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Peanut Butter Pie with Pretzel Crust Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

This Peanut Butter Pie with Pretzel Crust is a decadent, no-bake dessert featuring a salty and crunchy pretzel base topped with a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling. The crust is baked briefly with a layer of melted milk chocolate chips to add richness, then chilled and layered with a fluffy combination of cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. Decorated with Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups and crushed pretzels, this pie balances sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, making it a perfect indulgence for peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

  • 3 cups ground pretzels
  • 1 cup butter (melted)
  • 1/3 cup sugar

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Filling Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 12 oz Cool Whip (lite can be used)

Decoration

  • Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups (whole and crushed)
  • Additional ground pretzels for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pretzels, melted butter, and sugar using a fork until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
  2. Grease the Pan: Lightly coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Form the Crust: Pour the pretzel crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer across the base and all the way up the sides for a solid crust.
  4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes until slightly firm.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the bottom.
  6. Melt Chocolate Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
  7. Spread Chocolate: Remove from oven and using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pretzel crust forming a thin chocolate layer.
  8. Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to completely cool and set before adding the filling.
  9. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and crunchy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  10. Add Flavor and Sweetness: Beat in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure a smooth consistency.
  11. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip (around 2 cups) to keep the filling light and airy, carefully combining without deflating the mixture.
  12. Fill the Pie: Pour the peanut butter filling evenly into the chilled pretzel crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  13. Add Remaining Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the peanut butter filling to create a creamy topping layer.
  14. Decorate the Pie: Crush some Reese’s peanut butter cups and sprinkle them together with additional ground pretzels in a circle around the outer edge of the pie.
  15. Center Decoration: Place whole and sliced Reese’s peanut butter cups piled in the middle of the pie for an attractive centerpiece.
  16. Chill Before Serving: Keep the pie refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve to maintain its texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Using crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture to the filling, but smooth peanut butter can be used if preferred.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
  • The Cool Whip can be replaced with whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • This pie is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 weeks.
  • The pretzel crust provides a salty contrast to the sweet filling, balancing the overall flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels.

Keywords: peanut butter pie, pretzel crust pie, no-bake pie, peanut butter dessert, chocolate peanut butter pie, creamy peanut butter pie

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/peanut-butter-pie-with-pretzel-crust-recipe/