Introduction and Overview
What is a Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie?
A Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a decadent dessert inspired by the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy. This pie features a rich, creamy peanut butter filling encased in a thick layer of smooth milk chocolate, all within a crispy chocolate cookie crust. It’s a larger-than-life version of everyone’s favorite peanut butter and chocolate combination, making it the perfect dessert for peanut butter lovers. This pie is simple to make but delivers an impressive and indulgent dessert that’s ideal for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
An Indulgent, Show-Stopping Dessert
This pie offers all the delicious flavors of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, but in an oversized form that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). With its creamy peanut butter filling, sweet chocolate shell, and crunchy cookie crust, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
Main Ingredients
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is the star of the filling, providing a rich and creamy texture. It’s also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying base for the pie.
Chocolate
Milk chocolate melts to create the signature chocolate shell that coats the peanut butter filling. You can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference.
Graham Crackers or Chocolate Cookies
The crust is typically made from crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies, creating a crunchy base that complements the creamy filling.
Butter
Butter binds the crust together and adds a rich flavor to both the crust and the peanut butter filling.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the peanut butter filling without making it grainy, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.
Nutritional Benefits
Peanut Butter: High in Protein and Healthy Fats
Peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you full and satisfied. It also contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
Chocolate: Source of Antioxidants
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains antioxidants known as flavonoids, which can help protect your body from oxidative stress.
Preparation and Variations
Basic Recipe
Ingredients List
To make a Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie, you’ll need:
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Assorted Reese’s candies (Reese’s Pieces, Mini Reese’s Cups, etc.) for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This will add lightness to the filling.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream to keep the filling light and fluffy.
- Fill the Pie Crust:
- Spread the peanut butter mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
- Make Chocolate Ganache:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Top with Ganache:
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter filling, spreading it evenly to cover the entire top of the pie.
- Decorate:
- Decorate the top of the pie with assorted Reese’s candies, arranging them in a visually appealing manner.
- Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set. This chilling time allows the pie to firm up and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: Approximately 600 kcal
Recipe Variations
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Pie
For a less sweet version, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for the topping. The slight bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet peanut butter filling.
Peanut Butter Oreo Pie
For an extra chocolatey crust, use crushed peanut butter Oreos or chocolate sandwich cookies in place of graham crackers. This will enhance both the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
No-Bake Version
Skip baking the crust by using more butter to help it set in the fridge. Once the crust is pressed into the pie dish, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before adding the filling.
Salted Peanut Butter Pie
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty combination. The salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serving Suggestions
As a Decadent Dessert
This pie is rich and indulgent, making it the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions. Serve it as the finale to a dinner party for a show-stopping treat.
With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
For an extra indulgent experience, serve a slice of the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
Pairing Ideas
With Coffee or Espresso
The bold, slightly bitter flavor of coffee or espresso complements the sweetness of the pie. A cup of strong coffee balances the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.
With a Glass of Milk
A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for peanut butter and chocolate treats. The milk’s creaminess helps cut through the richness of the pie, making it a refreshing combination.
With a Dessert Wine
For an adult pairing, try serving this pie with a dessert wine like Port or Moscato. The sweet wine enhances the flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter while adding a luxurious touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Yes! If you prefer some texture in your pie, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. It adds a nice crunch to the filling.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! To make this pie gluten-free, use gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers for the crust.
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you have a peanut allergy.
Conclusion
The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a decadent and crowd-pleasing dessert that takes the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate to a whole new level. With its creamy peanut butter filling, rich chocolate coating, and crispy cookie crust, this pie is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or simply when you’re craving something indulgent. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this oversized version of a Reese’s peanut butter cup is sure to impress!