Introduction
The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a decadent dessert that transforms the beloved candy into an impressive, share-worthy pie. Combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a crunchy cookie crust, this dessert delivers indulgence in every bite. It’s perfect for celebrations, holidays, or anytime you want to satisfy a serious sweet tooth.
Origin
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were introduced in the United States in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and employee of Milton S. Hershey. The candy quickly became iconic for its simple yet irresistible pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a modern, homemade adaptation inspired by American dessert culture, where classic candies are reimagined into larger, more elaborate treats.
Cultural Significance
Chocolate and peanut butter desserts hold a special place in American cuisine, symbolizing comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence. This pie reflects the trend of elevating familiar snacks into show-stopping desserts, often featured at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Its popularity highlights the enduring love for Reese’s and the creativity of home bakers.
Ingredients & Quantity
Crust
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos or similar), crushed – 24 cookies
- Unsalted butter, melted – ½ cup (113 g)
Peanut Butter Filling
- Creamy peanut butter – 1½ cups (360 g)
- Cream cheese, softened – 8 oz (225 g)
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup (120 g)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Heavy cream (whipped) – 1 cup
Chocolate Topping
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1½ cups (255 g)
- Heavy cream – ¾ cup
Optional Additions
- Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for garnish
- Peanut butter drizzle on top
- Sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty contrast
- Crushed peanuts for added crunch
- Milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter finish
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling.
- Chill the crust before adding the filling to help it set firmly.
- Do not overheat the chocolate ganache; gentle heat prevents separation.
- For clean slices, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before cutting.
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust
Mix crushed cookies with melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Chill for 20 minutes. - Make the Filling
Beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Fold in whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy. - Assemble the Pie
Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled crust. - Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. - Finish and Chill
Pour chocolate ganache over the filling. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Description
This pie features a crisp chocolate cookie crust, a silky peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Each bite balances sweetness, creaminess, and richness, closely resembling a giant version of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup—only better.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, 10 slices)
- Calories: 520–560 kcal
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Sugar: 32 g
- Protein: 12 g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Conclusion
The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. It’s visually impressive, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a personal indulgence, it delivers comfort and indulgence in every slice.
Recommendation
Serve this pie chilled with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. It’s ideal for birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings where a memorable dessert is a must.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While this dessert is undeniably rich, enjoying it mindfully allows you to savor its flavors without overindulgence. You can make lighter substitutions—such as reduced-sugar chocolate or natural peanut butter—to balance indulgence with wellness. Treats like this remind us that moderation and enjoyment can coexist beautifully.
If you’d like, I can also shorten this for an assignment, turn it into a printable recipe card, or adapt it for a healthier or no-bake version 🍫🥜🥧