I still remember the moment I cracked the code on my perfect Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie recipe. It wasn’t just about mixing peanut butter with cream and calling it a day. No, it had to have that nostalgic feel; the kind that reminds you of cozy family gatherings and homemade goodness, but with a modern, playful twist. The cream cheese sneaking in gave it that rich peanut butter pie filling everyone hallmarks, while keeping it ultra creamy and easy to whip up without heating the oven. This no-fuss, no-bake peanut butter pie quickly became an absolute staple in my kitchen because it’s both classic and surprising.
What makes my Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie really special is how it balances that signature peanut butter punch with a silky smooth texture that’s downright irresistible. There’s no fussy bells and whistles here—just the essentials done right. It’s the perfect creamy peanut butter dessert for anyone who loves a little nostalgia with their sweet treats. If you’re a cook who loves bold flavors but prefers to keep things straightforward, then this pie is your new best friend.
Ready for a flavor adventure that feels like a warm hug but tastes like a candy store? This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie invites you to play with peanut butter and cream cheese, all while mastering the art of no-bake desserts. And if you love other cozy, creative dishes, you’ll definitely want to peek at my savory Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash, or the comforting Butternut Squash Lasagna. Both are perfect for those times when you’re craving something that says home. Let’s dive into the deliciousness and get your kitchen buzzing!
Gather These Ingredients:

To make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie come alive, you’ll want to gather these crowd-pleasing staples that mix classic comfort with a hint of culinary magic. This recipe leans on only a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in delivering that familiar peanut butter pie with cream cheese twist.
- 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs – The perfect crisp base. For a fun twist, try ginger snaps for a spicy note or use digestive biscuits if you find them in the international aisle.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – I always reach for high-quality butter here because it really boosts that golden crust flavor.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter – This is the staple to your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie. Using a natural or no-stir brand gives it a fresh nutty taste that makes each bite sing.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This brings that rich peanut butter pie filling richness and smoothness that ties everything together.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without graininess, helping it stay silky.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Whipped to fluffy perfection, it lifts your creamy peanut butter dessert to cloud-like heights. For a lighter touch, you can swap half with full-fat coconut cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm background note that compliments the peanut butter beautifully.
- Optional: chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for garnish – Because texture party!
Want to switch things up in your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie? Try using a mix of peanut butter and almond butter to create a nutty fusion, or incorporate a swirl of chocolate ganache over the top for a decadent finish. Look for freshly ground peanut butter at your local farmers’ market for a homemade spin. If you’re short on time, softened cream cheese straight from the fridge works just fine if you whisk it briskly.
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie comes together with simple pantry staples and a few flavor heroes that make all the difference. Ready to get mixing?
Let’s Make This Happen!
Here’s where the magic begins—let’s bring that Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie to life! This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to fridge, making it an ideal go-to no-bake peanut butter pie when you want indulgence without fuss.
- Build your crust. Combine those crispy graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Press firmly into your 9-inch pie dish, focusing on an even layer across the bottom and edges. I like using the back of a measuring cup to pack it down well.
- Chill the crust. Pop that crust into the fridge for about 10 minutes so it sets while you make the filling. Efficiency tip: use this time to soften your cream cheese and measure out the peanut butter.
- Whip the cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This step raises the creamy peanut butter dessert filling to its fluffy, dreamy texture.
- Mix the filling. Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth; it might be a little stiff at first, but keep at it. Slowly add powdered sugar and keep mixing until it’s silky and even.
- Fold it in. Gently fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, keeping as much air as possible to keep it nice and light. This step is where your rich peanut butter pie filling shines.
- Pour and smooth. Pour the filling into your chilled crust and smooth the top with an offset spatula. If you want, sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for that extra wow.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. You’ll know your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is ready when the filling is set but still creamy to that perfect fork scoop texture.
Lesson learned from my test runs: don’t rush the chilling stage. The pie holds its shape beautifully when chilled well, and it makes slicing simple and elegant.
