Description
Dolly Parton’s peanut butter pie is a no-bake Southern classic featuring a creamy peanut butter filling nestled in a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream and chopped peanuts. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or easy weeknight desserts. Easily made gluten-free or vegan.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– ½ cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir variety recommended)
– 8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed, e.g., Cool Whip)
For the Crust:
– 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
For Garnish (optional):
– Whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
– Chopped peanuts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
- Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping and chopped peanuts if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
– Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter natural peanut butter will make the filling oily and gritty.
– Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth blend without lumps. Leave it out at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
– Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust. Verify that the whipped topping is GF (most are).
– Vegan option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a plant-based whipped topping. Check that the crust is vegan-friendly.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid freezing whipped topping garnishes as they lose texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert / Pie
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of pie)
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg