Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Combining a rich chocolate graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache, this pie is a decadent treat that will please any crowd.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed chocolate graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then cool completely.
3. Make Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until well combined.
5. Assemble Pie: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
6. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy.
7. Top Pie: Pour the ganache over the chilled peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for another 1 hour.
8. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top of the pie.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices

Variations

• Crust Variation: Use a regular graham cracker crust or a crushed Oreo crust instead of chocolate graham crackers.
• Filling Variation: Substitute the creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• Ganache Variation: Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter ganache.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: This pie is best served chilled. Reheat is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the ganache and filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   Yes, but natural peanut butter may result in a different texture in the filling.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Absolutely. This pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this pie?
   Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What if I don’t have a 9-inch pie dish?
   You can use a different size pie dish or even a tart pan; just adjust the baking and chilling times as needed.
5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
   Yes, a pre-made graham cracker crust can be used as a substitute for the homemade crust.
6. Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
   Yes, you can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative.
7. How do I make this pie gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
8. Can I add a layer of fruit?
   Yes, you can add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the ganache.
9. What if the ganache isn’t smooth?
   Ensure that the cream is heated properly and the chocolate chips are stirred in completely. If necessary, reheat gently and stir until smooth.
10. How can I make this pie less sweet?
    Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and powdered sugar in the recipe to taste.

Conclusion

This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is a showstopper dessert that perfectly balances creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate ganache. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat, it’s sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy this indulgent dessert with family and friends, and savor every decadent bite!

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