Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Indulge in this decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie, combining creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in a graham cracker crust. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat for any peanut butter lover, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 ½ tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 ¼ cup crunchy peanut butter
• ½ cup salted sweet cream butter

Directions:

1. Prepare the Tart Pan
   Line the bottom circle of a 9-inch fluted tart pan with a circle of parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment circle with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
2. Melt the Chocolate
   Using a medium-size heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Heat the chips and oil for 45-55 seconds. Stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted and smooth.
3. Coat the Tart Pan
   Spoon ½ of the melted chocolate into the prepared tart pan. Using a large spoon or offset spatula, evenly spread the chocolate over the bottom of the tart pan and up the sides. Chill the coated tart pan in the refrigerator while preparing the chunky peanut butter filling.
4. Prepare the Filling
   Using a large mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Set it aside.
5. Combine Peanut Butter and Butter
   Using a medium-size heat-safe mixing bowl, add the chunky peanut butter and the butter. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove the bowl and stir to thoroughly combine.
6. Mix the Filling
   Pour the chunky peanut butter mixture over the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the mixture is completely incorporated.
7. Fill the Tart Pan
   Remove the chocolate-coated tart pan from the refrigerator. Using either a silicone spatula or an offset spatula, spread the chunky peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the coated tart pan. Ensure the mixture is smooth and even.
8. Add the Top Chocolate Layer
   Spoon the remaining melted chocolate mixture on top of the chunky peanut butter layer. Use the spoon or an offset spatula to evenly smooth the chocolate all the way to the sides.
9. Settle and Chill
   Once the remaining chocolate has been spread, gently tap the tart pan to ensure the chocolate settles. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours to overnight.
10. Prepare for Serving
    When you are ready to serve, remove the tart pan from the refrigerator. To remove the peanut butter cup from the tart pan, center the pan over a small mixing bowl and apply slight pressure to the edge of the tart pan to encourage the sides to come away. Have a serving platter or 10-inch cake circle ready to place the peanut butter cup pie on.
11. Remove the Tart Pan Bottom
    Gently flip the pie upside down to remove the removable tart pan bottom, and carefully peel off the parchment circle. Place the serving plate or cake circle over the bottom of the pie and flip the pie back over.
12. Slice and Serve
    Slice into wedges and serve.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Chilled
   This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is best served chilled. The cool temperature helps maintain the pie’s structure and enhances the flavors of the creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate.
2. Garnish Options
   For an extra touch, garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts. You can also add a small Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup on top of each slice for a fun presentation.
3. Pair with Beverages
   This pie pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration
   Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pie will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.
2. Freezing
   If you want to store the pie for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Make Ahead
   This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the pie up to the final chilling step and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. This makes it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings where you want to save time on the day of the event.
4. Transporting Tips
   If you need to transport the pie, keep it in the tart pan until you reach your destination to ensure it stays intact. Keep it chilled in a cooler or insulated bag to maintain its firmness.

Variations:

1. White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie
   Substitute milk chocolate chips with white chocolate chips. This variation offers a sweeter, creamier twist on the original recipe.
2. Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie
   Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. This is a great option for dark chocolate lovers.
3. Oreo Crust
   Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey crust that complements the peanut butter filling beautifully.
4. Nutella Peanut Butter Cup Pie
   Add a layer of Nutella between the peanut butter filling and the top chocolate layer for a hazelnut-flavored twist.
5. Peanut Butter Banana Pie
   Add a layer of sliced bananas over the peanut butter mixture before adding the top chocolate layer. The banana adds a fresh and fruity flavor that pairs well with the peanut butter and chocolate.
6. Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cup Pie
   Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top chocolate layer before chilling the pie. This adds a delicious salty-sweet element to the dessert.
7. Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
   Mix crushed pretzels into the graham cracker crust for a salty, crunchy texture. You can also sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate layer for added crunch.
8. Almond Butter Cup Pie
   Substitute crunchy peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor. Almond butter pairs wonderfully with chocolate and can be a nice change from the traditional peanut butter.
9. Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie
   Use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and plant-based powdered sugar to make a vegan version of this delicious pie. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.
10. Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pie
    Blend cream cheese into the peanut butter mixture for a creamy, cheesecake-like texture. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate.

FAQs:

1. Can I make the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie ahead of time?
   Yes, this pie can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the pie up to the final chilling step and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
2. How do I keep the chocolate smooth when melting it?
   Melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring between each interval. This prevents the chocolate from overheating and ensures a smooth, even melt.
3. Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
   Yes, you can use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a creamier texture. The pie will still have a delicious peanut butter flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
5. Can I freeze this pie?
   Yes, you can freeze the pie. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
6. What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
   You can use crushed Oreo cookies, digestive biscuits, or any other cookie crumbs as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs. This will change the flavor of the crust but will still be delicious.
7. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing the pie?
   To prevent the chocolate from cracking, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water. Dry the knife before slicing to get clean cuts.
8. Can I use a different size pan?
   Yes, you can use a different size pan, but you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities and chilling times. A smaller pan will make a thicker pie, while a larger pan will make a thinner pie.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a delightful graham cracker crust. Perfect for any special occasion or a treat for peanut butter lovers, this pie is sure to impress. With various serving, storage, and customization options, you can tailor it to suit any preference or dietary need. Enjoy this indulgent dessert and share it with family and friends for a memorable treat.