If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy, nutty bliss of peanut butter, look no further than this Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe. It’s a luscious treat that combines a deep-dish pie crust filled with a peanut butter-studded brownie base, topped with a dreamy peanut butter cream layer and finished with crunchy peanuts and chocolate chips. This recipe is a showstopper for any occasion and guaranteed to win over peanut butter lovers and chocolate fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the crisp crust to the creamy topping and crunchy finish. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable.
- Frozen deep dish pie crust (9-inch): Provides a sturdy, buttery base that holds all the delicious layers together.
- Brownie mix (16.3 oz): The foundation of rich chocolate flavor for the pie’s dense and fudgy heart.
- Peanut butter chips (¼ cup): Add little pockets of melty peanut butter sweetness throughout the brownie layer.
- Vegetable oil (â…“ cup): Keeps the brownie batter moist and tender.
- Water (3 Tbsp): Helps bring the brownie mix together for the perfect batter consistency.
- Large egg (1): Binds the brownie ingredients and adds richness.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Creates the smooth, tangy base of the peanut butter cream topping.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): Delivers that classic peanut butter flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture to perfection without graininess.
- Cool Whip, thawed (8 oz container): Lightens the peanut butter cream for a fluffy, airy finish.
- Dry roasted peanuts, chopped (2 Tbsp): Adds irresistible crunch and an extra boost of peanut flavor.
- Mini chocolate chips (2 Tbsp): Sprinkle on top for a burst of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal temperature for baking the brownie layer evenly inside the deep-dish crust. Using a frozen pie crust means no fuss with dough prep, plus it provides a crisp, sturdy bottom that prevents sogginess once the rich brownie filling is added. If you like, you can use foil strips to shield the crust edges later from over-browning.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, combine the brownie mix, peanut butter chips, vegetable oil, water, and egg with a wooden spoon or spatula until just blended. The peanut butter chips bring tiny bursts of nutty flavor that complement the chocolate beautifully. Pour this thick batter into your frozen pie crust, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly into a dense, fudgy layer that will be the base of your masterpiece.
Step 3: Bake the Brownie Base
Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie crust edges; if they start to darken too quickly, cover them with foil strips to avoid burning. You’ll know the brownie layer is ready when the center looks set and no longer jiggles. Let the pie cool slightly on the counter for about 20 minutes, then chill it in the refrigerator for an hour or until completely cool. This step makes spreading the peanut butter topping easier and cleaner.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream Topping
While the brownie base chills, beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and silky. Fold in the thawed Cool Whip gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy. This luscious cream layer adds a dreamy texture and balances the dense brownie with a sweet and tangy finish.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the peanut butter cream mixture evenly over the chilled brownie base. Then, sprinkle chopped dry roasted peanuts and mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and visual appeal. Pop the pie back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the topping to firm up nicely before serving.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, pile on extra chopped peanuts or drizzle a little melted chocolate over the pie just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully to add creaminess and temperature contrast. Sprigs of fresh mint can lend a pop of color and a refreshing touch if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of a spread, consider fresh fruit—such as sliced strawberries or banana coins—to cut through the richness. Coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the deep chocolate and peanut butter flavors perfectly, making your dessert experience complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the pie into squares and serve as brownies on a dessert platter at parties. You could also layer smaller portions in clear glasses with whipped cream and crushed peanuts for a deconstructed peanut butter brownie parfait. No matter how you choose to present it, this pie is sure to get compliments and requests for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every last bite or share with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it keeps well for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended as it may affect the textures, especially the cream topping. However, if you want a warm bite of the brownie base alone, you can microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds before adding a spoonful of peanut butter cream or a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make the peanut butter cream topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peanut butter cream topping up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before spreading it over the brownie base.
Is it better to use smooth or crunchy peanut butter?
For this Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe, smooth peanut butter blends best with the cream cheese for a silky topping, but if you love an extra bit of texture, crunchy peanut butter can be a fun option too.
Can I substitute homemade brownies instead of using brownie mix?
Yes, you can bake your own brownies from scratch and pour the batter into the pie crust. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to hold together well, and adjust baking time as needed.
Do I have to use Cool Whip?
Cool Whip helps lighten the peanut butter cream layer and adds volume without extra effort, but you can substitute it with whipped cream or even a stabilized homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
What if I’m allergic to peanuts? Any alternative suggestions?
You can swap out the peanut butter and peanuts for almond butter and chopped almonds, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to desserts whenever you want something that feels special without being complicated. The blend of chocolate and peanut butter in a rich, creamy pie is pure comfort food at its finest. Gather your ingredients, invite a few friends, and get ready to enjoy smiles all around!
Print
Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peanut Butter Brownie Pie features a rich, fudgy brownie base baked in a deep dish pie crust, topped with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese layer, and finished with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips. It’s a decadent dessert perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish frozen pie crust
- 1 (16.3-oz) package brownie mix
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 large egg
Peanut Butter Topping
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 2 Tbsp dry roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownie pie.
- Prepare Brownie Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the brownie mix, peanut butter chips, vegetable oil, water, and egg together until well combined. Pour this batter evenly into the frozen deep dish pie crust.
- Bake Brownie Base: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center of the brownie is set. If the pie crust edges begin to brown too much, cover them with strips of foil. After baking, allow it to cool slightly for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to cool completely.
- Make Peanut Butter Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled brownie layer. Sprinkle the chopped dry roasted peanuts and mini chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled pie for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set. Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Using a frozen deep dish pie crust helps simplify preparation, but a homemade crust can be substituted if preferred.
- If foil is unavailable for covering crust edges during baking, consider using a pie crust protector ring.
- The refrigerated resting time ensures the brownie is fully set and the topping firm, improving slicing and presentation.
- For a nut-free variation, omit peanuts and peanut butter; consider substituting with other nut butters or a cream cheese frosting.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened beforehand to achieve a smooth topping without lumps.
