There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about peanut butter pie that brings back memories of family gatherings and summer picnics. I remember my grandmother whipping up a creamy peanut butter filling for special occasions, and I always looked forward to that moment when the pie would emerge from the fridge, perfectly chilled and ready to be devoured. This modern twist on her classic recipe features a crunchy chocolate pretzel crust that adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast, making each bite an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups crushed chocolate pretzels
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- ½ cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the chocolate pretzel crust by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed chocolate pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture should have a wet sand-like texture.
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
While the crust is cooling, make the peanut butter filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well blended and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. This will give the filling a light and airy texture.
Once the pretzel crust has cooled, pour the peanut butter filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can resist the temptation!
Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream, and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if desired. Slice, serve, and watch as your loved ones savor each rich and creamy bite, just like I did on those warm summer evenings with my grandmother by my side. Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic peanut butter pie that’s sure to create new memories for your family!