Get ready to fall in love with one of the richest, creamiest, most irresistible desserts you’ll ever meet: Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. Imagine a velvety peanut butter filling nestled in a crisp chocolate cookie crust, with silky rivers of hot fudge tucked inside and drizzled luxuriously on top. It’s a no-bake masterpiece that brings all the comfort of childhood with a grown-up, decadent twist. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this pie never fails to steal the show and satisfy every chocolate and peanut butter craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This pie only calls for a handful of simple ingredients, but each one shines. From the buttery, chocolaty base to the creamy, nutty filling and gooey fudge, every component is working hard to deliver the perfect Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie experience. Here’s what makes each item essential:
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create the deep, cocoa-flavored crust that sets off the creamy filling beautifully. Oreos or your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies both work—leave the filling in for extra richness!
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together and gives every bite a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand for an ultra-smooth, nutty filling.
- Cream cheese: This gives the pie its signature tangy creaminess and helps the filling set up nice and thick.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right sweetness without any grittiness, keeping everything soft and luscious.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the filling with aromatic warmth.
- Whipped topping: Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream makes the filling airy and light—just fold it in gently!
- Hot fudge sauce: This is where the magic happens—gooey fudge gets swirled between layers and on top for chocolatey bliss.
- Additional whipped topping: That cloud-like finish isn’t just pretty—it adds whimsy and creaminess to every slice.
- Chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups (optional): Sprinkle these over the top for extra crunch or bursts of peanut butter joy.
- Extra hot fudge for garnish: Never say no to a little more hot fudge—it takes the presentation and flavor over the top!
How to Make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust
First things first: combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl, stirring until the mixture is the texture of wet sand. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish and use your fingers or the back of a spoon to firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides. Pop the crust into the freezer for 15 minutes while you prepare the dreamy filling—it will set up firm, which means no soggy slices!
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is irresistibly smooth, fluffy, and thick. You’re looking for a texture that holds soft peaks—this is what gives each forkful its ultimate meltiness.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Switch to a spatula and gently fold the whipped topping into the peanut butter mixture. Take your time here—folding, not stirring, keeps everything light and airy instead of dense. The result will be a pale, creamy filling that looks every bit as delicious as it tastes.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spoon about half of the filling into the chilled crust, spreading it out to the edges. Warm your hot fudge sauce just enough to make it pourable (a few seconds in the microwave does the trick), then drizzle it over the first layer of filling. Spread the remaining filling on top, smoothing out the surface with an offset spatula or spoon.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Patience is key! The assembled Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal). This allows the flavors to meld, the filling to set, and the crust to hold together when sliced.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, lavish the top of your pie with clouds of additional whipped topping, a hand-scattering of chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups, and one final drizzle of hot fudge. Every slice should look (and taste) like a celebration!
How to Serve Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
For a showstopping finish, swirl on abundant whipped topping, then sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for crunch or dot with mini peanut butter cups for even more peanut buttery fun. Don’t forget that glossy, zigzag drizzle of hot fudge on top—the more dramatic, the better! These touches make each slice extra inviting and full of personality.
Side Dishes
Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is a star on its own, but if you want to turn dessert into an event, serve it alongside scoops of vanilla or coffee ice cream. For a playful touch, offer fresh strawberries or sliced bananas on the side—the fruit plays beautifully with the rich flavors and adds a pop of freshness to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie into tall wedges and stack them on a cake stand for maximum drama, or serve petite squares in cupcake liners for party-ready finger food. You can even chill the pie in a square pan and cut it into bars for picnic-friendly decadence. Tiny mason jars with crust, layers, and toppings also make for fun, single-serve treats at potlucks or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have any Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie left, just cover the pie with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, staying creamy and luscious without a hint of dryness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. You can store your pie in the freezer for up to two weeks. To serve, move it to the refrigerator the night before and let it thaw gently. Give it a few minutes at room temperature before slicing—it’ll taste just as dreamy as the day you made it!
Reheating
No need for traditional reheating—just let chilled or frozen portions come to room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes so the filling softens to the perfect creamy consistency. If you want to refresh the hot fudge drizzle, scoop some into a bowl and microwave for a few seconds, then pour it lovingly over each slice.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream gives an extra-rich and fluffy result. Just make sure to whip it to soft peaks and fold it in gently, as you would with store-bought whipped topping.
Is it possible to make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie gluten free?
Yes, you can swap the chocolate cookie crumbs for any gluten-free chocolate cookies or wafers. Be sure to check that your hot fudge sauce and all other ingredients are certified gluten free for a worry-free treat.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely—Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie actually benefits from sitting overnight in the fridge. The flavors deepen, and the texture becomes even silkier. You can also freeze it up to two weeks in advance for ultimate convenience!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
You can, if you love extra peanutty texture! Crunchy peanut butter will add pockets of peanut crunch to the filling, which is delicious. Just be aware the finished pie will be less smooth, but still totally irresistible.
What’s the best way to slice this pie?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for perfect, clean slices. This little trick works wonders, especially since the crust and fudge layer can be a bit sticky.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that screams celebration, beckons smiles, and disappears in record time, make this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie. It’s a dessert that blends comfort and fun, and every bite feels like a treat you want to savor and share. Give it a try and watch it win hearts at first slice!
Print
Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie, a luscious dessert that combines rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and a drizzle of hot fudge. This no-bake pie is a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, plus more for drizzling
For the Topping:
- Additional whipped topping
- Chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups (optional)
- Extra hot fudge for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish and chill.
- Make the Filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread half of the filling in the crust. Drizzle hot fudge and add remaining filling. Chill.
- Finish and Serve: Top with whipped topping, peanuts, or peanut butter cups, and more hot fudge before serving.
Notes
- For a richer version, use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping.
- This pie can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks—just thaw slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
