Name: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups milk chocolate chips; 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil; 1⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1¼ cups crunchy peanut butter; ½ cup salted sweet cream butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

I can never resist sharing this incredible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe with friends because it perfectly captures everything I love about peanut butter and chocolate desserts. This pie looks spectacular and tastes insanely rich and creamy, thanks to a luscious chocolate ganache shell filled with a dreamy, chunky peanut butter center. Whenever I make this, it quickly becomes the highlight of any gathering, and I’m excited to tell you all about how you can recreate this showstopper at home.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

What truly hooks me on this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe is the dreamy harmony of flavors and textures. The silky milk chocolate ganache envelops a velvety yet crunchy peanut butter filling, creating that classic combination that feels familiar but elevated. Every bite is a beautiful balance of sweet, salty, and nutty with just the right hint of buttery richness. I love how the graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch that makes this pie irresistibly satisfying.

Beyond the amazing taste, I appreciate how accessible this pie is to make. It feels fancy but is surprisingly straightforward, making it the perfect dessert for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. I often bring this to holiday dinners, family reunions, or even as a comforting treat during a weeknight when I want to pour a bit of joy into dessert time. What really sets this pie apart is how it manages to be both indulgent and effortless, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum wow factor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a chocolate peanut butter pie with three layers. The bottom layer is a dark chocolate crust, firm and smooth, holding the shape well. Above that is a thick, creamy peanut butter filling in a light tan color, thick and solid but soft looking. The top layer is a shiny, rich dark chocolate glaze, smooth and spread evenly over the peanut butter layer. A large slice is on a white plate in the front, and the rest of the pie with a missing slice is on a white plate in the background. The surface is a white marbled texture with scattered chocolate chips around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients list is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays an essential role. From the luscious milk chocolate chips to the crunchy peanut butter and buttery base made with graham cracker crumbs, every ingredient adds a layer of flavor and texture that brings this pie together perfectly.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Milk chocolate chips: These melt smoothly for the ganache coating, providing silky chocolate flavor with a glossy finish.
Vegetable oil: Added to the chocolate to give it a smooth, spreadable consistency and beautiful shine.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter layer and helps it hold together with a fine texture.
Graham cracker crumbs: Offer a slight crunch and a subtle honeyed depth that balances the richness.
Crunchy peanut butter: The star of the filling, providing nutty, buttery flavor and pleasant texture.
Salted sweet cream butter: Enhances the creamy mouthfeel and brings a rich, indulgent element to the filling.

Directions

Step 1: Line the bottom circle of a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a parchment paper circle and lightly spray it with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your pie will release perfectly once chilled.

Step 2: In a medium heat-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 45 to 55 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth.

Step 3: Pour half of the melted chocolate into the prepared tart pan. Use a large spoon or offset spatula to evenly spread the chocolate along the bottom and up the sides. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the peanut butter filling.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until well combined and set aside.

Step 5: In another heat-safe bowl, heat the crunchy peanut butter and salted butter in the microwave for about 45 seconds. Stir thoroughly until smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until completely incorporated, forming the chunky peanut butter filling layer.

Step 7: Remove the tart pan from the fridge and spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the hardened chocolate shell using a spatula, smoothing the top carefully.

Step 8: Spoon the remaining melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling and spread it evenly to the edges. Gently tap the pan to remove any air bubbles and help the layers settle.

Step 9: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.

Step 10: When ready to serve, remove the pie from the tart pan carefully by pressing the edges to release the sides, flipping it out onto a serving platter. Peel away the parchment paper, slice into wedges, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe yields about 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is approximately 30 minutes, which is wonderfully manageable even on a busy day. Cooling is key for a set pie, so plan for at least 4 hours of chilling, making the total time around 4 hours and 30 minutes. I usually make the pie a day ahead to let all the flavors meld beautifully and make serving a breeze. There’s no bake time here, so the effort mostly comes from waiting patiently for the perfect chill.

