Delicious Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Recipe to Savor

I still remember the first time I made an Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie that felt like a real treat but didn’t leave me feeling like I’d overdone it. I was sitting in my cozy kitchen on a lazy Saturday afternoon, motivated by a craving for something rich but wanting to keep things light. It struck me that this classic peanut butter pie could easily fit into a balanced, real-life approach to eating—not by sacrificing flavor, but by making smart ingredient choices and embracing simplicity.

That moment shifted my whole thinking about desserts. Instead of everything being about strict rules or pretending to be perfect, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie showed me that it’s okay to savor a creamy peanut butter mousse pie that feels indulgent and nourishing at the same time. It’s become one of those go-to recipes that I reach for when I want something that feels special but doesn’t overwhelm my usual meals or time.

I love how this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie combines a smooth cream cheese peanut butter pie filling with a no-bake peanut butter pie crust, making it kitchen-friendly for anyone. Plus, it’s a dish that invites you to put down the stress and just enjoy your food and the company around you.

If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a simple, feel-good recipe that brings a little comfort and joy without the fuss, I hope this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie becomes a happy part of your kitchen story too. Let’s dive in together, shall we?

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie including graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cream

Here’s my favorite Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ingredient list—it’s intentionally simple because good food doesn’t need to be complicated.

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (feel free to swap with almond or cashew butter if you prefer)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (no stress if you don’t have cream cheese—I sometimes use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (you can reduce this if you prefer less sweetness)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

You can usually find graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits right in the regular baking aisle, which makes this recipe super accessible.

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie keeps costs low by using pantry staples—no fancy or expensive ingredients needed. Plus, if you’re in a hurry, grab pre-made whipped topping instead of whipping cream yourself; just ensure the flavors are simple and natural.

For leftovers, cover your pie tightly and store it in the fridge—it will keep well for up to 3 days, and I have to warn you, even leftovers taste like a dream! If you want to prep in advance, this pie freezes beautifully too.

I love adding extra crushed peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a little crunch and chocolate-peanut butter love.

Let’s Make It Together!

1. Make the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mix evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. I like to use a flat-bottomed glass to get it nice and compact. Pop it in the fridge while you prep the filling. This crust is the base of your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, so making it firm helps everything else hold up perfectly.

2. Whip the cream: Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl. Beat it using a hand mixer on medium-high speed until pretty stiff peaks form. If you’re using pre-made whipped topping, simply skip this step.

3. Mix the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until everything is well combined and creamy. This cream cheese peanut butter pie filling is the heart of your dessert.

4. Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture using a spatula. This step is key for that fluffy peanut butter mousse pie texture. Don’t rush—fold slowly so the air stays in and your pie ends up light and airy.

5. Assemble and chill: Spoon your filling into the crust and smooth it out evenly. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours—overnight is perfect, but I get that patience isn’t always a thing! While you wait, it’s a great time to set the table or prep a simple side.

6. Ready to serve: Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie should smell wonderful by now and feel firm to the touch around the edges. If you want, add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts before serving for a fancy but easy touch.

If your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie looks a bit soft right after mixing, don’t worry—it firms up in the fridge. I’ve learned that simpler steps like folding whipped cream are the difference between a dense pie and a creamy delight.

Usually, this whole process takes about 30 minutes active time plus chilling—but trust me, it’s totally worth it.

If you love this approach, you might want to peek at some related recipes like my French Butter Cake or Brown Butter Cheesecake Delight for more cozy ideas that make dessert feel like a hug.

How I Love to Serve This!

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie becomes a complete meal when I add a side of fresh berries or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness balances out the richness beautifully.

It’s my go-to for easy weeknights or relaxed weekends when I want a dessert that’s fuss-free but still feels special. I’ve brought it to potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser—friends rave about the creamy peanut butter mousse pie texture and the buttery peanut butter pie crust.

For a seasonal twist, I’ve tried topping this pie with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy fall feel. It’s also lovely when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for summer gatherings.

Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a swirl of chocolate sauce makes it look like you spent way more time than you actually did—a great little kitchen tip to impress friends without stress.

If you have leftovers, I recommend keeping them covered in the fridge and enjoying within a couple of days. I’ve even spooned the filling onto graham crackers for a quick snack when I’m not up for slicing a whole pie.

If you love the no-bake peanut butter pie vibe, you might enjoy these fun takes like the No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie from The BakerMama or the No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Pretzel Crust, both of which offer great inspiration for easy twists.

Common Questions Answered

Can I make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better if you make it a day ahead so the peanut butter pie crust and filling have time to set. I often prep it the night before a weekend gathering.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
No worries—swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or mascarpone, and graham cracker crumbs for crushed cookies or pretzels. I’ve even used sunflower seed butter when I ran out of peanut butter.

How can I adjust the flavor of this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie to my taste?
Want it sweeter? Add a bit more powdered sugar. Prefer it less sweet? Use natural peanut butter and cut back on sugar. Adding a pinch of salt always helps the peanut butter flavor pop.

Is this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie gluten-free?
You could use gluten-free graham crackers or nuts for the crust. It’s an easy swap that keeps the creamy peanut butter mousse pie so everyone can enjoy.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and whipped coconut cream instead of dairy products. I haven’t tried all variations, but these swaps work well to keep the cream cheese peanut butter pie texture.

How long does this pie stay fresh?
Stored in the fridge, it’s best within 3 days. I don’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature because of the cream cheese and whipped cream.

Why does my peanut butter pie sometimes weep or get watery?
That usually happens if the whipped cream is not fully whipped or if the pie doesn’t chill long enough. Make sure your cream is stiff and fold it gently to keep the light texture.

I’ve learned so much from fellow cooks about this classic peanut butter pie! If you want to try a version with a chocolate twist, check out the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie from The Pioneer Woman. It’s another fun spin on this comforting dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie holds a special spot in my kitchen routine because it strikes a fine balance between indulgence and nourishment. It reminds me that feeling good about what you eat isn’t about perfection but about making thoughtful choices that bring joy.

My Favorite Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Tips:

  • Use softened cream cheese for a smoother filling every time.
  • Take your time folding in whipped cream gently—don’t rush this step!
  • Chill your pie well; that’s when the magic happens.

I’ve tried versions with pretzel crusts, extra chocolate drizzle, and even a peanut butter mousse pie made lighter by swapping cream cheese for whipped ricotta. Each one feels like a fresh take but my go-to always comes back to the classic peanut butter pie with that buttery peanut butter pie crust.

I hope this inspires you to make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie your own. It’s a recipe that welcomes your flavors, kitchen pace, and love for nourishing, simple food.

If you enjoy this, you might love my cozy Butternut Squash Lasagna for another real-life family meal.

Making this pie is about a little sweet comfort in your day—enjoy every bite, and remember, no stress, just real deliciousness. You’ve got this!

A beautifully served slice of Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ready to enjoy

Ready to bake? Let’s keep enjoying food that feels good, one bite at a time.

Print

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie

A creamy, nostalgic peanut butter pie featuring a rich filling in a crisp cookie crust, perfect for a classic dessert treat.

  • Author: Zaya Dawson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
  2. In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until well combined.
  4. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
  5. Pour filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if desired for added texture and garnish.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  8. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving or add chocolate chips to the filling.

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