Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

If you love classic peanut butter cups, let me introduce you to absolute bliss: Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie. This pie takes everything you adore about the iconic candy—crunchy chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and that hint of nostalgia—and supersizes it into a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). With layers of smooth peanut butter mousse and an ultra-chocolatey crust, this decadent treat is guaranteed to impress at any gathering, yet easy enough to whip up just because you’re craving something wonderful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy to make this unforgettable pie—every ingredient plays a star role in the flavor, texture, or that wow-worthy appearance. A handful of pantry staples and a couple of fridge favorites come together to create magic.

• Chocolate cookie crumbs: The base of our chocolate crust, these provide rich flavor and a satisfying crunch—Oreos work beautifully here!
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the crust together and amps up the luscious factor.
• Creamy peanut butter: The unmistakable star; choose a nice, smooth brand for the best spoonable texture.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds body and a subtle tang that balances all that sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: The fine texture sweetens without grittiness, keeping the filling ultra-silky.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash boosts the warm, comforting flavors of the pie.
• Whipped topping or whipped cream: Folding this in keeps the filling light and fluffy—use whichever you prefer.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into a shiny ganache, they deliver that classic Reese’s chocolate flavor.
• Heavy cream: Essential for making the ganache luxuriously smooth and pourable.
• Extra unsalted butter (optional): Just a tablespoon helps the ganache glisten, for bakery-worthy presentation.

How to Make Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start off by combining your finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until every crumb is coated and the mixture starts to clump together. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the base and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using your hand or the bottom of a measuring cup to get things nice and even. Pop the crust into the fridge for 20–30 minutes so it firms up, which keeps everything crisp and ready for that dreamy filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, blend the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until your mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is all about creating that signature peanut buttery mousse, so give it a good mix! Next, gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the fluffiness—that’s what makes each bite so cloud-like. Spoon the filling into the chilled crust, and then smooth out the top with a spatula, making sure you reach all the edges.

Step 3: Chill the Pie

Cover the pie gently and return it to the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chill time allows the filling to firm up, which is super important for slicing clean pieces and supporting the chocolate topping to come. If you have the patience, a longer chill gives you an even dreamier set.

Step 4: Make the Ganache Topping

While the pie chills, heat the heavy cream until it’s just simmering (but not boiling). Pour the hot cream over your bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute or two—this lets the chocolate melt gradually. Stir the mixture until completely smooth; add that optional tablespoon of butter now if you crave a glossy, professional finish. Pour the silky ganache onto the cold, set pie and spread evenly with a spatula. Return the Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie to the fridge for at least 30 more minutes, or until the chocolate is set but still velvety when you cut into it.

How to Serve Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Garnishes

A flourish of finishing touches can turn your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie into a true centerpiece. Scatter chopped mini peanut butter cups, a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, or some festive chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for extra flair. Even a drizzle of warmed peanut butter or a handful of roasted peanuts can bring that unmistakable Reese’s magic to each slice.

Side Dishes

Since the pie is the star, you’ll want to keep sides simple. Serve with chilled milk, a hot mug of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a fun, retro dessert moment. If you want something lighter, try a fresh fruit salad—it cuts through the richness and brings a lovely pop of color to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Host a make-your-own dessert bar by serving the pie already sliced, with an assortment of toppings in bowls so guests can personalize each piece. For a playful twist, serve slices in cupcake liners to really underscore the Reese’s theme. If you’re going all-out, nestle the slices in alternating lines with other classic chocolate treats for a show-stopping dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie tasting its best, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get more irresistible as they mingle together.

Freezing

Want to save your masterpiece for a future treat? Just wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. The pie holds up wonderfully in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’re right back to chocolate-peanut butter heaven.

Reheating

This is one dessert that’s truly best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no reheating required. If you prefer a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth bite, just let a slice sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. That way, the ganache and filling are perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give you a little extra texture and a fun peanutty crunch throughout the filling, making every bite more interesting. Just be sure to use a no-stir variety so your filling stays beautifully smooth.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the cookie crumbs?

No problem! Place your cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble fine crumbs. It’s fast, stress-relieving, and works just as well as a processor.

Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese and whipped topping with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for the ganache. Just double-check your chocolate cookies to be sure they’re also dairy-free.

Can I use a premade chocolate pie crust?

Definitely! If you want to save a little time, a store-bought chocolate cookie crust is a helpful shortcut. Just fill and chill as directed, and you’ll be enjoying Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie in no time.

How can I get perfectly smooth ganache?

Make sure your cream is hot enough to fully melt the chocolate chips, and let the mixture sit before stirring. Adding a little butter at the end creates a glossy, bakery-style finish. If you have any lumps, just keep stirring gently—they’ll usually melt away.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a seriously impressive dessert that’s big on both nostalgia and taste, Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is your answer. It’s rich, fun, and truly crowd-pleasing—perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to unleash your inner kid. Give it a try and get ready for love at first bite!

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