Golden Baked Peanut Butter Pie

Experience the pinnacle of dessert perfection with this Baked Peanut Butter Pie. Its smooth, dense peanut butter filling, crowned with a delightful crackly top, all nestled within a perfectly flaky crust, creates an utterly decadent and unforgettable treat.

The Irresistible Allure of Creamy and Dreamy Peanut Butter Pie

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that truly defines indulgence. This Baked Peanut Butter Pie transcends ordinary sweet treats, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will captivate your senses. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or delightfully chilled, its appeal is undeniable. Each bite unveils a glorious crackly top that gives way to a smooth, rich, and intensely peanut buttery center, all encased in a tender, flaky crust. It’s an absolute dream for any dessert enthusiast.

To elevate this magnificent pie further, we recommend adorning each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a scattering of finely chopped peanuts. These simple additions not only enhance the visual presentation but also introduce a delightful creaminess and a subtle crunch that perfectly complements the pie’s dense filling. This is more than just a pie; it’s a decadent dessert experience like no other, promising satisfaction with every single forkful.

The Ultimate Destination for Every Peanut Butter Lover

For those who adore the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, this recipe is a true revelation. If you’ve been a fan of lighter, more refreshing desserts like my No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie, you absolutely must embark on this baked journey. While the no-bake version offers a cool and airy delight, this baked counterpart delivers a dense, profoundly indulgent, and incredibly satisfying experience. It’s a completely different take on a beloved classic, offering depth and warmth that only baking can achieve.

Having explored the vast world of peanut butter desserts, I can confidently say I know a thing or two about crafting exceptional pies. My repertoire includes a delightful Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie, which layers incredible flavors for a tropical twist. For chocolate enthusiasts, the No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie hits all the right notes with its rich cocoa and nutty harmony. And when summer calls for something cool and delightful, my Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie is an absolute must-try. Each recipe is a testament to the versatility and universal appeal of peanut butter, always pushing the boundaries of what’s new and delicious!

Why Choose Baked Over No-Bake?

The choice between a baked and a no-bake peanut butter pie often comes down to personal preference for texture and richness. While no-bake versions are typically lighter and rely on a whipped, often cream cheese-based filling that sets in the refrigerator, a baked pie offers a more custardy, dense, and deeply satisfying experience. The baking process transforms the simple ingredients into a truly unique filling that boasts a delightful chewiness and a more concentrated peanut butter flavor. The signature crackly top, reminiscent of a perfect peanut butter cookie, is another irresistible hallmark of the baked variety, providing a textural contrast that can’t be replicated in its no-bake cousin.

Furthermore, a baked pie fills your home with the comforting aroma of warm peanut butter, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances the entire dessert experience. It’s a dessert that feels more substantial and luxurious, making it perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave a deeply comforting and indulgent treat. If you’re looking for warmth, density, and that signature baked crackle, this recipe is your ideal choice.

Seriously Good Pie: Simplicity Meets Decadence

This pie takes its texture and rich peanut butter flavor very seriously, and you won’t be able to help but fall deeply in love with it. What makes it even more appealing is its surprising simplicity. For an effortlessly delicious dessert, you can opt for a high-quality prepared pie crust. This shortcut makes the entire baking process incredibly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy this magnificent creation with minimal fuss.

However, for those who relish the art of baking from scratch, crafting your own flaky pie crust is a rewarding experience that truly elevates this pie to another level. If you’re eager to master the art of pie crusts, I highly recommend consulting my Complete Guide to Pie Crust. It’s packed with detailed recipes, expert techniques, and tons of helpful tips designed to help you achieve the perfect flaky foundation every single time, ensuring your Baked Peanut Butter Pie is nothing short of spectacular.

The Perfect Finishing Touch

While I’m a passionate advocate for the light, airy perfection of homemade whipped cream, for ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor, Cool Whip serves as an excellent alternative. It makes garnishing this already simple pie even easier, allowing you to quickly prepare it for serving. Imagine the joy of sharing this incredible dessert with your loved ones – the smiles, the satisfied sighs. I truly cannot wait for you to bring this recipe to life in your kitchen!

Gather Your Ingredients and Supplies

Before you embark on this delightful baking adventure, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and supplies at the ready. For precise measurements and further details, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post. For those curious about the science behind baking, my Complete Guide to Baking Ingredients offers in-depth insights into how specific ingredients function within recipes, helping you understand the magic that happens in your oven.

