3. Assemble the pie

1. Spoon the peanut butter cream into the cooled pie shell and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air pockets.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The filling firms and the flavors harmonize.

4. Make the optional ganache and final topping

1. For ganache: heat the ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate, let sit 30–60 seconds, then stir until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly until pourable but not hot. Drizzle artistically over the chilled pie.
2. Pipe or dollop additional whipped cream on top and sprinkle chopped peanuts, a pinch of flaky salt, or chocolate shavings. Serve chilled.

Tips for success

• Room temperature cream cheese: This prevents lumps and gives a silkier filling. If you forgot to soften it, cut into small pieces and let sit 15–20 minutes or microwave briefly in 5-second bursts.
• Whip to the right stage: For folding into the peanut mixture, medium-stiff peaks are best — too soft and the filling will be runny, too stiff and you risk overbeating lumps.
• Prevent a soggy crust: Blind-bake and/or brush with melted chocolate. Pressed graham crusts benefit from a short bake, too.
• Salt balance: Peanut butter varies — taste as you go. A small pinch of flaky sea salt on top intensifies the flavor.
• Make-ahead: This pie keeps very well in the fridge for 2–3 days. If you want to freeze, freeze the un-topped pie (well wrapped) for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before adding whipped cream and garnishes.

Variations & swaps

• Crunchy peanut butter: Swap in for texture, or fold some chopped peanuts into the filling.
• Chocolate crust: Use crushed Oreos or cocoa in the crust for a chocolate-peanut twist.
• No-bake version: Use the graham crust, skip the blind-bake, and make the filling exactly as written — chill until set.
• Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut cream whipped until stiff, and vegan butter in the crust. Use a stabilized non-dairy cream if you need structure.

Serving ideas

Serve chilled with a forkful of fresh berries to cut the richness, or pair a slice with black coffee for balance. For a party, make mini versions in tartlet pans for individual servings.

This pie celebrates simple, familiar pantry staples — peanut butter, cream cheese, heavy cream — and turns them into something special: smooth yet substantial, decadent but approachable. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want a little warm-hearted comfort with a spoonful of nostalgia. Want a printable version or metric-only measurements? I can format that next. 🍰🥜