Irresistible Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies – Almost Delicious
If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these chocolate peanut butter mini pies will quickly become your new favorite dessert. They feature a rich and creamy peanut butter filling nestled in a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, all topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. The best part? They’re almost no bake, making them an easy and stress-free treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a pioneer woman easy chocolate tart, a quick peanut and chocolate dessert, or an easy Snickers dessert, these mini peanut butter pie cups will satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re great for parties, family gatherings, or just a personal indulgence. Plus, the individual portions make them perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!).
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Mini Pies
There are so many reasons to love these almost no bake mini chocolate peanut butter pies. Here are just a few:
- Minimal baking required: Only the crust is baked briefly, making this an easy dessert with no complicated steps.
- Rich and creamy texture: The smooth peanut butter filling pairs perfectly with the crunchy cookie crust.
- Perfectly portioned: Individual servings make them great for sharing or serving at events.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the crust, filling, or toppings to suit your preferences.
- No need for special equipment: Just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a muffin tin—no fancy tools required!
Ingredients for Almost No Bake Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies
To make these irresistible mini chocolate peanut butter pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed)
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Crushed peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Peanut butter drizzle
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Before you begin, gather these essential kitchen tools:
- Muffin tin or mini tart pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Saucepan for ganache
How to Make Irresistible Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect peanut butter pie cups:
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press into muffin tins: Divide the mixture evenly into a greased muffin tin, pressing the crumbs firmly into the bottom to form a crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes for a firmer texture. Let cool completely.
- Make the peanut butter filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Fill the crusts: Spoon or pipe the peanut butter filling into the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the ganache.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until warm (do not boil). Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Top with ganache: Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over each mini pie, spreading evenly with a spoon.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling and ganache to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, or a peanut butter drizzle for extra decadence.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Pie Cups
To ensure your mini chocolate peanut butter pies turn out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling. Low-fat options can result in a softer texture.
- Chill the crust well before adding the filling to prevent crumbling.
- Whip the heavy cream separately before folding it into the peanut butter mixture. This keeps the filling light and fluffy.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to ensure a rich and smooth topping.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to customize this recipe, try these variations:
- Make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Try a different crust: Swap chocolate cookie crumbs for graham crackers or a crushed pretzel crust for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Go dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free chocolate.
- Add a caramel drizzle: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though these peanut and chocolate desserts are simple to make, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overmixing the filling. This can cause the mixture to become too soft, making it harder to set.
- Not chilling long enough. The pies need time to set properly; otherwise, they may be too soft to hold their shape.
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can be too oily, affecting the texture of the filling. Stick to regular creamy peanut butter.
How to Store and Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
These mini peanut butter pie cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months, then let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What to Serve with These Easy Snickers Desserts
These chocolate peanut butter mini pies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with:
- A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- A tall glass of cold milk
- A drizzle of caramel or melted peanut butter for extra richness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These pies are perfect for making ahead. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream gives the best texture and flavor.
Do I have to bake the crust?
No, but a quick bake helps make the crust more stable. You can skip the baking step and just chill the crust for a softer texture.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a deeper, less sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
Conclusion
These almost no bake mini chocolate peanut butter pies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. They’re creamy, decadent, and incredibly easy to make, making them the perfect peanut butter pie cups for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, holiday gathering, or as a simple weeknight treat, they’re sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! If you loved these mini chocolate peanut butter pies, share them with friends and subscribe for more dessert recipes chocolate peanut butter ideas.
PrintIrresistible Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies – Almost Delicious
- Prep Time: 15 minutes – Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These mini chocolate peanut butter pies are rich, creamy, and almost no bake! Featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a silky peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping, they’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion. Whether you need a quick peanut and chocolate dessert or an easy Snickers dessert, these peanut butter pie cups are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed)
- 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, whipped
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
- Crushed peanuts
- Mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Peanut butter drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Divide the mixture evenly into a greased muffin tin (or mini tart pans), pressing the crumbs firmly into the bottom to form a crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes for a firmer crust. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Pies
- Spoon or pipe the peanut butter filling into the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops. Place in the refrigerator while preparing the ganache.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until warm (do not boil). Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Top with Ganache & Chill
- Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over each mini pie, spreading evenly with a spoon.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling and ganache to firm up.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Before serving, top with crushed peanuts, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, or a peanut butter drizzle for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling.
- For a no-bake crust, skip baking and chill the crusts for an extra 30 minutes.
- Dark chocolate can be used instead of semi-sweet for a less sweet, richer flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.