The Best Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe Inspired by Reese’s

Posted on May 9, 2025

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Few flavor pairings are as universally adored as peanut butter and chocolate. Inspired by the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this giant peanut butter cup pie is a game-changer for dessert lovers. It takes everything people love about Reese’s—the creamy peanut butter filling and the rich chocolate shell—and transforms it into an indulgent, shareable pie that delivers on nostalgia and flavor.

Unlike traditional pies, this version leans heavily into the candy bar experience. Its layered composition mimics the real thing but in a supersized format perfect for parties, holidays, or when your dessert deserves a little extra flair. If you’ve ever dreamed of slicing into a Reese’s Cup with a fork, now’s your chance to make it a reality.

This peanut butter chocolate pie has become a trending recipe on platforms like Pinterest’s giant Reese’s dessert board, where fans of copycat treats recreate their favorite snacks in impressive scale. Drawing inspiration from the candy’s Wikipedia page, this pie maintains the recognizable elements while introducing a homemade twist using accessible ingredients and simple steps.

More than just a dessert, this recipe represents a celebration of texture and taste. It’s decadent, creamy, and crispy all at once, offering that perfect balance between sweet and salty. If you’re looking to elevate your baking game without needing complicated techniques, this is a foolproof option you can master in an afternoon. Whether it’s your first homemade pie or your fiftieth, this chocolate peanut butter pie delivers a satisfying experience from the first bite to the last.

What is a Peanut Butter Cup Pie?

A Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a dessert that pays homage to one of the most iconic American candies—Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. At its core, this pie is a larger-than-life version of the bite-sized treat, featuring a crunchy chocolate crust, a rich and creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. The final result is a dessert that feels like slicing into a jumbo Reese’s Cup, complete with all the familiar flavors and textures.

The concept behind this dessert stems from the popularity of no-bake peanut butter pies and chocolate tarts. However, this version elevates the experience by mimicking the visual and flavor profile of the original candy. It’s no wonder that recipes for this pie dominate Pinterest’s peanut butter chocolate dessert searches, showcasing the widespread appeal of this chocolate peanut butter combo.

According to the Wikipedia entry on pies, a pie is defined as a baked dish typically consisting of a pastry dough casing filled with sweet or savory ingredients. While most pies use fruit or custard fillings, this one stands out by relying on nut butter for its core ingredient. In fact, the use of peanut butter—as explained in the Wikipedia article on peanut butter—adds a protein-rich, salty-sweet depth that complements the chocolate perfectly.

This dessert is not just about indulgence—it’s about creativity. Home bakers love it because it’s:

Easy to assemble with simple pantry staples.
Customizable to dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free).
Visually striking, often resembling a perfect giant candy.

You’ll also find versions using Oreo crusts, whipped toppings, or layered additions like crushed pretzels for texture. Each of these variations retains the essence of the original while adding personal flair. This adaptability makes it a mainstay in holiday and celebration baking, especially during events where a wow factor is welcome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This giant peanut butter cup pie offers the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and easy preparation. It’s designed to replicate the beloved taste of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, but on a much grander scale—making it the ultimate show-stopping dessert for any occasion.

Here’s why this chocolate peanut butter pie should be your next baking adventure:

Simple ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples like creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs. No need for fancy tools or specialty items.
Rich, satisfying flavor: The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet, silky ganache delivers a layered taste experience that dessert fans crave. As noted in Wikipedia’s entry on ganache, the balance of chocolate and cream is what gives the topping its decadent texture.
Customizable: Whether you prefer milk chocolate over semi-sweet or want to use gluten-free cookie crumbs, this pie easily adapts to your preferences. That flexibility is one reason it’s featured so prominently in Pinterest’s no-bake peanut butter pie recipes.
Ideal for celebrations: With its stunning presentation, this pie is a favorite at birthdays, potlucks, and holidays. Unlike more complex desserts, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.
Better than store-bought: This homemade version offers a fresher taste and more generous layers than anything you’d find in the freezer aisle.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into the world of homemade pies, this Reese’s-inspired dessert is a foolproof choice that guarantees rave reviews and repeat requests.

