No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure policy.  

5 from 18 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 25 minutes
JUMP to RECIPE START COOKING RATE RECIPE PIN RECIPE

No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie is an awesome dessert. It comes together with almost no effort, and combines the well-loved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.

No bake pies are a hero for busy lives. Plus they taste amazing. Two more favorites are my lush No Bake Butterfinger Pie and my Strawberry Pie with Jello.

A Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie topped with chopped chocolate and peanut butter candies sits on a marble surface next to a small bowl of additional chopped candies.

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe Final

Why this Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Recipe is a Keeper

This no bake easy peanut butter pie is as delicious as it is simple to make. You’ll love to make this peanut butter pie because it’s quick and has the best flavor combination.

  • No-Bake Ease: No need to heat up the house for this pie or deal with finicky baking. It’s a refrigerator/freezer dessert that requires only a few simple steps.  
  • The Ultimate Flavor Combo: The rich chocolate crust paired with the salty-sweet, creamy peanut butter filling is the dessert version of a peanut butter cup, a universally loved flavor profile.
  • Quick Assembly: Most versions of this recipe can be assembled in 10-20 minutes, requiring only a few hours of chilling to set.  
  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s rich, decadent, and fun, guaranteeing an enthusiastic response at any gathering. Plus, it’s topped with chopped chocolate candy.

Can I Use Natural Peanut Butter for the Filling?

Two slices with whipped cream and a graham cracker crust are served on plates, with the remaining pie in a ceramic dish in the background.

Unfortunately, it is generally not recommended to use natural peanut butter for a no-bake peanut butter pie. Natural peanut butter can be too runny and oily for the filling to set correctly and achieve the best texture.

What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This was absolutely delicious! I substituted WowButter for the peanut butter due to a peanut allergy and it tasted great. I used a 9.5″ pie pan which worked well. Thanks for the great recipe! Truly, It IS a keeper!”
~ Michele

Ingredient Notes for this Dessert Recipe

You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make no bake peanut butter pie recipe, many of which you probably have in your pantry already.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

Eight ingredients arranged on a white surface, including cream cheese, Reese’s cups, whipped topping, cocoa mix, powdered sugar, peanut butter, milk, and whole Reese’s cups.
  • Chocolate Pudding: Use chocolate pudding to layer on top of the peanut butter layer.
  • Peanut Butter: Feel free to use your favorite brand and texture of peanut butter.
  • Cream Cheese: It’s best to use softened, full fat cream cheese to help make the peanut butter base.

Variations for Easy Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Ganache

Easily customize this no-bake chocolate peanut butter recipe by experimenting. Take it to the next level by using different ingredients and trying different flavors. You can add the creamy peanut butter mousse to an oreo pie crust if you can’t find chocolate graham crackers.

  • Crust: Try a chocolate graham cracker crust, Nutter Butter crust, Oreo crust or chocolate wafer crust. A graham cracker crust provides a less intense chocolate flavor; Nutter Butter or Oreo cookie crust intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
  • Filling Base: Using butter (as an alternative to Cool Whip or cream cheese) creates a denser, fudge-like filling. Cream cheese provides a tangy, cheesecake-like flavor. Top with mini peanut butter cups and semi sweet chocolate chips.
  • Peanut Butter: Crunchy peanut butter. For texture, use chunky peanut butter. If avoiding nuts, substitute with sunflower butter or cookie butter (Nutella also works, but changes the flavor profile).
  • Homemade Whipped Cream: Make your own whipped cream using vanilla, heavy cream and sugar to make homemade peanut butter chocolate pie.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert

This easy chocolate peanut butter pie recipe comes together in 4 quick steps. This easy no bake peanut butter pie is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite no-bake desserts.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A collage shows steps for making a Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie: a graham cracker crust, blending cream cheese and peanut butter with a mixer, then folding in whipped topping.
  1. Bake the Crust: Mix together the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press mixture into a 9 inch pie pan and bake until set. Let cool completely.
  2. Prepare Layers: In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate pudding mix and milk. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Then gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture.
  3. Assemble Pie: Spread the peanut butter mixture over the pie crust, followed by some of the peanut butter cup pieces. Then, spoon the pudding mixture over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Add Toppings and Refrigerate: Top the pie with the leftover whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups. Let chill for an hour.
Four-panel image showing the step-by-step assembly of chopped candy, chocolate filling, and whipped topping on a marble surface.

