If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully balances rich, creamy peanut butter custard and a delightfully crumbly crust, all crowned with a cloud of whipped cream. This pie is comfort food perfected, inviting you to savor every luscious bite and share the joy with those you love. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but crucial, each playing a special role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From creamy peanut butter to smooth custard and a crisp crust, every component matters.
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the perfect sturdy base with a buttery crunch.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the custard while balancing the peanut butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds that irresistible creamy, nutty flavor pivotal to the pie.
- 3 cups whole milk: Makes the custard luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect pudding-like consistency.
- 3 large egg yolks: Give the custard its silky texture and body.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the peanut buttery notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the custard.
- Whipped cream, for topping: Lightens the richness with fluffy cloud-like sweetness.
How to Make Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Crumbs
Start by mixing half a cup of sugar with the peanut butter in a small bowl. This mixture becomes delightfully crumbly and forms the textured layers of the pie. Set it aside as it will perfectly contrast the smooth custard later on.
Step 2: Warm the Milk
Gently heat 2 and a half cups of milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye to avoid boiling—warm milk is essential for blending well with the custard ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the remaining sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, salt, and the last half cup of milk until everything is silky smooth. This base is the magic behind your creamy filling.
Step 4: Combine and Cook the Custard
Slowly add your egg mixture to the warmed milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir continuously over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the custard thickens and bubbles delightfully, signaling it’s ready.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Cool
Remove the custard from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, which imparts a gentle fragrance and extra flavor depth. Allow the custard to cool slightly so it’s easier to work with when assembling the pie.
Step 6: Layer the Pie
Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumbs evenly on the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Pour the warm custard over the crumbs, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula for that perfect clean finish.
Step 7: Add Final Crumb Layer and Chill
Top the custard with the remaining peanut butter crumbs, giving the pie a textured, nutty cap to complement the creamy center. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing everything to set firmly before serving.
Step 8: Add Whipped Cream and Serve
Before serving, generously dollop or pipe whipped cream on top to add a light and airy contrast, making every bite beautifully balanced.
How to Serve Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the whipped cream topping is a classic choice, try sprinkling some chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate to add texture and visual appeal. These small touches turn your pie into a showstopper that feels special every single time.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of black coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect play of temperatures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special touch, serve individual slices on pretty plates with a mint sprig or a pinch of cocoa powder dusted atop the whipped cream. You can also incorporate mini version pie servings in clear jars for a charming picnic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those peanut buttery flavors again without any fuss.
Freezing
While freezing this pie isn’t ideal because the texture could change, you can freeze the custard separately before assembling for up to one month. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator before adding to a freshly baked crust and topping with crumbs and whipped cream.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a warmer version, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for just a few seconds, watching carefully to avoid melting the custard or whipped cream topping.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A pre-baked store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves you time while still delivering that buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling.
Is it possible to use peanut butter alternatives?
You can experiment with almond or cashew butter, but keep in mind the flavor will shift and the texture might be slightly different. For the classic Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe experience, stick to creamy peanut butter.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
Chilling for 2 to 3 hours is key to letting the custard set completely and the flavors meld together beautifully, so don’t rush this step if you want the best texture.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the pie crust for a gluten-free version, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to keep the whipped cream from melting?
Use freshly whipped cream stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin if you need it to hold up longer, and keep the pie refrigerated until serving to maintain that fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing the Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe, from its lovingly simple ingredients to that luscious final bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this pie delivers joy and comfort in every slice. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with a new favorite dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious!
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Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a luscious and nostalgic dessert featuring a creamy peanut butter custard filling nestled in a pre-baked pie crust, topped with crumbly peanut butter bits and whipped cream. It blends rich, nutty flavors with a smooth, velvety texture, perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a classic, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Pie Base and Topping
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for peanut butter crumbs)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- Whipped cream, for topping
Custard Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Crumbs: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the peanut butter. Mix until it forms crumbly bits. Set this mixture aside for layering in the pie.
- Heat Milk: Pour 2 1/2 cups of the whole milk into a medium saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling, preparing it to mix with the custard ingredients.
- Mix Custard Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook the Custard: Slowly add the egg yolk mixture into the warm milk in the saucepan, whisking continuously to combine. Cook the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens and starts to bubble, achieving a custard consistency.
- Finish Custard: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly so it thickens and cools before assembling the pie.
- Assemble the Pie: Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumbs evenly across the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. Pour the warm custard filling over the crumbs, spreading it evenly across the crust surface.
- Top and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbs over the custard. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill it for 2 to 3 hours or until it is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, serve the pie topped with a generous amount of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk does not boil while heating to prevent curdling the custard.
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smoother crumb texture or chunky for added crunch.
- Chilling time is crucial for the custard to set properly, so do not skip or shorten it.
- For a richer flavor, consider lightly toasting the pie crust before adding the crumbs.
- Leftover pie should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days for best freshness.
