Short Description
The No-Bake Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a dream come true for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate ganache base, and a thick, creamy peanut butter center topped with more silky ganache, this pie mimics the flavors of the classic candy in an oversized, sliceable form. Easy to make and irresistibly decadent, it’s the ultimate indulgent dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No baking required—perfect for warm days or quick prep
Classic chocolate and peanut butter combination
Impressive presentation with minimal effort
Layers of texture: crunchy crust, creamy filling, and smooth ganache
Can be made ahead of time for parties or events
Easily customizable with fun toppings
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
A fun alternative to traditional pies and cheesecakes
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Satisfies even the most intense sweet tooth
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the peanut butter filling:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the chocolate ganache:
2 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or shortening
Optional toppings:
Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Extra drizzle of melted peanut butter
Directions
1. Prepare the crust:
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the ganache.
2. Make the chocolate ganache base:
Place chocolate chips and vegetable oil or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour half of the ganache into the chilled crust and spread into an even layer. Return to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
3. Create the peanut butter filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth, light, and fluffy. Spread the filling over the chilled ganache layer. Return the pie to the refrigerator.
4. Top with remaining ganache:
Gently reheat the reserved ganache if necessary to make it pourable. Spread it over the peanut butter layer, smoothing with a spatula. Add optional toppings such as a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chopped Reese’s.
5. Chill thoroughly:
Refrigerate the completed pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm up and ensure clean slicing.
6. Slice and serve:
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry to cut neat slices. Serve chilled.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Estimated Calories: ~550 kcal per slice
Variations
Oreo Crust: Use crushed chocolate sandwich cookies instead of graham crackers for a deeper chocolate base.
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap milk chocolate for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
Salted Finish: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the ganache for a sweet-salty finish.
Mini Pies: Make individual portions using a muffin tin and cupcake liners.
Layered Parfaits: Build in jars for no-slice, portable desserts.
Holiday Touch: Add crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles for seasonal flair.
Extra Filling: Add a layer of marshmallow fluff or banana slices under the peanut butter for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze whole or sliced, tightly wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Not recommended—best served chilled to maintain the structure.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, as it can affect texture and stability.
Is it okay to use dark or semi-sweet chocolate instead?
Absolutely—adjust based on your sweetness preference.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it’s ideal for making a day ahead. It slices best when fully chilled.
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
Press it firmly into the dish and chill well before adding the ganache.
Can I use a springform pan instead of a tart or pie dish?
Yes, a springform pan works well and makes slicing and serving easier.
Can I add a cream cheese layer?
Yes, a cream cheese layer under the peanut butter would add a tangy richness.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Is vegetable oil better than shortening for ganache?
Both work, but vegetable oil gives a smoother finish and easier slicing.
No-Bake Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Bake Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a dream dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich milk chocolate ganache, it tastes just like a supersized Reese’s—perfect for parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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2 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
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2 tbsp vegetable oil or shortening
Optional Toppings:
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Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
-
Drizzle of melted peanut butter
Instructions
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Prepare the crust:
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Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
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Press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish. Chill in the fridge.
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Make the chocolate ganache base:
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Microwave chocolate chips and oil in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
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Pour half into the crust and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
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Create the peanut butter layer:
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Beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
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Spread over the chilled ganache layer. Chill again.
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Top with more ganache:
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Reheat remaining ganache to a spreadable consistency.
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Pour over peanut butter layer and smooth. Add optional toppings.
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Chill thoroughly:
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
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Slice and serve:
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Use a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve chilled.
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Notes
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For extra texture, mix chopped peanuts into the peanut butter layer.
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Keeps well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
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Use a springform pan for easier slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