Prep Ahead for Crust and Peanut Butter Pie Filling

When I prepare ingredients ahead of time for no bake chocolate peanut butter pie, it can help save me time and kitchen space when it comes to making dinner.

  • The Day Before: The pie is best when allowed to chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. Make and assemble the entire pie, cover it loosely, and chill. The crust softens slightly overnight, and the filling fully sets up.  
  • Crust Prep: The cookie crust can be made and pressed into the pan up to three days ahead of time and kept tightly wrapped in the freezer.
  • Filling Prep: The peanut butter base (cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar) can be mixed and refrigerated for 1-2 days. Fold in the whipped topping just before assembling the pie to maintain its volume.

Alternate Methods to Make a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Alternatively, you can freeze this recipe or make it into individual servings.

  • Freezing (for Quicker Set): Place the assembled pie in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set it quickly for serving. This also makes the slices cleaner. Be aware that the filling will be frozen solid if left in the freezer for too long, essentially turning it into an ice cream pie.
  • Individual Servings (No 9-inch Pie Plate): Press the crust mixture into the bottom of muffin tins (lined with paper liners) to create miniature peanut butter pies. Fill with the peanut butter mixture and chill for 1-2 hours.

How to Store, Freeze and Use Leftovers

  • Store: Store the rich peanut butter filling chocolate pie, covered loosely with plastic wrap or a pie cover, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: To freeze, wrap the entire pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Use Leftovers: Make layered parfaits with layers of crumbled crust and pieces of the filling with chocolate syrup and extra whipped cream in small glasses.
    • Pie Shakes: Blend pie leftovers with milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a thick, decadent milkshake.

Common Questions About This Recipe

Can I Use Fresh Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?

Sure! Feel free to make your own homemade whipped cream to add on top with some chocolate chips.

Does the Crust Need to be Baked?

It’s best to bake the crust so that it doesn’t get soggy. But, if you have a great no-bake crust recipe go ahead and use that.

How Do I Get Clean Slices?

Get clean sliced by wiping off your knife in between each slice.

Why is my Pie Filling Not Setting Up/Too Loose?

If your pie isn’t setting up, it could be due to too much milk in the pudding. Next time, start by mixing in less milk than you think you need and adding a little bit at a time to get the right consistency.

A Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, and chopped peanut butter cups on a white plate.

Tips for Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie

  • Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps in the filling and guarantees a smooth, creamy texture.  
  • Tightly Pressed Crust: Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat glass to firmly press the crust crumbs into the bottom and sides of the pie plate. A firm crust holds up better when you make this recipe.
  • Clean Slices: For perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean with a paper towel between each cut. This prevents the creamy filling from sticking and dragging.
  • Chill Time is Crucial: Do not try to slice the pie until it has been thoroughly chilled for the minimum recommended time (usually 4 hours). This time is necessary for the fats (peanut butter, cream cheese, butter) to firm up and hold the pie’s shape.
  • Serve With: Serve with Sugar Cookie Fudge, Cream Cheese Whipped Cream or Snickers Cookies.

More Recipes You Might Like

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Save Recipe Final

Two slices of Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie with whipped topping and chopped peanut butter cups are served on small plates, while the remaining pie rests in a ceramic dish in the background.

No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie

5 from 18 votes
This No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie is a great no-bake treat. The peanut butter and chocolate are a well-loved flavor combination that everyone can't get enough of.
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

Video

Prep Time : 15 minutes
Cook Time : 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time : 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Author: Christina Hitchcock

Equipment

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.

