During a weekend at my sister’s house, her kids threw an impromptu game night with their friends. It turned into a full-on celebration filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a bit of chaos as the kids ran around the living room.
I wanted to bring something special but easy—something everyone would love without me spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when I decided to whip up this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie.
As I mixed the creamy peanut butter with smooth cream cheese, folding in fluffy whipped topping, the kitchen quickly filled with that sweet, nutty aroma. The Oreo crust was a perfect shortcut, letting me focus on the fun part: the rich filling and the irresistible toppings. When I pulled the pie from the fridge, the kids swarmed around the table, eyes wide at the giant, chocolate-drizzled masterpiece.
The way everyone dove into the pie—crumbled bits of peanut butter cups and crushed peanuts adding the perfect crunch—reminded me why simple, crowd-pleasing desserts are a staple in my kitchen. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and satisfying, making it a go-to for family get-togethers, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
Short Description
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, no-bake dessert with a smooth peanut butter filling in an Oreo crust, topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and chopped Reese’s cups. Ready in under 4 hours, it’s perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking an easy crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-made Oreo crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts (for crunch)
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Serving knife
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the peanut butter and mix thoroughly until the texture is uniform. If you prefer a sweeter pie, stir in the powdered sugar now. Finally, gently fold in the whipped topping, keeping the mixture light and fluffy without overmixing.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the peanut butter filling into the Oreo crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the surface for a clean look. This step helps the pie set beautifully and makes slicing easier.
Step 3: Chill
Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is best. The pie needs this time to firm up so it holds its shape and develops that perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Once chilled, spread an additional 1/2 cup whipped topping over the pie in a decorative layer. Drizzle chocolate syrup in a zigzag pattern across the top. Finish by sprinkling chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and crushed peanuts for an irresistible crunch and extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Slice into generous wedges and serve chilled. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty layers makes every bite memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy peanut butter flavor that’s perfectly balanced with chocolate
Easy to prepare with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
No baking required—great for busy days or last-minute desserts
Family-approved comfort dessert that satisfies sweet cravings
Versatile toppings allow you to customize texture and taste
Makes a striking, crowd-pleasing centerpiece for gatherings
Store-bought crust saves time without sacrificing flavor
Light whipped topping keeps the pie airy, not overly heavy
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the filling: Folding in whipped topping too vigorously can deflate the mixture, resulting in a dense pie. Gently fold to keep it airy.
Skipping the chill time: The pie won’t set properly if not chilled long enough. Plan for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
Using cold cream cheese: This can cause lumps. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
Uneven spreading: Smooth the filling evenly to avoid cracks or uneven slices. A small offset spatula works best for this.
Topping too early: Add whipped topping and chocolate drizzle only after the pie has fully chilled to maintain freshness and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve chilled in generous wedges for the best texture
Pair with cold milk or a creamy coffee for a cozy combo
Garnish with extra chopped Reese’s or peanuts for crunch
Great for potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend treats
Offer alongside fresh fruit like strawberries to cut sweetness
Plate with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for flair
Ideal served family-style for easy sharing and fun moments
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep the pie chilled; it doesn’t reheat well since it’s a no-bake cream pie.
If the pie softens too much, refrigerate again to firm it up before serving.
To freeze, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit more texture to the filling, which some people really enjoy. Just be sure to mix it well.
2. Can I make the crust from scratch?
Absolutely. You can make your own Oreo-style crust by crushing chocolate cookies and mixing them with melted butter, then pressing into the pan.
3. What if I don’t have whipped topping?
You can whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form for a homemade alternative.
4. Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
Try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream. Use a dairy-free crust option as well.
5. How do I prevent the pie from becoming too sweet?
Omit the powdered sugar or reduce it slightly. The peanut butter and chocolate flavors usually provide enough sweetness on their own.
Tips & Tricks
Use an offset spatula for spreading the filling smoothly.
Chill the cream cheese beforehand to speed up mixing.
For a lighter version, swap half the peanut butter for Greek yogurt (adjust sweetness accordingly).
Freeze chopped Reese’s cups before topping to prevent them from sinking into the whipped topping.
Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter Banana Pie: Slice bananas on top before adding whipped topping. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips and gently swirl into the filling before chilling.
Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle salted caramel over the whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.
No-Oreo Crust: Use a graham cracker crust for a lighter base and a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
That weekend game night turned into one of those memories I’ll cherish—good company, plenty of laughter, and a dessert that brought everyone together. This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie isn’t just a treat; it’s a way to make moments sweeter without any fuss. It’s practical enough for busy days but special enough to feel like a celebration.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded that sometimes the best recipes come from simply wanting to share joy with those around you. It’s a delicious reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated, just made with a little love and a whole lot of peanut butter.
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 pre-made Oreo crust store-bought or homemade
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter smooth or crunchy
- 1 cup whipped topping Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar optional, for sweetness
For Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup whipped topping for garnish
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup for drizzling
- ¼ cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts for crunch
Instructions
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in peanut butter and powdered sugar (optional). Gently fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling evenly into the Oreo crust and smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Spread whipped topping on the pie. Drizzle chocolate syrup, then sprinkle chopped Reese’s and crushed peanuts.
- Slice and serve chilled for a creamy, crunchy, chocolaty treat.
