If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is the dessert of your dreams. This no-bake, indulgent treat combines rich, creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and whipped cream to create a luscious filling. It’s then layered with a generous drizzle of hot fudge sauce and nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. The result is a sweet, creamy, and irresistible pie that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a special celebration, or just a dessert to enjoy on a lazy weekend—this pie is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to prepare. It requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, but the payoff is a rich, creamy dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Peanut Butter and Chocolate Perfection

This pie brings together two beloved flavors—peanut butter and chocolate—in one indulgent dessert. The creamy peanut butter filling pairs beautifully with the rich, gooey hot fudge.

2. No-Bake Convenience

With no baking required, this pie is super easy to put together, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Simply assemble the ingredients, chill, and you’re done!

3. Whipped Cream Texture

The combination of whipped cream and peanut butter creates a light yet decadent texture that’s incredibly satisfying. It’s not too heavy, yet it feels luxurious and indulgent.

4. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

This dessert has something for everyone: the richness of peanut butter, the sweetness of cream cheese, and the smoothness of hot fudge. It’s a crowd favorite, especially for those who love classic dessert combinations.

5. Make Ahead Dessert

Because this pie needs to chill for at least 4 hours, it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before, letting the flavors meld together, and simply serve when you’re ready.

Ingredients

1 9-inch graham cracker crust
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup hot fudge sauce
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

Variations

Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle extra peanut butter on top of the pie for even more peanut buttery goodness.
Nuts: Add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling for extra crunch, or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Whipped Topping: Use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream for a quicker prep.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy whipped cream, and a vegan graham cracker crust for a plant-based version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend them together until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar

Next, add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until stiff peaks form. This will give the pie its light and airy texture.

Step 4: Fold the Whipped Cream into the Peanut Butter Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream. The result should be a fluffy, smooth filling.

Step 5: Layer with Hot Fudge Sauce

Pour half of the hot fudge sauce into the bottom of the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Add the Peanut Butter Filling

Spoon the peanut butter filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly on top of the hot fudge sauce.

Step 7: Drizzle with More Hot Fudge

Drizzle the remaining hot fudge sauce over the peanut butter mixture. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to create a beautiful swirl or pattern.

Step 8: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set. If possible, let it chill overnight for the best results.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softening the Cream Cheese: Ensure that your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will help achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
Whipping the Cream: Be sure not to over-whip the cream—stop when stiff peaks form. Over-whipped cream can become grainy and hard to fold into the mixture.
Chill Time: The longer the pie chills, the firmer the filling will become. For best results, aim for an overnight chill.
Hot Fudge Sauce: If the hot fudge sauce is too thick to drizzle, warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more pourable.

How to Serve

Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the pie into wedges. The pie will be quite rich, so small slices work well.
Toppings: Top with a dollop of whipped cream, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of additional hot fudge sauce for extra indulgence.
With Ice Cream: For the ultimate dessert experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The pie may soften slightly, but it will still maintain its delicious flavor.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal for freezing once the hot fudge sauce has been added, you can freeze the peanut butter filling in an airtight container for up to 1 month. If you freeze the pie, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this pie, as it’s best served chilled. Just slice and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes! A store-bought graham cracker crust will work perfectly fine, saving you time in preparation.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth filling, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture. Just be sure to mix it well with the cream cheese to ensure even consistency.

3. How can I make the pie sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add a little more powdered sugar to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually increase.

4. Can I use homemade hot fudge sauce?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade hot fudge sauce recipe, feel free to use that instead of store-bought.

5. Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk cream cheese and whipped coconut cream for the dairy ingredients.

6. How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to pour the hot fudge sauce in layers and let it set before adding the peanut butter filling. Chilling the pie thoroughly will also help prevent sogginess.

7. Can I freeze this pie?

You can freeze the pie before adding the hot fudge sauce. After freezing, let it thaw and then add the fudge sauce before serving.

8. How long should I let the pie chill?

For the best texture, chill the pie for at least 4 hours. However, chilling it overnight will allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set more firmly.

9. Can I add a layer of chocolate ganache?

Yes! You can add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of chocolate richness.

10. Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes! This pie is ideal for making ahead, as it needs to chill for several hours before serving.

Conclusion

This Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is an absolute must-try for dessert lovers. With its creamy peanut butter filling, rich hot fudge layers, and graham cracker crust, it’s a decadent treat that will impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, this easy, no-bake dessert is sure to be a hit. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the company of friends and family.