Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Introduction
Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with a smooth, velvety filling. This pie features a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy peanut butter and vanilla filling topped with sweet, crumbled peanut butter goodness. The texture is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. A treat sure to satisfy peanut butter lovers and dessert aficionados alike, this pie is easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any gathering or a sweet end to a family meal.
This recipe pays homage to traditional Amish cooking, known for its simple yet rich flavors and comfort food heritage. While this particular pie might not be an “official” Amish dessert, its simple ingredients and heartwarming flavor profile are certainly in line with the rustic and homemade desserts Amish kitchens are known for.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (you can use a homemade crust if you prefer)
For the filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Crumble:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix the two ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and thick. Set aside half of this mixture for topping the pie later. - Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk, but an electric mixer will make the process quicker. Once smooth, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, forming a soft, whipped texture. - Layer the Peanut Butter Crumbles:
Take the graham cracker pie crust and sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumble mixture evenly at the bottom of the crust. This will create a peanut buttery layer at the base of the pie, giving it a sweet crunch. - Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Continue to whisk until the pudding thickens and becomes smooth. - Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixtures:
Once the pudding has thickened, fold it into the whipped cream cheese mixture. Be sure to mix thoroughly so that the two mixtures are well incorporated. This will create a creamy, smooth filling for your pie. - Assemble the Pie:
Pour the creamy filling over the layer of peanut butter crumbles in the crust. Smooth the top of the filling with a spatula to ensure an even layer. - Top with Remaining Peanut Butter Crumble:
Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbles over the top of the pie. This will give the pie a nice contrast between the smooth filling and the crunchy topping. - Chill the Pie:
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to allow it to set. The chilling time is crucial for the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together. - Serve and Enjoy:
After the pie has chilled, slice it up and serve it cold. This pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup, but it’s perfect on its own as well.
Methods
The method for making Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is fairly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. The process of combining peanut butter with powdered sugar to create a crumble topping is what gives the pie its unique texture and flavor. The filling comes together with cream cheese, heavy cream, and pudding, creating a smooth and velvety consistency that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy peanut butter crumble.
The pie is chilled for several hours, which allows the layers to set and firm up. The beauty of this dessert is in its simplicity—no baking required, just mixing, layering, and chilling.
History & Formation
While the Amish have a rich tradition of cooking and baking, the origins of peanut butter cream pie aren’t strictly Amish. This pie likely emerged as a modern twist on the Amish love for creamy desserts like custards and pies. Peanuts are a common ingredient in many American desserts, especially in regions where peanuts are grown abundantly, and peanut butter pies are particularly popular in the Midwest and South.
The Amish, known for their resourcefulness and love for simple, wholesome ingredients, might not have invented this exact pie, but the recipe fits well within their culinary style. It reflects the Amish tradition of crafting dishes that are simple, comforting, and made with ingredients that are often readily available.
Conclusion
Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the best of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite. Its simplicity makes it an easy yet crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just satisfying a peanut butter craving.
Its rich texture and indulgent flavor profile make it a favorite among peanut butter lovers, but its creamy, cool nature also makes it the perfect pie to enjoy during warm weather. While it may not be a traditional Amish recipe, it embodies the spirit of Amish cooking—honest, hearty, and comforting.
So, whether you are a seasoned pie maker or just looking for a new dessert to try, Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie will be sure to win over hearts and appetites alike.
For Peanut Butter Lovers
If you’re a peanut butter fan, this pie is a dream come true. It delivers a double dose of peanut butter in both the filling and the crumble topping. The balance of textures—the smooth, creamy filling and the crunchy, crumbly peanut butter layer—will leave you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Peanut butter lovers will be in paradise, and it’s a great way to show your love for this timeless ingredient.
The pie also has a bit of flexibility—feel free to mix in chocolate chips or drizzle a bit of hot fudge over the top for an extra indulgent treat. Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic combination, and it’s hard to go wrong with it in this dessert.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy a craving, this pie will be a hit.