If your pie feels a bit runny after the first chill, give it a little longer or pop it in the freezer for a quick 20 minutes before serving. This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie recipe accommodates busy days and suddenly craving dessert nights perfectly.
Curious about other irresistible no-bake peanut butter pies? Check out The BakerMama’s version for a different spin on that creamy peanut butter dessert vibe.
Serving Ideas & Pairings!

Now for the fun part—eating! This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is best served chilled with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to bring out its cozy richness. If you want to be extra fancy, scatter my favorite chocolate chips or crushed peanuts over the top for texture.
I love digging into this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie on lazy weekend afternoons or when friends drop by unexpectedly. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside fresh berries for a bright counterpoint.
It’s a star at holidays and summer cookouts alike, especially when you want a dessert that doesn’t heat up your kitchen. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the filling right before you fold in the whipped cream. Leftover slices? They become dreamy peanut butter pie shakes or even sandwich pockets between graham crackers for a snack twist.
If you’re into seasonal cooking, match this pie with other cozy fall recipes like my Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake or the savory Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash for a sumptuous combo at your next gathering.
People often tell me they can’t get enough of this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie—friends always ask for seconds and the recipe like candy was involved. If you love the comforting joy of classic peanut butter pie recipes, this one will become your recipe keeper.
Another chocolate peanut butter pie crush comes from The Pioneer Woman, and if chocolate’s your jam, you’ll find it as satisfying as this one.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I prep this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie in advance?
Absolutely! This pie actually gets better the longer it chills. Prepare it a day or two ahead for easy entertaining and a richer, more set filling.
What can I use instead of cream cheese in this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
I’ve tried using Greek yogurt or mascarpone as fun alternatives. Greek yogurt gives it a tangy twist but watch the thickness, while mascarpone keeps that silky texture.
Is this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping the graham cracker crust with gluten-free graham crumbs or crushed nuts. Just adjust butter quantities for the best crust hold.
How do I scale this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie recipe up or down?
Easy! Double or halve the ingredients, just keep an eye on chilling times for texture. A mini pie works great for smaller servings, too.
Can I add chocolate to this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
Yes! A chocolate swirl or chopped chocolate on top is a game favorite during my recipe testing. It adds festive flair without complicating things.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individual slices for a quick peanut butter dessert fix.
How is this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie different from other peanut butter pies?
This version stands out because it nails that balance between a light, fluffy texture and a rich peanut butter pie filling with cream cheese, plus it’s a no-bake treat ready sooner. If you want to see more classic-inspired options, there’s a great community discussion about classic school peanut butter pie recipes on Facebook that really inspired my approach.
No stress, just creamy, dreamy peanut butter pie goodness every time.
My Final Take
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie recipe snagged its spot on MilaBites because it’s a simple recipe that feels like an old friend but tastes like a celebration. It’s perfect for cooks who love flavor-packed desserts without the fuss.
My Top Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Tips:
– Always chill the crust before adding filling to keep things crisp and neat.
– Folding in the whipped cream gently makes all the difference for that fluffy texture.
– Don’t skip the cream cheese—it’s key to the rich peanut butter pie filling everyone loves.
I’ve played around with adding a swirl of chocolate ganache, swapping peanut butter for a mix with almond butter, and even shaking up the crust with chocolate wafer crumbs. But my most requested version sticks close to classic, creamy peanut butter dessert vibes.
For those ready to have some fun in the kitchen, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is a must-try. If you love peanut butter and easy no-bake desserts, I promise this one will make your list of recipe keepers. Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to check out my Butternut Squash Lasagna and Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake—both great companions for your flavorful days.
Happy baking and bold tasting, fellow cooks! Your next favorite pie adventure awaits.
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, rich dessert featuring a classic peanut butter filling set in a buttery crust, perfect for nostalgic indulgence.
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue to mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and creamy.
- Pour filling into prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the pie before refrigerating or add a layer of chocolate ganache on the crust.