Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Everything began with a road trip through Pennsylvania Dutch country, where homemade pies filled bakery windows like edible works of art. I stopped at a small Amish café, lured in by the scent of buttery crusts and warm custards. The woman behind the counter, wearing a crisp white bonnet and a welcoming smile, handed me a slice of something I’d never tasted before—Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie.

One bite, and I was hooked. The combination of velvety, homemade custard and sweet, crumbly peanut butter melted on my tongue, each spoonful as comforting as a childhood memory.

I knew I had to recreate it at home, and after a few test runs (and more than a few stolen spoonfuls of custard), I finally landed on the perfect balance of creamy, nutty, and sweet. This pie isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience—a nod to old-fashioned baking, where simple ingredients create something magical. The peanut butter crumble, rich and sweet, adds texture against the silky custard, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.

If you love peanut butter and appreciate a good, homemade custard, this is a must-bake. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something indulgent, Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is guaranteed to be a showstopper. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring a taste of Amish country into your own kitchen.

What Is Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie?

Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that layers sweet peanut butter crumbles with a velvety homemade custard. It’s a comforting, rich treat often found in Amish bakeries, where simple, time-honored recipes reign supreme. With its luscious filling and crumbly peanut butter topping, this pie is both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.

Key Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
• Extra peanut butter crumble (to sprinkle on top, optional)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Fine-mesh sieve
• 9-inch pie dish
• Plastic wrap

How to Make Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Crumble

In a medium bowl, mix the powdered sugar and creamy peanut butter using a fork or your fingers until small crumbs form. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until steaming but not boiling.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Repeat with another ½ cup.

Pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumble evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the warm custard over the crumble, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble on top.

Step 4: Chill the Pie

Cover loosely with plastic wrap (without touching the custard) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra peanut butter crumble, or a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy yet light – The custard filling is rich but not too heavy.

Perfect balance of textures – The peanut butter crumble adds a delicious crunch.

No baking required (after the crust)! – Just chill and enjoy.

A true comfort dessert – A nostalgic, old-fashioned treat.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Custard is too thin

Cook longer until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If needed, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp milk).

2. Eggs curdle in the custard

Always temper the egg yolks by slowly adding hot milk while whisking constantly.

3. Peanut butter crumble is too dry or too wet

If too dry, add a bit more peanut butter. If too wet, add more powdered sugar.

4. Custard develops a skin while chilling

Press plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface before refrigerating.

5. Pie is runny when sliced

Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) for the best set.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve with a hot cup of coffee for the perfect contrast of creamy and bold flavors.
– Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
– For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Not recommended, as custard-based pies don’t freeze well.

Reheating: Enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter since natural peanut butter is too oily and can affect the crumble texture.

2. Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes! This pie tastes even better after chilling overnight.

3. What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
Use a fully pre-baked crust and let it cool completely before adding the filling.

4. Can I make the custard without cornstarch?
Cornstarch is key for thickening, but you can substitute it with ¼ cup flour.

5. How do I get perfect slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra richness, stir 1 tablespoon of butter into the custard after removing it from the heat.
– To deepen the peanut butter flavor, add ½ teaspoon of peanut butter extract to the custard.
– Want a shortcut? Use store-bought vanilla pudding for the filling, but homemade is always better!

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the custard mixture before heating.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pie.

2. Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Pie

Swirl ¼ cup salted caramel sauce into the custard before pouring it into the crust.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.

3. Oreo Peanut Butter Pie

Use an Oreo crust instead of a traditional pie crust.

Fold in crushed Oreos into the peanut butter crumble for a crunchy twist.

Final Thoughts

Making Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is like bringing a piece of Pennsylvania Dutch tradition into your home. The balance of silky custard and crunchy peanut butter crumble is pure comfort in every bite. This pie will make you feel both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for any occasion.

If you’re a peanut butter lover, this pie will quickly become a new favorite. And if you’ve never had it before, trust me—you’re in for a treat. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! Happy baking!