Ingredient Breakdown

Creating a giant peanut butter cup pie at home starts with just a few key components. Each layer brings its own texture and flavor, working together to mimic the rich, creamy, and chocolatey profile of a classic Reese’s cup. Below is a full breakdown of everything you’ll need, along with useful tips and substitutions to ensure success every time.

Overview of the Three Main Components

To make this pie, you’ll prepare three essential parts:

A chocolate cookie crust that acts as the base.
A creamy peanut butter filling with a light, smooth texture.
A silky chocolate ganache topping that adds a rich finish.

This structure is inspired by traditional pie making, as defined in the Wikipedia article on pie, and combines elements of candy-making with home baking.

Crust Ingredients

2½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs or crushed Oreos
These give the pie its signature dark base. Oreo crumbs create a more authentic Reese’s look, while graham crackers offer a subtler flavor.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Acts as a binder and adds richness to the crust.
2 tbsp granulated sugar
Optional, but helps enhance the sweetness and crisp texture once baked.

You can press the crust into a 9-inch pie pan or tart dish. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crumbs evenly.

Peanut Butter Filling Ingredients

1½ cups creamy peanut butter
Choose a non-natural peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best texture. Natural peanut butters can be too oily or gritty.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Blends easily with the peanut butter to form a rich, spreadable base.
1½ cups powdered sugar
Sweetens the filling and helps it set with a light, fluffy texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract
Adds a layer of warmth and depth to balance the sweetness.
Pinch of salt
Elevates all the other flavors and mimics the slight saltiness in traditional Reese’s cups.

You’ll cream the butter and peanut butter first, then mix in sugar and vanilla for a smooth result.

For further detail on peanut butter as a baking ingredient, see Wikipedia’s peanut butter article.

Chocolate Ganache Topping

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Creates the classic Reese’s shell. Semi-sweet gives balance, but you can substitute milk or dark chocolate based on preference.
½ cup heavy cream
Combines with the chocolate to create a glossy ganache, which sets to a firm but sliceable layer. Refer to Wikipedia’s ganache page for more on consistency and technique.

Microwave the two in 30-second intervals until smooth and pourable, then spread over the peanut butter filling.

This trio of simple but effective components is what makes this dessert a favorite across many baking communities, including those highlighted on Pinterest’s easy pie boards.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

One of the best things about making a giant Reese’s-inspired peanut butter cup pie is how few tools are required. You don’t need professional baking equipment—just a few common kitchen items to bring this impressive dessert to life.

Here’s what you’ll need:

9-inch pie dish or tart pan
A deep pie dish is ideal to hold all three layers. A tart pan with a removable bottom can make serving easier.
Mixing bowls (at least 2)
You’ll need one for the crust and another for the filling. A third bowl can be useful for preparing the ganache.
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
While not mandatory, using a mixer makes it easier to cream the butter and peanut butter smoothly. You can use a whisk if needed, but it will take more time.
Measuring cups and spoons
Accuracy is key when preparing the crust and filling.
Spatula
Use this to evenly spread the peanut butter layer and smooth the ganache topping.
Microwave-safe bowl
Essential for melting chocolate chips with cream when making the ganache.

Each of these tools is likely already in your kitchen, which is why this recipe is popular among beginner bakers and experienced dessert lovers alike. For other simple pie tools and baking hacks, explore Pinterest’s holiday pie recipes to see variations and tips shared by home cooks.

How to Make the Chocolate Crust

The chocolate crust is the foundation of your peanut butter cup pie. It delivers crunch, contrast, and the familiar dark cocoa flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling and ganache. Follow these easy steps for a crust that holds together perfectly and enhances the overall dessert.

Crush the cookies or crackers
Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. You’ll need 2½ cups of fine crumbs.
Add melted butter and sugar
Mix the crumbs with ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a bowl. Stir until evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press into the pan
Pour the crumb mixture into your 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides.
Bake and cool
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until the crust is set and lightly crisped. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Pro tip: For a no-bake version, you can chill the crust for 1 hour instead of baking. However, baking gives it more structure and a deeper flavor, as explained in the Wikipedia article on chocolate, which highlights the complexity of baked cocoa products.