How to Serve This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

The image shows a slice of a three-layer chocolate peanut butter pie on a white plate with a fork holding a bite-sized piece of the pie. The bottom layer is a dark chocolate crust with a slightly crumbly texture. The middle layer is thick and smooth peanut butter filling in a light tan color. The top layer is a glossy dark chocolate ganache with a smooth finish and slightly wavy edges where it meets the peanut butter layer. The slice sits on a stack of white plates with a white marbled surface below, with a few chocolate chips scattered nearby. A large pie with the same layers is visible blurred in the background on a white cake stand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love presenting this pie chilled to maintain the silky ganache texture and the firm peanut butter layer. It slices cleanly and looks stunning on a simple white platter, where the glossy chocolate and rich peanut butter layers really stand out. For a little extra flair, I often sprinkle chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups or roasted peanuts over the top right before serving to add some crunch and an inviting garnish.

Pairing this pie with fresh seasonal berries or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness nicely. For drinks, I find that a cold glass of milk or a creamy coffee is perfect to accompany this dessert. If you’re serving adults, a rich dessert wine like a tawny port or a nutty amaretto cocktail can elevate the experience.

This pie makes a show-stopping centerpiece at holiday parties, birthday celebrations, or cozy weekend dinners. I recommend slicing it into moderate wedges — it’s rich, so a smaller portion is usually just right to satisfy any chocolate peanut butter craving without overwhelming. Serving at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cutting really brings out the flavors while keeping it firm yet silky.

Variations

If you want to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs, I’ve found some tweaks that still deliver delicious results. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies; it maintains the crunchy texture without gluten worries. You could also experiment with natural or all-natural peanut butter options if you prefer a less sweet and more earthy flavor profile.

For those who love a more intense chocolate experience, try using dark chocolate chips in the ganache or mix milk and dark chocolate for a layered effect. I’ve even substituted the chunky peanut butter for smooth peanut butter or mixed in crushed pretzels to add a salty twist. Vegan adaptations can be made by using dairy-free butter and chocolate chips made without milk, and ensuring the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly.

If you want to skip the tart pan method, you can prepare this pie in a springform pan lined with parchment paper, though I personally prefer the tart pan for its easy release and elegant fluted edges. No-bake and refrigerated desserts like this are perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a fuss-free, decadent dessert that always impresses.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and texture. Using a pie or cake keeper works wonders for protecting the pie from absorbing any fridge odors. Stored this way, the pie will stay fresh for up to 4 days, although I’ve found it’s usually devoured well before then!

Freezing

While I’ve rarely needed to freeze this pie, it does freeze well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe container. Just make sure to freeze it flat to avoid disturbing the chocolate layers. The pie can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to retain the ideal texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this pie is best served chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend heating it. Reheating will cause the ganache to melt and the peanut butter filling to become too soft, losing the signature texture that makes this dessert so divine. Instead, I suggest bringing it out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off gently.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely! Natural peanut butter will add a smoother, less sweet flavor, although the texture of the filling might be slightly less chunky. For extra crunch, you could fold in some chopped peanuts or nuts of your choice to mimic the texture.

Do I have to use a tart pan with a removable bottom?

While the removable bottom tart pan makes it easier to release the pie cleanly, you can use a springform pan or another pie dish lined with parchment paper as an alternative. Just be gentle when removing to avoid breaking the chocolate crust.

Can this pie be made ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making this pie a day ahead is ideal because it allows the layers to set perfectly and flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and cover it tightly until you are ready to serve.

Is this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe very sweet?

This pie is definitely on the indulgent side, with a rich sweetness balanced by the salted butter and slight saltiness in the peanut butter. If you prefer less sweetness, you can slightly reduce the powdered sugar or use semi-sweet chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Each option will add a unique flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.

Conclusion

I hope this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe inspires you to dive into a rich, creamy, and utterly scrumptious dessert that’s a joy to make and share. It’s one of those desserts that never fails to wow and satisfy both peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Give it a try, and trust me, this pie will become your go-to crowd-pleaser for any occasion!