There’s something incredibly nostalgic about an old-fashioned peanut butter pie. It takes me back to family gatherings where our dessert table would be filled with homemade delights, but there was always one standout that everyone clamored for—grandma’s peanut butter pie. The way the creamy, sweet filling melds with the crispy crust and a drizzle of chocolate makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
This pie is perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to winter holiday dinners. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from sharing slices of this delicious dessert with loved ones. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you’ll definitely want to get this recipe into your rotation. Let’s dive right in and make this old-fashioned treat!
What’s in Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
Graham Cracker Crust: This simple crust gives the pie its signature crunch. I love to use a store-bought crust for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making your own is a fun option!
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Choose a smooth and creamy peanut butter. Skippy or Jif are my go-tos as they blend perfectly without any gritty texture.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thick, sugary goodness helps create a velvety filling that holds everything together. You can’t really substitute it in this recipe without losing that creamy texture.
Cool Whip: It adds that perfect lightness to the filling. If you’re into making everything from scratch, feel free to whip up your own heavy cream instead!
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener helps to balance the flavors and thicken the filling just enough. It’s a must!
Chocolate Syrup: Though optional, a drizzle of chocolate syrup before serving elevates the pie to a whole new level—who can resist chocolate and peanut butter, right?
Is Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Good for You?
Now, I’m not going to claim this pie is a health food, but it does have some elements worth noting!
Peanut Butter: It’s full of protein and healthy fats, which can keep you fuller for longer. Just be careful with portion sizes—it’s easy to consume too much when it tastes this good!
Sweetened Condensed Milk: While it adds a delightful creaminess, it’s high in sugar, making it more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Overall, this pie is definitely richer in calories, so moderation is key. I always say, a slice of pie now and then is a little slice of happiness!
Ingredients
– 1 (9-inch) Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup Cool Whip (or heavy cream, whipped)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– Optional: Chocolate syrup for drizzling
This recipe serves about 8-10 slices, depending on how generous you are with your portions—but trust me, you’ll want a bigger slice!
How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic begins!
2. Add in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Just a tip—make sure to scrape the sides to get every bit of sugary goodness.
3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or your whipped heavy cream) until everything is well blended. Don’t over-mix, or it might lose that beautiful light texture.
4. Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even finish.
5. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This step allows the pie to set properly.
6. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for that extra touch.
Sweet Tips for Peanut Butter Pleasure
– If you want to get a little fancy, consider topping your pie with crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips.
– For a twist, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache on the bottom of the crust before adding the peanut butter filling.
– This pie freezes well! If you’re making it ahead of time, just cover it securely and it will stay fresh for about a month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
I hope you find as much joy in making this old-fashioned peanut butter pie as I do. It’s simple, delightful, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Be sure to let me know how it turns out when you make it and share your experiences—I’d love to hear about your pie adventures! Happy baking!
