deep chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs together and adds a subtle creaminess to the crust.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that lends the pie its signature nutty, salty-sweet flavor and smooth texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened to create a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter and sugar.
- Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a silky filling consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors with a gentle floral note.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks and folded in for lightness and airy texture.
- Hot fudge sauce: This luscious topping provides the ultimate indulgent chocolate layer on top.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and a roasted nutty depth that complements the creamy filling.
- Whipped cream (optional): For garnish, adding an extra touch of fluff and elegance.
How to Make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl until the mixture looks like damp sand and holds together when pressed. Then, firmly press this mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, covering not just the bottom but also the sides for a nice, thick crust. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you get started on the filling—this rest time helps the crust set perfectly so it won’t crumble when sliced.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This creamy combo is the heart of your pie, so make sure it’s well blended. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form; this step is crucial for giving the filling its light and airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, taking care not to deflate the airy whipped cream. Once combined, spoon this heavenly filling evenly into your chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Add the Hot Fudge and Peanuts
Warm the hot fudge sauce slightly if it’s too thick to drizzle easily, then spoon it generously over the peanut butter filling, spreading gently to cover the surface. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over the top for that perfect crunchy contrast. Return your pie to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible; this chilling time lets the flavors meld beautifully and the filling to firm up for clean slices.
How to Serve Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie practically begs for a little extra flourish. A few dollops of freshly whipped cream on each slice bring a light, creamy finish that balances the intense richness of the fudge and peanut butter. You can also add a few extra chopped peanuts or even a drizzle of hot fudge right before serving for a show-stopping presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with something light and refreshing to complement its richness. A simple bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders to cleanse the palate. For a casual get-together, serve alongside coffee or a glass of cold milk to complete the indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe in individual clear glasses as mini parfaits layered with cookie crumbs, peanut butter filling, fudge sauce, and peanuts. Or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a trendy sweet-salty twist that highlights the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pie tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy second helpings without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
This pie also freezes well if you need to save it for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled pie, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended, as it could alter the texture. Enjoy it cold straight from the refrigerator for the best creamy, fudgy experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to the filling, making each bite delightfully nutty and satisfying.
Is it possible to make the crust from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own chocolate cookie crumbs by crushing homemade or store-bought chocolate cookies, but store-bought cookie crumbs save time and still give fantastic results.
Can I make the hot fudge sauce myself?
Definitely! Homemade hot fudge sauce with cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and cream offers a fresher taste, but store-bought versions are a perfect shortcut if you’re short on time.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is ideal to let the filling set nicely. If possible, chilling overnight enhances the flavors even more.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe uses no gelatin or animal-derived rennet, so it fits perfectly within a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is one of those desserts that feel like a big, warm hug after a long day. Its creamy peanut buttery center contrasted with crunchy peanuts and rich chocolate promises moments of pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a weekend treat, or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a beloved recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a dessert staple at your table!
Print
Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is a luscious no-bake dessert combining a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, topped with decadent hot fudge sauce and chopped roasted peanuts. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, it offers a smooth, creamy texture with a delightful crunchy finish and can be prepared ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined. Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Add topping and chill: Drizzle the hot fudge sauce over the pie, spreading gently if needed. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve: Garnish with whipped cream before serving, if desired. Slice and enjoy this creamy, rich peanut butter dessert!
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add a layer of hot fudge sauce on the crust before adding the filling.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- This pie can be made a day in advance and stored chilled to develop flavor and firm up.