Essential Ingredients:

• Unbaked 9-inch Pie Crust with Fluted Edges: A store-bought crust makes this recipe incredibly easy, but feel free to make your own using my pie crust guide.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (Melted): The star of our show! Ensure it’s smooth and creamy for the best texture. Melting it first helps with easy incorporation and a silky-smooth filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the richness of the peanut butter.
• Large Eggs (Lightly Beaten): Act as a binding agent, creating the pie’s dense, custardy texture and helping it set beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: Adds an essential richness and contributes to the incredibly smooth and luxurious consistency of the filling.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, bringing out the best in the peanut butter and adding a subtle aromatic note.
• Whipped Cream or Cool Whip (for garnishing): For a cloud-like topping that offers a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
• Coarsely Chopped Peanuts (for garnishing): Adds a wonderful nutty crunch and extra peanut flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.

Recommended Supplies:

• 9-inch Pie Plate: Essential for baking your pie evenly and creating that classic round shape.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space to combine your ingredients without spills, ensuring a well-mixed filling.
• Whisk: Your best friend for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly aerated filling.

Step-by-Step Mastery: How to Make Baked Peanut Butter Pie

Crafting this delightful Baked Peanut Butter Pie is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Proper preheating is crucial for even baking and achieving that perfect crackly top.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Carefully fit your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into your pie plate, ensuring the edges are beautifully fluted. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also helps contain the filling.
3. Melt and Combine Butter and Sugar: In your large mixing bowl, gently melt the creamy peanut butter. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly – you don’t want it too hot when adding eggs. Then, whisk in the granulated sugar until thoroughly combined. This step creates the foundational sweetness and texture for your filling.
4. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the lightly beaten large eggs to the peanut butter and sugar mixture. Whisk vigorously until they are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The eggs are vital for the pie’s structure and custardy consistency.
5. Add Cream and Vanilla: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the filling is perfectly smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This final whisking ensures a luxurious texture.
6. Fill the Crust: Carefully pour the prepared peanut butter filling into your unbaked pie crust, distributing it evenly.

7. Bake to Perfection: Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully browned and has developed a signature crackly appearance, much like a perfectly baked peanut butter cookie. If you notice your pie crust is browning too quickly before the filling is fully set, gently tent the edges of the pie with aluminum foil to protect them. Continue baking until the filling is firm and baked through. Don’t be alarmed if the pie filling rises a bit during baking; it will settle back down as it cools.
8. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is critical as it allows the filling to set properly, ensuring a firm and sliceable pie. Patience is key here!
9. Slice and Serve: After the pie has cooled completely and set, slice it into generous portions. Serve each piece with a decadent dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of coarsely chopped peanuts for an exquisite finish.

Storage and Enjoyment Tips

To keep your Baked Peanut Butter Pie at its best, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the filling remains fresh and prevents it from drying out.

For the absolute best taste and texture experience, allow each pie slice to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before enjoying it again. The flavors deepen, and the filling becomes wonderfully creamy as it warms slightly. Alternatively, if you prefer a cool and refreshing treat, it’s equally delicious enjoyed straight from the refrigerator!

Can You Freeze Baked Peanut Butter Pie?

Yes, you can! To freeze, ensure the pie is completely cooled. Wrap individual slices or the entire pie (if uncut) tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen pie slices overnight in the refrigerator, then let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this Baked Peanut Butter Pie, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. It brings me so much joy to witness your inspired baking. And if you’re active on Facebook, consider joining my vibrant community, the Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful space to connect with fellow baking enthusiasts, share your culinary triumphs, and discover even more fun and yummy recipes from my kitchen!

I genuinely adore seeing how creative and inspired y’all get with the ideas I share. Your enthusiasm fuels my passion for creating and sharing delicious recipes. Thank you for being a part of this baking journey. Enjoy every single bite!

xoxo,

Baked Peanut Butter Pie

Author: The BakerMama

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie (6-8 servings)

Rating: No reviews yet

Description

This Baked Peanut Butter Pie is a rich and smooth peanut butter filling with a delightful crackly top, all within a flaky crust. A truly decadent and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust with fluted edges
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 and 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

• Whipped cream or Cool Whip, for garnishing
• Coarsely chopped peanuts, for garnishing

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
2. Prepare the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate with fluted edges.
3. In a large mixing bowl, melt the peanut butter and let cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar until combined.
4. Add the lightly beaten eggs and whisk until well incorporated.
5. Whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla until the filling is smooth and creamy.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until browned and starting to crackle on top like a peanut butter cookie. If the crust starts to brown too much before the pie is set, tent the edges of the pie with foil and continue to bake until baked through. The pie filling will rise a bit as it bakes, but will settle while cooling.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
10. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for varying delightful experiences.