Alright, get ready to have your mind blown and your sweet tooth utterly satisfied! We’re diving headfirst into the glorious world of the Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie. Seriously, this isn’t just a dessert; it’s an event. It’s the kind of pie that makes everyone gasp when you bring it out, and then silence falls over the room because they’re too busy devouring it.
I first stumbled upon the idea for a giant, over-the-top peanut butter cup pie after a particularly intense craving (you know the kind!). I wanted something decadent, something easy (because who wants to spend all day baking when you could be eating?), and something that really, *really* delivered on that perfect chocolate and peanut butter combo. And let me tell you, this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie nails it. It’s no-bake, ridiculously simple to put together, and the results are just *wow*. Trust me, this is going to be your new go-to showstopper for parties, holidays, or just a Tuesday night when you deserve something amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Okay, so why *this* pie? Besides the obvious “hello, Reese’s!”, there are a few reasons this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is going to become your new obsession. It’s got everything you want in a dessert:
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Seriously Easy: It’s completely no-bake! No oven required, just a little mixing and chilling. Perfect for those hot days or when you just don’t feel like firing up the kitchen.
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Flavor Explosion: That classic chocolate and peanut butter combo is just unbeatable. Rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
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Looks Like a Million Bucks: This pie is seriously impressive. Bringing this out is guaranteed to get oohs and aahs. It’s a total showstopper!
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Crowd Pleaser: Who doesn’t love Reese’s? This pie disappears fast, I promise you. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Essential Equipment for Your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Making this amazing pie doesn’t require a ton of fancy gadgets, which is another reason I love it! You’ll need a couple of basics to get the job done right. The most important is a good 9-inch springform pan. This is key for getting those beautiful, tall sides and serving it up easily. You’ll also want a couple of mixing bowls (one for the crust, one for the filling), your trusty measuring cups and spoons, and something to crush those cookies – a food processor makes it quick, but a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin work just fine too!
Ingredients for a Perfect Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff – the ingredients! You don’t need a massive list for this showstopper, but using the right kind and getting them ready is key to that perfect Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Loads of Reese’s: Grab 24 of those regular-sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Yes, twenty-four! Some go in the bottom, some go on top. Pure heaven.
- Chocolate Cookies: You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of crushed chocolate cookies for the crust. Think Oreos, with the cream filling taken out (unless you like it extra sweet, then leave ’em in!), or any similar chocolate cookie you love. Crush them up fine!
- Melted Butter: 6 tablespoons of good old melted butter to hold that crust together. Don’t skimp here!
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 1 cup of powdered sugar to sweeten up that filling and make it smooth.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup of your favorite creamy peanut butter. Make sure it’s creamy, not the natural stuff that separates, you want that smooth texture.
- Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block of cream cheese, and this is important – make sure it’s completely softened! Leave it out on the counter for a bit, it makes all the difference in getting a smooth filling.
- Whipped Topping: An 8-ounce container of frozen whipped topping, thawed. This keeps the filling light and airy.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup for that luscious ganache topping.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup to melt with the chocolate chips and make that pourable, shiny ganache.
That’s it! Simple ingredients for an absolutely extraordinary pie.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Okay, let’s get this party started! Making this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is surprisingly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to peanut butter cup bliss. Read through everything first so you know what’s coming!
Preparing the Crust for Your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
First things first, the foundation! This is where some of those glorious Reese’s cups go in. Grab your 9-inch springform pan and unwrap 16 of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Place them in a single layer right on the bottom of the pan. Don’t overlap them too much; just get a nice even layer. Next, in a medium bowl, mix together your crushed chocolate cookies and the melted butter. Stir it until it looks like wet sand and is all combined. Now, pour that mixture over the Reese’s cups in the pan. Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and push it about 2 inches up the sides. You want a nice, solid crust that won’t crumble when you cut it. Make sure it’s pretty even all around.
Crafting the Creamy Filling for the Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Here’s where the magic happens – that smooth, dreamy peanut butter filling! Get out a large mixing bowl. Add your softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Beat these together with an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease!) until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no lumps of cream cheese left. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is getting incorporated. Now, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Do this carefully with a spatula, incorporating it without deflating that lovely airiness. You want a light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth peanut butter filling.
