Indulging in a slice of Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is like enjoying the best of both worlds: creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy cookie crust, all in one heavenly dessert. This pie is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a delicious treat, this pie will surely impress.
The History of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Before diving into this mouth-watering recipe, let’s take a quick look at the history behind Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Created in 1928 by Harry Burnett Reese, the famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups have been a beloved candy treat for nearly a century. The iconic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination has become a staple in American households, and now, it can be the star ingredient in a dessert that takes this classic to the next level.
Ingredients
This recipe is designed to create a giant pie that serves a crowd, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just because. With layers of decadent chocolate, creamy peanut butter filling, and a crunchy, buttery cookie crust, it’s a treat everyone will be raving about.
Chocolate Base:
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – This will provide the rich chocolate flavor that contrasts perfectly with the peanut butter filling.
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream – The cream helps to smooth out the chocolate and create a glossy finish once it’s set.
Cookie Crust:
- 12 Oreo cookies – The iconic chocolate cookie adds a rich and crunchy base.
- 12 Nutter Butter cookies – These peanut butter cookies complement the peanut butter filling.
- 6 tbsp salted butter, melted – The butter binds the crushed cookies together and adds richness to the crust.
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter – Use a high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- 8 oz whipped cream cheese – This adds creaminess and tang to the peanut butter filling.
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar – This will help sweeten the filling just enough without overpowering the peanut butter flavor.
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed – For an airy texture and to lighten up the peanut butter filling.
Toppings:
- 8 full-size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Chop these up and sprinkle on top for that extra punch of peanut butter and chocolate goodness.
How To Make The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
1. Preparing the Cookie Crust
Start by preparing the crust. This is the foundation of your Reese’s peanut butter pie and will provide the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. In a food processor or with a rolling pin, crush the Oreo and Nutter Butter cookies into fine crumbs. Once crushed, transfer them into a bowl and add the melted salted butter. Mix everything together until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Now, press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to ensure the crust is compact and evenly distributed. Place the crust in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up while you prepare the next layers.
2. Making the Chocolate Layer
Next, it’s time to make the delicious chocolate base. In a medium saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This should only take a few minutes.
Once the chocolate has melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, pour it over the chilled cookie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula so that it covers the entire crust. Place the pie back into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
3. Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling
While the chocolate layer is chilling, it’s time to make the rich peanut butter filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, whipped cream cheese, and powdered sugar together until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and velvety.
Once the peanut butter mixture is ready, gently fold in the Cool Whip. This will lighten up the filling and give it a fluffy texture. Be sure not to overmix, as you want to maintain the airy consistency.
4. Assembling the Pie
Once the chocolate layer is set and firm, carefully spread the peanut butter filling over the chocolate layer. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and ensure it’s evenly distributed. The creamy peanut butter filling should be thick and rich, creating a perfect contrast to the smooth chocolate base.
5. Adding the Toppings
The final step in making this dessert as indulgent as possible is adding the toppings. Chop up the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into smaller pieces and scatter them generously over the top of the pie. These chopped pieces will add a delightful crunch and burst of peanut butter flavor that will take this dessert to the next level.
6. Chilling the Pie
Once the pie is fully assembled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld together. For the best results, allow the pie to chill overnight. The longer it sits, the more the flavors develop.
7. Serving and Enjoying
After the pie has chilled and set, it’s time to serve! Use a sharp knife to slice through the layers and serve each slice chilled. The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. You’ll enjoy the balance of the crunchy cookie crust, silky chocolate base, and the luscious peanut butter filling, all topped with delicious Reese’s pieces.
Tips for the Perfect Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the more delicious your pie will be. Opt for premium peanut butter and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Let the pie chill properly: Patience is key. Allow the pie to chill for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure the layers set perfectly.
- Customize the crust: If you prefer a graham cracker crust, you can easily substitute the Oreo and Nutter Butter cookies with graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
- Top with extra Reese’s cups: For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle more chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top before serving.
Why You Should Try This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie
This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is a showstopper that will wow your guests and satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply craving a treat, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit.
