Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed and divided
- 1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie shell
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 2: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla bean paste to the peanut butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
- Step 3: Gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the peanut butter filling using a rubber spatula until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Step 4: Carefully spoon the peanut butter cream filling into the pre-baked pie shell, spreading it evenly across the bottom and sides.
- Step 5: Cover the assembled pie lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is firm.
- Step 6: Before serving, top the chilled pie with the remaining whipped topping and garnish as desired (optional: sprinkle with crushed peanuts).
Notes
- Store leftover pie covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the crust may soften slightly after the first day.
- Because this is a chilled cream pie, do not attempt to reheat; if you prefer to freeze leftovers, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle each slice lightly with melted chocolate sauce or sprinkle with a tiny pinch of sea salt just before serving to enhance the peanut flavor.
- When folding in the whipped topping, handle the mixture with great care using a rubber spatula; over-mixing will deflate the air and result in a heavy, dense filling rather than a light cream texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