Ingredients
 
 

Crust

  • 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup Butter, melted

Filling

  • 6.8 ounces Chocolate pudding mix, 2 boxes of 3.4 mix
  • 2 ½ cups Milk
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese, 1 brick, softened
  • ⅓ cup Peanut butter
  • 1 cup Confectioner's sugar
  • 16 ounces Whipped topping, thawed and divided
  • 10 Peanut butter cups, chopped and divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Mix together graham cracker crumbs and butter.
  • Press mixture into a 9 inch pie plate.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes.
  • Cool completely before filling.
  • Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix together pudding and milk.
  • Mix together cream cheese, peanut butter and confectioner’s sugar until creamy.
  • Fold in half of the thawed whipped topping.
  • Finely chop 6 peanut butter cups.
  • Spread the peanut butter mixture over the cooled crust.
  • Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups evenly over the mixture.
  • Spoon the pudding over the peanut butter layer.
  • Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding.
  • Cut the remaining 4 peanut butter cups in half.
  • Place peanut butter cup halves evenly around the pie.
  • Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Christina’s Notes

  • Add Reese’s Pieces: Decorate the top of your pie with more peanut butter goodness or use chocolate chips.
  • Stick with No-Stir Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter separates and can make the filling grainy or loose. Use creamy, shelf-stable brands like Jif or Skippy for smooth texture.
  • Soften Cream Cheese First: If using cream cheese, let it come to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese clumps and resists blending.
  • Fold, Don’t Stir: When adding whipped topping (like Cool Whip), gently fold it in to keep the filling light. Overmixing can deflate it and make the pie dense.
  • Choose the Right Crust: Oreo or chocolate graham cracker crusts pair best. Crush cookies finely and mix with melted butter for a sturdy base. Freeze briefly before filling to help it hold shape.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.

  • Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
  • Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
  • Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.

Click here to add your own private notes.

Nutrition

Calories: 716kcalCarbohydrates: 85gProtein: 15gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 965mgPotassium: 482mgFiber: 3gSugar: 66gVitamin A: 547IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 278mgIron: 2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a review & star rating to let everyone know what you thought.
We love honest feedback, but to keep reviews helpful for everyone, we reserve the right to remove star ratings if it is clear the recipe has not been made, if the comment does not provide meaningful input, or if significant substitutions or alterations were made. Please note that ratings should reflect the original recipe as written to avoid confusing other readers.

34 thoughts on “No Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Pie”

  4. 5 stars
    Looks delicious! I make a frozen version which my family loves so I know they’ll love this one and less work for me!

    Reply

  10. This looks sooooo good! I found you from y’day What’s Cooking Wednesday. I would love for you to share this recipe or another at my Tip Day Thursday Carnival over at Around My Family Table. Thanks. Wendy

    Reply

  11. That looks like a great way to end any meal!

    Thanks for stopping by What’s Cooking Wednesday! Hope you link up with us again next week!

    Diane

    Reply

  12. Geesh, that’s all I need… nothing else…that pie looks FANTASTIC!

    Thanks for stopping by What’s Cooking Wednesday! Hope to see you next week!

    Reply

  14. woweee! i could dig into this right now! i make a version of PB pie, but yours looks quite a bit easier and a bit more rich…i have to try it out. Thank you for linking up to TNSC..I’m so glad you joined

    Reply

    • Thanks, Christy! Your blog is great! Thanks for allowing the opportunity to share recipes! I’ve already gotten some great inspiration! I hope you enjoy the pie recipe — be sure to let me know how you make out, if you decide to try it!

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply

  16. I was just looking for a special treat to welcome home my husband who has been working out of town for several weeks. This will be perfect!

    Reply

    • Kristin — I hope your husband enjoys it as much as mine does! It seems to be fave among all of the men in my family! Be sure to let me know if he liked it!

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
5 from 18 votes (12 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Rate this Recipe