Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Introduction

If you’re a fan of creamy, rich desserts with a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, then this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie will quickly become your new favorite treat. When I first made this pie, I was blown away by how simple yet delicious it turned out to be. The creamy peanut butter filling, combined with a fluffy cream cheese layer and topped with crunchy peanut butter crumbles, creates a perfect bite every time. The addition of instant vanilla pudding adds a delightful texture and a boost of flavor that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. My family loved it, and I was asked to make it again the very next weekend. The best part? It requires no baking and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings, holidays, or a casual family dinner.

Ingredients

To make this indulgent dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the creamy, dreamy filling, and the graham cracker crust adds a crunchy, slightly sweet base that complements the richness of the pie. The peanut butter and cream cheese combination creates a decadent filling, while the vanilla pudding adds the perfect texture and flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie:

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Crumbles:
   In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix together until crumbly. Set aside half of the peanut butter mixture for topping.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step will help to create a smooth, creamy texture for the filling.
3. Assemble the Pie Base:
   Spread half of the peanut butter crumbles evenly in the bottom of the graham cracker pie crust. This will give your pie a subtle peanut butter crunch with each bite.
4. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine the Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixture:
   Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined. This will create a rich and creamy filling that’s both smooth and fluffy.
6. Assemble the Pie:
   Pour the filling over the peanut butter crumbles in the crust, smoothing it out evenly. Top with the remaining peanut butter crumbles, making sure they are spread evenly over the top.
7. Chill:
   Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow it to set. The longer you chill the pie, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a deliciously firm texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the pie has chilled, slice it into 8 pieces and serve! The rich, creamy layers paired with the crunchy peanut butter crumbles make for an indulgent treat everyone will love.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per Serving: 380 kcal
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Calcium: 90mg

This nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes used. This pie is rich and indulgent, making it an ideal treat for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something extra sweet.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

This pie is quick to prep and only requires a few ingredients and minimal effort. The only time-consuming part is letting it chill in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld, but the wait is totally worth it!

How to Serve

This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is perfect for any occasion and can be served in many different ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve it after dinner for a sweet, indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.
• For Parties and Gatherings: This pie can easily be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• With a Side of Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for extra creaminess.
• For Holidays: The rich, peanut butter flavor makes this pie an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other special holidays.

Additional Tips

1. Make It Lighter: You can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make the pie a bit lighter while still maintaining its creamy texture.
2. Use Natural Peanut Butter: For a more natural flavor, try using unsweetened peanut butter. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
3. Let It Chill Longer: For the best texture and flavor, let the pie chill overnight. The longer it sits, the better the flavor develops.
4. Top with Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for an extra indulgent layer.
5. Use a Store-Bought Crust: If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker crust will work just as well as making your own from scratch.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Version: Add some melted chocolate or chocolate chips to the peanut butter and powdered sugar mixture for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Crunchy Pie Version: If you like a bit more crunch in your pie, consider adding crushed peanuts or crushed pretzels to the crust or topping.
• Vegan Version: Swap the cream cheese for vegan cream cheese, and use dairy-free heavy cream and a vegan graham cracker crust to make this pie vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a hot tea for a cozy dessert.
• Serve with Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, on the side for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve slices of this pie with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once it’s fully set, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 5 days. The pie will maintain its creamy texture and flavor for a few days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
   Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the filling, but be sure to stir it well to combine with the powdered sugar.
2. Can I make the pie without a graham cracker crust?
   Yes, you can use a regular pie crust, an Oreo crust, or even make a homemade crust from scratch.
3. Can I make this pie in advance?
   Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to set and develop.
4. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, you can use whipped cream, but it may change the texture slightly. Heavy cream gives a thicker, more stable consistency.
5. How can I make this pie more decadent?
   Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add chocolate chips to the filling for a richer flavor.
6. Can I make this pie gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or any other gluten-free crust option.
7. What other flavors of pudding mix can I use?
   You could substitute vanilla with chocolate, banana, or butterscotch pudding mix for a different twist on the flavor.
8. Can I freeze this pie?
   Yes, this pie freezes very well! Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
9. Can I add more peanut butter to the filling?
   Yes, you can add a bit more peanut butter if you’d like a stronger peanut flavor, just be sure to adjust the powdered sugar to balance it out.
10. How do I make this pie dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free graham cracker crust.

Conclusion

This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is an easy, indulgent dessert that combines the best of creamy, peanut buttery goodness with the smooth texture of cream cheese and a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, holiday celebration, or just a fun treat for yourself, this pie is sure to be a hit. The combination of flavors and textures, along with the simplicity of the recipe, makes it a perfect go-to dessert. Serve it up chilled for a sweet, decadent treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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