This no-bake peanut butter pie has become one of those recipes I rely on when I want dessert handled ahead of time. It’s rich, creamy, and familiar in the best way — the kind of dessert people recognize immediately and don’t need convincing to try. Peanut butter and chocolate don’t need an introduction, and this pie doesn’t try to reinvent them. It just lets them do what they already do well.

What I like most about this dessert is that it feels indulgent without being fussy. It looks like something you’d order at a restaurant, but the process of making it is surprisingly relaxed. Everything happens in a bowl. There’s no baking window to miss and no rush to serve it the second it’s done. Once it’s chilled, it holds its shape beautifully and slices cleanly, even days later.

This is the kind of dessert that earns its place in the fridge.


There are desserts that taste great but demand attention. This isn’t one of them.

This pie works because it’s forgiving. You don’t need exact timing. You don’t need perfect technique. You don’t need a reason to make it. You can put it together earlier in the day, the night before, or whenever you have a little window of time — and it’s still just as good later.

It’s also a dessert that people keep going back for. The texture is light enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming, but rich enough that it still feels like a treat. The peanut butter filling is smooth and creamy, the crust gives you that salty crunch, and the whipped cream on top pulls everything together without making the pie feel heavy.

It’s familiar comfort food, but dressed up just enough to feel special.


  • 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons melted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Chocolate chunks or shavings
  • Crushed peanut butter cups

Start by mixing the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until everything is evenly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a pie dish. You don’t need to pack it down aggressively — just enough so it holds together. Place the crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

For the peanut butter filling, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until fully combined and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture. The goal is a filling that’s light, smooth, and spreadable, not dense or stiff.

Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top. At this point, the pie already looks good — but the topping takes it to the next level.

To make the whipped cream, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe it over the pie however you like. Finish with chopped peanuts, chocolate pieces, or whatever you have on hand.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, so it fully sets.


This pie slices cleanly once chilled, which makes it feel more put-together than most no-bake desserts. It also holds up extremely well in the fridge for 3–4 days, sometimes longer. The texture stays creamy, the crust doesn’t get soggy, and the flavors stay balanced.

That makes it ideal for:

  • Making ahead for guests
  • Keeping dessert ready for the week
  • Serving a crowd without last-minute prep
  • Having something sweet on hand without baking

It’s the kind of dessert that quietly disappears slice by slice, not all at once — which is usually a good sign.


  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing so the filling stays smooth
  • Use creamy peanut butter, not natural-style, for best texture
  • Chill the pie long enough to fully set before slicing
  • If the whipped cream feels too soft, pop the pie back in the fridge for 20–30 minutes

None of these steps are fussy — they just help the pie turn out consistently.


Peanut butter and chocolate are familiar flavors, but the cream cheese adds a subtle tang that keeps the pie from feeling too sweet. The whipped cream lightens everything up, and the crunchy topping adds texture without overpowering the filling.

It’s a dessert that feels nostalgic and indulgent at the same time. The kind people recognize instantly and are happy to eat again, even after a full meal.

And because it’s no-bake, it fits into real schedules. You can make it when you have time and enjoy it later without thinking about it again.


Looking for something new to make? Start here.

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