There’s something about an Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie that just feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. I first fell in love with this creamy peanut butter dessert years ago at a family reunion. My Aunt Clara brought it along, and from the first bite, the rich, velvety peanut buttery filling settled into a flaky crust that felt simultaneously nostalgic and satisfying. The way everyone’s eyes lit up and mouths smacked told me this was no ordinary pie. It quickly became the centerpiece of our dessert table, and now I make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie whenever I want to bring that same joy to my own gatherings.
This pie isn’t complicated or fussy like some desserts can be. It fits perfectly into everyday cooking and casual get-togethers because it’s so reliable and easy to make. The simple ingredients come together in a no-fuss way, yet the result feels wonderfully indulgent. I love sharing this recipe with fellow home cooks because it doesn’t require special trips to the store or hours of mixing. It’s that classic peanut butter pie recipe that turns a handful of pantry staples into a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re anything like me—juggling busy weeknights and last-minute guests—you’ll appreciate how this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie steps in as a dependable, delicious dessert. You don’t have to be a baking pro to get it right, and once you do, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Let me walk you through the steps and ingredients so you can have this creamy peanut butter dessert on your table soon. Whether it’s for a family meal, a holiday treat, or just because peanut butter makes everything better, this is the easy peanut butter pie that never disappoints.
What You’ll Need:
Making a classic Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is straightforward because it uses ingredients that are easy to find and probably already sitting in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (my secret? A spoonful extra makes the filling richer)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (this peanut butter pie with cream cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (adds just the right touch of sweetness without graininess)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (whip this into stiff peaks for the perfect texture)
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (no baking needed—saving you time and trouble)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (you’ll find this in the baking aisle)
- Optional: chopped peanuts for topping (adds nice crunch, but not necessary)
No problem if you don’t have cream cheese on hand. I’ve swapped in mascarpone or even full-fat Greek yogurt when pressed, and the pie still turns out creamy and dreamy. Likewise, if you’re out of graham cracker crust, a chocolate cookie crust makes a delicious variation. This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie stays budget-friendly because these ingredients are pantry staples—you don’t need exotic or expensive items.

For time-saving, soften the cream cheese ahead or at room temperature while you prep other ingredients. If you have leftover heavy cream, whip it up for toppings on other desserts the next day—it keeps well in the fridge for a day or two.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Here’s how to assemble your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, step-by-step:
1. Whip the Cream
Start by pouring your chilled heavy whipping cream into a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat it on medium-high until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Mix the Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese
In a separate large bowl, use your mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. This is where getting the cream cheese perfectly softened matters. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until everything blends nicely. Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie filling should be smooth, with no lumps.
3. Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture. This step needs a light hand. Use a spatula and carefully turn the mixture until combined. This keeps the filling light and airy instead of deflating your whipped cream.
4. Assemble the Pie
Spoon the peanut butter filling into your pre-made graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible at this point—peanut butter and vanilla, a true classic.
5. Chill it Well
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This lets the pie set to just the right creamy, sliceable texture.
If your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie looks a little soft right after mixing, don’t worry. Chilling is key. I’ve learned patience here pays off with the best mouthfeel. While the pie is chilling, you can prep sides for your next meal or clean up the kitchen—a little multitasking goes a long way.
From start to finish, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie takes about 15 minutes active prep and then waiting time. It’s the kind of easy peanut butter pie you’ll want in your go-to dessert list.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
When it comes to serving your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, the options are simple and crowd-pleasing. I love how this creamy peanut butter dessert shines with a few light touches:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds elegance.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate for texture and visual appeal.
- Pair it with fresh berries or sliced bananas—both balance the richness perfectly.
This pie is perfect for casual family dinners, holiday potlucks, or warm-weather barbecues. Its no-bake nature makes it especially handy for summer when you want dessert without turning on the oven.
If you have leftovers, slice them up for nice snack portions or freeze individual slices wrapped well. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Some friends swear by topping leftover slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick treat.
For holiday twists, try folding in a bit of crushed candy cane during the whipped cream fold-in stage or switching out the graham cracker crust for a cookie crust. My guests always ask for this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie during festive meals because it feels familiar, rich, and just simple enough to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy my take on stuffed butternut squash for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a cozy butternut squash apple coffee cake for dessert.
Your Questions Answered
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is straightforward, but I get lots of questions from home cooks wanting to nail it every time. Here’s a collection of answers from my kitchen:
Can I make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best after chilling overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the filling firms up nicely.What’s the best substitute for cream cheese in this peanut butter pie with cream cheese?
Mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt works. They slightly change the tanginess, but the texture stays creamy.How do I adjust this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie for more/less servings?
Just scale the ingredients up or down, keeping the ratios the same. The crust can be swapped for smaller pans or even turn it into parfaits.Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, but the texture will be chunkier. For a smoother pie, I stick with creamy, but crunchy on top adds nice texture.Is this really a no-bake peanut butter pie?
Yes! Using a pre-made crust means no oven time. The chilling process sets everything perfectly.How long does the pie keep in the fridge?
I find it’s best within 3 days. After that, the crust can get soggy, but still tasty.Can I freeze Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh with some whipped cream topping.
For more inspiration on easy peanut butter pie, The BakerMama’s no-bake peanut butter pie recipe is a lovely alternative. And for a richer treat, try the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie on The Pioneer Woman’s site.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s my reliable dessert hero. It doesn’t require fuss or fancy ingredients, yet it delivers a creamy peanut butter dessert that feels special every time.
My Best Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Tips:
- Always soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks for light but stable filling.
- Be gentle folding in whipped cream to keep that airy texture intact.
I’ve tested a few variations successfully: swapping the crust to Oreo cookies for a chocolate kick, adding melted chocolate swirls inside, and mixing in a touch of espresso powder to deepen the flavor. The version requested most often at family gatherings remains the classic with graham cracker crust and cream cheese.
I encourage you to make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie your own. Adjust sweetness or toppings to your taste, and enjoy how it brings people around your table. Cooking this pie feels like sharing a reliable, delicious moment—the kind that brings smiles and second servings.
For dessert inspiration that’s just as dependable but different in style, you might want to try my brown butter cheesecake recipe, known for its rich decadence.

Once you’ve made this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, I’m confident you’ll make it a go-to in your recipe box. It’s friendly for all skill levels, easy on the budget, and always a winner with family and friends. So grab your ingredients, warm up that mixer, and enjoy the process and payoff of this classic peanut butter pie recipe. Your taste buds will thank you.
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie
This classic Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie features a creamy, rich peanut butter filling in a buttery graham cracker crust — a nostalgic dessert perfect for any occasion.
- 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
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 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
- Chocolate shavings or chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar; press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until well blended.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
For an extra rich flavor, use natural peanut butter and chill the pie overnight for best results.