You’ll find many variations of this step on Pinterest’s easy homemade pie boards, showing just how flexible this crust can be.

Making the Peanut Butter Filling

The peanut butter layer is the heart of this dessert. Smooth, thick, and perfectly sweetened, it captures the iconic flavor of Reese’s cups in a luscious, spreadable form.

Follow these steps for the best texture:

Cream the butters
In a large bowl, beat 1½ cups of creamy peanut butter with ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until light and smooth. A hand or stand mixer works best for this.
Add powdered sugar gradually
Mix in 1½ cups of powdered sugar a little at a time to avoid clumping. The mixture should become thicker and slightly fluffy.
Flavor it
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. These add complexity and balance to the filling, enhancing the sweet and nutty notes.
Spread evenly
Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and use a spatula to smooth the top.

This creamy middle layer is inspired by the rich, sweet core of a Reese’s cup, and it’s one reason this dessert is a top pick in Pinterest’s chocolate and peanut butter dessert recipes.

Avoid using natural peanut butter—it tends to separate and won’t yield the same smooth, set finish. Instead, go with a shelf-stable option like Jif or Skippy, as advised in the Wikipedia entry on peanut butter.

Making the Chocolate Ganache Topping

The final layer of your Reese’s-style pie is the glossy, rich chocolate ganache. It sets into a smooth topping that delivers deep cocoa flavor and the signature finish of a peanut butter cup.

To make the ganache:

Combine chocolate and cream
In a microwave-safe bowl, add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of heavy cream.
Heat in intervals
Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny.
Pour and spread
Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges in an even layer.
Chill to set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours. The ganache should firm up into a soft, sliceable layer.

The key to perfect ganache is the chocolate-to-cream ratio. Too much cream will make it runny, while too little won’t give you the pourable texture. For more technical details, check out Wikipedia’s article on ganache.

This topping is what gives the pie its dramatic, candy-like appearance and is featured in many viral recipes on Pinterest’s giant Reese’s dessert pins.

Assembling the Pie

Once all your layers are ready, it’s time to bring them together into one impressive dessert.

Here’s how to do it:

Layer the crust
Ensure your chocolate crust is fully cooled and firm.
Add the peanut butter filling
Spread it evenly over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Top with ganache
Gently pour the chocolate topping over the peanut butter layer and smooth the surface.
Chill to set
Place the assembled pie in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Serve your pie cold or slightly softened at room temperature for the best texture.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Chill thoroughly: Give the pie plenty of time in the fridge to set—ideally overnight for the cleanest slices.
Use a warm knife: Dip your knife in hot water before slicing to prevent the ganache from cracking.
Opt for full-fat cream: Using low-fat or dairy-free substitutes may alter the ganache texture.
Freeze leftovers: Wrap slices individually and store them in the freezer for a future treat.
Add texture: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, or cookie bits over the ganache before it sets.

Explore more creative presentation ideas from Pinterest’s holiday pie collection to give your version a festive twist.

Storage & Shelf Life

To keep your pie fresh and delicious:

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The ganache may soften slightly over time.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving Tip: For clean slices, serve the pie chilled. If frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

This pie holds up well, making it a great make-ahead dessert for events or holidays.

Variations You Can Try

Put your own twist on the classic recipe with these creative ideas:

Mini pies: Use a muffin tin for individual servings.
Pretzel crust: Swap cookies for pretzels for a salty crunch.
Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Vegan-friendly: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for the ganache, and vegan butter alternatives in the crust and filling.
Dark chocolate topping: For a more intense cocoa flavor, use 70% dark chocolate chips.

Browse Pinterest’s no-bake peanut butter pies for even more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you freeze peanut butter cup pie?
Yes, this pie freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

What kind of peanut butter works best?
Use regular, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural types as they can separate and affect the texture.

How do you keep chocolate ganache from cracking?
Don’t overheat the chocolate, and make sure it cools slightly before spreading. Also, slice with a warm knife for a cleaner cut.

Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Yes, but a homemade chocolate crust offers better texture and flavor. For a shortcut, use a store-bought chocolate cookie crust.

What is the best way to melt chocolate for ganache?
Microwave in short bursts, stirring each time, or use a double boiler. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize.