If you’re the kind of person who believes in the magic of chocolate and peanut butter together, you’re in for an unforgettable treat with Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie! This pie brings together a velvety peanut butter and cream cheese filling in a chocolate cookie crust, with ribbons of dreamy hot fudge and a sprinkling of crunchy roasted peanuts. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people gather around the table just a little closer, with forkfuls of pure joy and lots of requests for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just a spontaneous craving, Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is a dessert you’ll want to share (or maybe keep all for yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie are comfortingly simple, but each one plays a starring role in the incredibly decadent results. Chocolate, peanut butter, and just a touch of creaminess and crunch all combine for a pie that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These create the rich and chocolatey base that holds all the creamy layers—finely crushing them is key for a sturdy crust.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings the crumbs together and adds moisture that helps the crust hold its shape perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the filling—go for classic creamy for silky smoothness, or crunchy if you like texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese lends the filling richness and tang, making every bite extra luscious.
- Powdered sugar: This blends seamlessly for sweetness without any grit, keeping the filling cloud-like light.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings all the flavors together with its warm aroma.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipping it to stiff peaks gives the filling its signature airy texture and heavenly mouthfeel.
- Hot fudge sauce: Whether you use a favorite store-bought bottle or homemade, this glossy chocolate topping takes the pie totally over the top.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Sprinkle these for irresistible crunch and an extra hit of nutty flavor.
- Whipped cream (optional): Dollop it on for a pretty and pillowy garnish, perfect for celebrations or just because.
How to Make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by pulsing your chocolate cookies into fine crumbs—think the texture of sand! In a medium bowl, combine these with melted butter and stir until every crumb glistens. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, packing it down so it’s compact and won’t crumble. Pop the crust into the refrigerator while you whip up the filling to help it set and become delectably firm.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy. The cream cheese brings a slight tang that balances the richness of the peanut butter, while the sugar ensures it’s just sweet enough. In another bowl, whip your heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks—this part is a mini upper body workout, but totally worth it! Fold the whipped cream gently into the peanut butter mixture so you don’t lose any of that lovely airiness.
Step 3: Fill the Crust and Set
Transfer the peanut butter filling into your chilled chocolate crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so every bite looks as good as it tastes. There’s something very satisfying about creating those swooping creamy waves! Now, drizzle hot fudge sauce generously across the surface. If you want a more dramatic effect, use a spoon to coax the fudge into ribbons or swirls. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts over everything, pressing in lightly if you want them to stay put. Refrigerate the pie for at least four hours—or overnight if you can resist—so it sets up perfectly and slices like a dream.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
After chilling, your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is ready for its grand reveal. If you love a bit of extra flair, add big swirls or dainty dollops of whipped cream on top right before serving. Slice and watch as the layers hold up for that perfect forkful with every element in one bite!
How to Serve Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie
Garnishes
The final flourish is half the fun—pile on clouds of whipped cream, scatter extra chopped roasted peanuts, or drizzle on a little more hot fudge for a show-stopping look. Each topping adds a different texture and taste, making every slice feel special. If you love salty-sweet combos, a pinch of flaked sea salt atop the fudge can be absolutely next level!
Side Dishes
To balance out the pie’s rich decadence, pair each slice with a simple cup of fresh coffee or tall glass of cold milk. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside would be dreamy for extra indulgence, while fresh berries offer a refreshing contrast and beautiful color.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve mini Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pies in individual jars for parties? Or cut the pie into bite-sized squares for potlucks or dessert bars. For extra fun (and even more chocolate), try painting a swoosh of hot fudge sauce across each plate before placing the slice on top. You can even sprinkle edible gold dust or tiny chocolate curls for an elegant finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie will keep beautifully in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to five days. The flavors actually get even more delicious as they mingle—the only danger is sneaking forkfuls every time you open the fridge!
Freezing
This pie freezes terrificly, making it ideal for planning ahead. Simply wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or cut into slices and store in airtight containers. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving so all the creamy filling is soft and luscious again.
Reheating
Since Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie is a no-bake, chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat. But if you love your fudge a little gooey, microwave a small spoonful to drizzle over each chilled slice just before serving—it melts over the creamy filling for a dreamy, just-made effect!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for the pie?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds little peanutty bits throughout the filling for a fun texture twist and extra nutty flavor. It’s a great way to personalize your Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie.
How do I make the crust extra chocolatey?
Try brushing or spreading a thin layer of hot fudge sauce right onto the cookie crust before you add the filling. This trick makes the base extra fudgy and even more decadent—just a little goes a long way!
Do I have to chill the pie for the full 4 hours?
Chilling is key for that perfect, neat slice and stable filling. If you’re in a huge rush, two hours may be enough for softer, more spoonable slices, but for best results (and party presentation), aim for four hours or overnight.
Can I make Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time for a party?
That’s one of the best things about this dessert! You can make the whole pie a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill overnight intensifies the flavors and makes serving a breeze—just garnish before guests arrive.
What’s the best way to slice and serve the pie neatly?
For clean slices, use a large sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This helps glide through the crust and filling smoothly, so every piece of Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie looks party-perfect.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, if you’re a fan of all things chocolate and peanut butter, you have to make this Hot Fudge Peanut Butter Pie at least once! It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but decadent enough for celebrations. Share it with people you love, and watch how quickly it disappears—then get ready for requests to make it again and again.
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 no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream in a heavenly pie.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 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 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish and chill.
- Make the filling: Beat peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip the cream separately and fold into the peanut butter mixture.
- Assemble the pie: Spoon the filling into the chilled crust, top with hot fudge sauce and chopped peanuts.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours. Add whipped cream before serving if desired.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add a layer of hot fudge sauce on the crust before adding the filling.
- Crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
- This pie can be made a day in advance and stored chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg