Creamy Delightful Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

The very first time I tasted this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, I was sitting around a cozy family kitchen table, surrounded by laughter and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. What caught me by surprise wasn’t just the rich peanut butter flavor, but the way the creamy peanut butter filling melted in my mouth, balanced perfectly with a slightly crunchy graham cracker crust pie base. It was nostalgic and satisfying all at once—exactly the kind of classic peanut butter dessert that brings people close.

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie captures my philosophy at Carmen Wausa Blog: meals should feel welcoming and achievable, while creating moments worth savoring. Because let’s be honest, sometimes you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t call for hours in the kitchen. This pie fits that perfectly, combining the charm of an old-school favorite with the ease of a no-bake peanut butter pie.

I remember the glow on everyone’s faces as soon as the first slice was served—the familiar peanut butter whipped cream pie had a way of turning any afternoon into something special. I’m so excited to share this recipe with fellow food lovers who crave that comforting joy in their kitchens. Whether you’re making it for a family celebration or a quiet dessert after a busy day, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie will create beautiful moments and happy memories every time.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie showing graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract

Here’s the simple yet comforting ingredient list that brings this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie to life:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (for the perfect graham cracker crust pie base)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (the secret to amazing Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie crust that holds together without getting soggy)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (choose a natural, smooth option for that rich peanut butter flavor)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (to balance the richness with gentle sweetness)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (adds extra creaminess to peanut butter filling)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (for that fluffy peanut butter whipped cream pie topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (deepens the flavor beautifully)

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store. If you want to splurge for a quality upgrade, use organic peanut butter with no added oils—that little change makes a big difference in taste. If you prefer a slightly lighter texture, swapping half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt adds a fresh tang without losing creaminess. No matter your preference, this list keeps the dessert accessible and easy to prepare.

If you’re keeping ingredients ready ahead of time, store your graham cracker crumbs in an airtight container for up to a month. Softened cream cheese should sit out for about 30 minutes before you start making this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie to blend smoothly.

Let’s Make This!

Making this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is easier than you might expect. Follow these steps, and don’t worry—your pie is going to turn out beautifully!

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the bottom of a glass to compact it nicely. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before filling.
  2. Whip the cream: In a clean bowl, beat heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This creates the light, airy peanut butter whipped cream pie topping.
  3. Make the peanut butter filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing well until creamy and combined. This creamy peanut butter filling is the heart of the pie.
  4. Combine filling and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. This is where your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie transforms into something truly special—a fluffy, rich texture full of classic peanut butter dessert flavors.
  5. Assemble: Spoon the filling into the chilled graham cracker crust pie, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. The longer it chills, the better it sets.
  6. Serve: Just before serving, you can add extra dollops of whipped cream or sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for added texture.

Here’s a helpful tip for Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie success—allow your cream cheese and peanut butter to come to room temperature before mixing. It will blend more smoothly, and your pie filling will have that perfect luscious texture.

In my kitchen, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie takes exactly 6 hours from start to finish including chilling. If you’re short on time, prepare it the day before. Doing that means the flavors get more time to harmonize, and your pie slices cleanly every time.

Serving & Presentation

Serving this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie in a way that highlights its creamy peanut butter filling and inviting graham cracker crust pie is so rewarding. I love placing it on a simple white cake stand to let the rich peanut butter whipped cream pie topping shine.

This pie pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for those who enjoy a little contrast. For a bright touch, fresh berries or sliced bananas work well alongside a slice.

People always smile when I serve this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie at family dinners or casual get-togethers. The familiar peanut butter flavors spark stories and shared memories—like the time a friend confessed it reminded her of her grandmother’s recipes.

One creative way to enjoy leftovers is to turn small slices into individual parfaits layered with crushed graham crackers and peanut butter filling—a simple twist that delights both kids and adults.

Seasonally, I’ve tried adding a bit of cinnamon or swapping out peanut butter for almond butter to create subtle but pleasant variations. For inspiration, check out the no bake peanut butter pie recipe on Facebook here and this easy peanut butter pie recipe from Dear Crissy—they offer great ideas for switching things up.

FAQs

Can I make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the creamy peanut butter filling to set beautifully, making slicing easier and flavors more developed.
What if I don’t have graham crackers for the crust?
Try crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. They create a similar texture and bring their own character without overshadowing the creamy peanut butter filling.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes you can. It will add a bit of texture to your peanut butter whipped cream pie, but if you prefer smooth creaminess, stick to creamy peanut butter.
Is it possible to make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I know when my pie is perfectly done?
The pie should be set firmly after chilling for at least 4 hours. The creamy peanut butter filling should hold its shape when sliced without being too stiff.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! I recommend preparing two crusts separately and assembling pies in two 9-inch pans rather than doubling in one.
Any tricks for preventing the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure your melted butter is hot enough to bind the graham cracker crumbs, and chill the crust before adding the filling. Some friends add a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before filling to keep it crisp.

This recipe has brought such warm feedback from the community. A fellow food lover in my Facebook group shared how their pie became the star dessert at a book club! For more inspiration, see the peanut butter cookie bites and the peanut butter pie recipes I continuously tweak to bring joy.

Why This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Will Become Your New Favorite

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie embodies everything I stand for on Carmen Wausa Blog: approachable recipes that make you feel comfortable and confident in your kitchen. The creamy peanut butter filling is luscious without fuss, the graham cracker crust pie adds that nostalgic crunch, and the peanut butter whipped cream pie topping brings it all together with a satisfying lightness.

My Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Success Tips:

  • Always let your cream cheese soften fully before mixing.
  • Chill your crust long enough to prevent sogginess.
  • Fold whipped cream gently to keep that airy texture intact.

Over time, I’ve experimented with a chocolate peanut butter version, a lighter no-bake peanut butter pie with reduced sugar, and even a layered peanut butter and banana pie—all crowd-pleasers in different ways. The classic Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, though, still earns the most smiles and happy “mmm” sounds.

I encourage you to weave this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie into your gatherings and quiet nights in. With simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create more than dessert—you’ll create moments shared over a creamy, nostalgic bite.

When you make this recipe, please come back and share your delicious results. Your kitchen stories inspire me, and I love hearing how this pie finds a place on your table!

If this recipe brings you joy, you’ll love my peanut butter pie variations and peanut butter cookie bites for more comforting peanut butter treats. For a buttery sweet finish to a meal, try the French Butter Cake too.

A slice of Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie on a white plate, showcasing creamy peanut butter filling and graham cracker crust
Print

Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, rich dessert that combines classic peanut butter flavor with a buttery crust, perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: Carmen
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter; press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture, beating until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
  6. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
  7. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.
  8. Before serving, garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.

Notes

For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top before chilling or serve with chocolate sauce.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!