Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe
If you’re a fan of the iconic chocolate and peanut butter combo, this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is going to blow your mind. Imagine everything you love about a Reese’s—creamy peanut butter filling, rich chocolate shell, a gentle hint of saltiness—only multiplied to epic, pie-sized proportions. This treat is shockingly easy to make, secretly no-bake, and destined to be the centerpiece at any gathering. It’s the dessert you serve when you want to hear “wow” and see eyes light up—trust me, this pie is pure joy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity; each ingredient is carefully chosen to maximize classic flavor and luscious texture. Gather these essentials and let them work their magic—no fancy or hard-to-find items required!
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: Choose your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies; they create the rich, crunchy foundation for our irresistible crust.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings the crumbs together for a crust that holds its shape and offers a buttery finish.
- Creamy peanut butter: Go for the classic kind (not the natural style for this recipe); it delivers that signature, velvety peanut butter flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese balances out the sweetness and makes the filling ultra creamy and luscious.
- Powdered sugar: This blends seamlessly into the filling, keeping it smooth and free of grit.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla brings warmth and rounds out the rich flavors at the heart of this pie.
- Whipped topping or whipped cream: Folded in to lighten the filling, making each bite fluffy and dreamy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into the perfect ganache, creating a glossy, decadent chocolate topping.
- Heavy cream: When heated and mixed with chocolate, it transforms into an ultra-smooth ganache.
- Unsalted butter (optional): A touch of butter in the ganache adds extra shine and silkiness to the final layer.
How to Make Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Crust
Start by mixing your chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter in a medium bowl. This duo is the backbone of your crust, so stir until every crumb is glossy and fully coated in butter to ensure a sturdy, irresistible base.
Step 2: Press and Chill the Crust
Pour the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass for an even press. Chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes so it sets and doesn’t crumble when you add the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and totally lump-free. This becomes the heart of your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie—a filling that’s outrageously creamy and comforting.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold the whipped topping or homemade whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. This step transforms heavy richness into light, mousse-like silk, making each slice feel decadent but never dense.
Step 5: Fill the Crust and Smooth the Top
Spoon the peanut butter filling into your chilled crust, spreading it out to the edges and smoothing the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. You want it even and beautiful—this is what your ganache will sit upon!
Step 6: Chill the Filling
For the filling to firm up its pillowy perfection, let the pie chill for at least 1 hour, covered. This makes it more sliceable and gives the flavors time to meld.
Step 7: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Warm the heavy cream until it’s just bubbling, either on the stove or in the microwave. Pour it over your chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, letting it sit undisturbed for a minute or two. Then stir until the mixture is gloriously smooth; add a tablespoon of butter for extra gleam if you like.
Step 8: Top the Pie with Ganache
Pour the silky ganache over your chilled peanut butter filling and gently guide it to the edges with a spatula, creating a beautiful, even top layer that shines with chocolatey promise.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Return your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie to the fridge for at least 30 more minutes, or until the ganache is set and sliceable. Try to resist cutting in too soon—the wait makes it even more rewarding!
How to Serve Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
Garnishes
For a truly show-stopping finish, scatter chopped mini peanut butter cups, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a handful of roasted peanuts over the glossy ganache. A dollop of extra whipped cream adds a wonderful cloudlike finish, too. These garnishes not only add eye-catching beauty but a little extra crunch or creaminess in every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this luscious pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or plate it alongside fresh strawberries to cut through all that chocolate and peanut butter richness. Strong coffee or a glass of cold milk is always a welcome match—simple sides that enhance the flavors without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie into individual mini pies using a muffin tin, or slice it into wedges and package each in parchment for giftable treats. For special occasions, drizzle plates with a zigzag of chocolate or caramel sauce, or use a stencil and powdered sugar for a pretty, bakery-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of this pie keep wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the pie dish with plastic wrap or foil, or store slices in an airtight container. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, with that creamy, dreamy filling staying just as inviting as day one.
Freezing
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie freezes beautifully! Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator—perfect for making ahead or sneaking a slice whenever your sweet tooth calls.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled or at cool room temperature to preserve its luscious textures. If you’d like a softer ganache or just want to take the chill off, let the slice rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes. There’s no need for microwaves or ovens here!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can swap in crunchy peanut butter for extra texture. Just keep in mind that the filling will be less smooth but will have delightful peanutty bits throughout—perfect for those who love a little crunch.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute, dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped topping, and plant-based cream and chocolate. Just double-check that your substitute ingredients are labeled dairy-free for best results.
What can I use in place of chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust?
If you prefer or need an alternative, chocolate graham crackers or even digestive biscuits with cocoa work well. You’ll still get that rich, chocolatey base to anchor your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Definitely! This pie actually gets better with a little chill time, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, homemade whipped cream is a delicious substitute. Just whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks, then use as directed in the recipe—your filling will be even more luxurious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a showy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers maximum chocolate and peanut butter delight, treat yourself and your loved ones to this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie. It’s pure joy in every oversized, decadent bite—so don’t wait for a special occasion to share the magic!
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Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 9-inch pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent sweetness of this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie. A chocolate cookie crust holds a creamy peanut butter filling, topped with a rich chocolate ganache. It’s a dessert fit for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (about 20–24 Oreos, finely crushed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping or whipped cream
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for added shine)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Press the Crust: Press mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Chill the Crust: Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until set.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine with Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream until fully mixed.
- Fill the Crust: Spoon the filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Chill the Pie: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- Add Ganache: Pour the ganache over the chilled filling and spread evenly.
- Chill Again: Return the pie to the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Reese’s, Peanut Butter Cup Pie, Dessert, Chocolate, Ganache
