There was a time not long ago when my daughter asked for a dessert that reminded her of her grandma’s kitchen—a sweet she said made moments feel like hugs. That was how the Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie came into our family’s meal rotation. She described it as the kind of dessert that feels like coming home, with its creamy peanut butter filling and buttery crust. I took that as a challenge. After some trial and error, I discovered how to make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie just right, one that brings people together around the table.
Making this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie became more than just a recipe—it became a way for all of us to pause, gather, and enjoy a slice of something special. The first time I served it, watching faces light up as they took that first bite, it surprised me how a simple recipe could spark so much joy and conversation. It’s more than just a pie; it’s comfort wrapped in every spoonful.
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie fits beautifully into busy family schedules. It’s a no-fuss dessert that feels rich and special without hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a go-to for both celebrations and those moments when everyone needs a little sweetness to brighten the day.
If you’re looking for a classic peanut butter dessert to bring your family’s smiles to the table, this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is for you. It’s straightforward, dependable, and such a crowd-pleaser. I’m excited for you to try it and see how it becomes part of your family’s favorites, just like it did ours.
What You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie couldn’t be easier. You’ll find everything at your regular grocery store—no specialty trips needed. Here’s what I use every time:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (for a buttery crust)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (adds richness to the crust)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (trust me, the classic peanut butter cream pie flavor comes from good quality here)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (softening it makes mixing smooth)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for just the right amount of sweetness)
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed (this keeps it light and fluffy)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (a little background flavor that ties everything together)

For the best Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie, I recommend choosing natural creamy peanut butter without extra oil separation. It blends smoother and keeps your pie filling silky. My family prefers Skippy or Jif because they balance flavor and texture so well.
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is pretty forgiving if you need to swap ingredients. No cream cheese? Greek yogurt can sometimes work for a lighter twist, though the texture changes. Out of graham crackers? Digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers make a lovely crust alternative.
Here’s a little Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie secret: I like to toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter. It adds a subtle depth you won’t want to miss. Also, soften cream cheese ahead of time to avoid lumps in the pie filling—that’s a kitchen win right there.
How to Make It
Making this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie fits nicely into a busy day—it typically takes me about 20 minutes prep, then some patience letting it chill. Here’s the simple way I prepare it every time:
- Start with the crust. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are completely coated.
- Press the crust into a pie pan. Use the bottom of a glass to press evenly, forming a firm base for your pie. This step makes sure the crust holds together and doesn’t crumble when you slice.
- Chill the crust. Pop it into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you prepare the filling. This helps it set and makes slicing neater later.
- Whip the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. This is where your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie fills with creamy magic.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until combined, then gently fold in your whipped topping, keeping the filling light and fluffy.
- Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Spread it evenly, smoothing the surface for that perfect presentation.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to firm up. Your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie will taste best chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
You’ll know your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is ready when slicing reveals clean edges and the filling holds its shape without wobbling. If you’re short on time, freeze for 30 minutes to speed it up, but don’t freeze too long—you want that creamy texture, not icy.
One old mistake I made with this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie was not softening the cream cheese properly. That resulted in lumps that made the texture less pleasant. Now, I always prep it a few hours beforehand to keep the filling smooth and dreamy.
While your Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is chilling, it’s a great time to plan your next family meal. If you love this pie, you might want to try the no-bake peanut butter pie recipe from The BakerMama for a slightly different take. For a chocolatey twist, check out the Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie that’s another family favorite.
Serving Ideas
Serving this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie always brings a smile to my family’s faces. We love it chilled and simple, but here are a few ways to make it feel extra special:
- Top with crushed peanuts or chopped peanut butter cups for added crunch.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce—peanut butter and chocolate are a classic match.
- Add fresh sliced bananas alongside for a fruity contrast that delights picky eaters.

This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is perfect for birthday parties, holiday dinners, or anytime you crave a cozy dessert without fuss. I often bring it to potlucks where it disappears fast—trust me, everyone reaches for seconds.
Leftover pie? Wrap it up tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps well, and the flavors even deepen after a day. My family’s favorite variation is adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top. If your crew enjoys richer desserts, this twist will be a hit.
I’m excited to share that our community really loves this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie too! If your family enjoys classic peanut butter desserts, you might also want to take a peek at Momsgate’s peanut butter pie collection for more ideas. There’s something heartwarming about gathering to share slices of this pie and stories alike.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, I prefer making it a day ahead. The pie firms up nicely overnight, allowing the flavors to marry. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for my Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
You can substitute with mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The texture changes slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency while mixing.
Is this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie gluten-free?
Not as is, since the crust uses graham crackers, which typically contain gluten. However, you can swap for gluten-free graham crumbs or use a nut-based crust to keep it gluten-friendly.
How do I store leftover Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Use airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie?
You can freeze it, but be cautious. The texture may become a bit grainy after thawing. I recommend freezing slices individually, then thawing in the fridge before serving.
How can I make my Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie more decadent?
Try swirling in chocolate ganache or adding a layer of crushed peanut butter cups between the crust and filling. My family loves this version during birthdays.
Is this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie the same as a no-bake peanut butter pie?
Yes! This recipe is a great example of a no-bake peanut butter pie, making it simple to prepare without heating up your kitchen.
If you want to compare variations, take a look at the classic school peanut butter pie recipe shared in this friendly Facebook group. It’s a great way to see simple tweaks other home cooks make.
The Final Word
This Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie has earned a top spot in my recipe collection because it brings people together with ease and taste. It’s a dessert that welcomes family to the table without any stress or fuss.
My Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie Tips:
- Always soften cream cheese fully for the smoothest filling.
- Use freshly whipped topping rather than canned for a lighter texture.
- Chill the crust before filling to keep slices neat and manageable.
Over time, I’ve tried adding chocolate ganache, swapping in a peanut butter and banana twist, and even layering with caramel. Each variation brought out a different side of this traditional peanut butter pie that my family enjoyed.
My kids favor the classic version, while my husband loves the extra chocolate. My friends often ask for the version with nuts on top, which adds a nice crunch.
If you give this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie a try, I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine does. It’s a recipe that’s as welcoming as a warm kitchen and as comforting as a family hug. For other recipe favorites, you might appreciate the Old Fashioned Gumdrop Nougat Candy or the fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits to round out a meal.
Making this Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is not only achievable but a real crowd-pleaser. Get ready to see how a simple pie can turn everyday moments into family memories.
Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie
This classic Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Pie is a creamy, rich dessert featuring a smooth peanut butter filling in a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Optional: chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
For added texture and flavor, serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