Freezing and Finishing Your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Now for the chill time! Carefully spoon or spread that glorious peanut butter mixture evenly over the Reese’s cups and crust in your springform pan. Make sure the top is relatively smooth. Pop the whole pan into the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is nice and firm. This step is super important before adding the ganache! Once it’s firm, it’s time for the chocolate topping. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and shiny. This is your ganache! Pour this warm (but not hot!) ganache carefully over the frozen pie, letting it spread out to the edges. Before the ganache sets completely, arrange the remaining 8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top. You can put them all around the edge or in a fun pattern! Finally, put the pie back in the freezer for at least another hour to let that ganache set up and the whole pie firm up perfectly before slicing. Patience is a virtue, especially when pie is involved!
Expert Tips for Your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Okay, so you’ve got the steps down, but here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up that will make your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie go from great to absolutely *perfect*. Trust me on these!
- Room Temp is Your Friend: Make sure your cream cheese and peanut butter are truly softened before you start mixing the filling. This is key for getting that unbelievably smooth, lump-free texture. If they’re cold, it’ll be harder to combine and you might end up with little bits of cream cheese.
- Ganache Guru: When you’re making the ganache, don’t overheat the chocolate! Go slow with the microwave, just those 30-second bursts, and stir well in between. You want it melted and smooth, not scorched. It should be pourable but not super hot when it hits the frozen pie.
- Slice Like a Pro: For those picture-perfect slices (and trust me, you’ll want pictures!), dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. This warms the blade just enough to glide through the frozen layers cleanly. Repeat for every slice, and you’ll have beautiful pieces every time!
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie Variations
One of the best things about this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is how easy it is to play around with! While the classic is pure perfection, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. Want to add more chocolate? Swap out some of the Reese’s cups for mini peanut butter cups or even chopped chocolate bars. A little splash of vanilla extract or even a hint of almond extract in the filling can add another layer of flavor. You could also try a different crust – maybe a graham cracker crust or even crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty kick! Don’t be afraid to experiment; it’s your pie, make it your own!
Serving and Storing Your Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Okay, the hardest part is waiting for it to freeze! When you’re ready to serve your magnificent Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, remember that warm knife trick I mentioned – it really does make for the cleanest slices. Just dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice away! You can serve it straight from the freezer, which is how I love it, or let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes for a slightly softer texture. Any leftovers (if there are any!) should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer. It keeps really well, though I doubt it will last long!
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie: Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, you’re probably already dreaming about that first bite! But maybe a few little questions are popping into your head. Totally normal! Here are some things folks often ask about making this epic Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie:
Can I Make This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely, yes! This is one of the best things about this no-bake pie. You can make the entire thing, including the ganache and topping, and keep it wrapped tightly in the freezer for up to a week. Just pull it out about 10-15 minutes before you plan to slice it to make cutting easier. It’s perfect for parties because you can get it all done in advance!
What Kind of Chocolate Cookies Work Best for the Crust?
For this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie crust, I usually reach for classic chocolate sandwich cookies, like Oreos. I twist them open and scrape out the cream filling first, just because I find the crust holds together a little better without it, and the pie is already plenty sweet! But any plain chocolate cookie or even chocolate graham crackers would work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re crushed into fine crumbs so your crust is nice and solid.
How Do I Get Clean Slices of My Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie?
Ah, the key to those beautiful, clean slices! Since this is a frozen pie, the filling and ganache can be quite firm. The best trick is to use a sharp knife that you’ve dipped in hot water and then quickly wiped dry with a towel before each slice. The warm blade melts through the layers just enough to give you a smooth, clean cut. Do this for every single slice, and you’ll have perfect wedges!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so we’ve talked all about how delicious and easy this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is, but I know some of you like to have an idea of the nutritional side of things. Now, baking is an art, not an exact science when it comes to this stuff, and things like the specific brand of peanut butter or chocolate chips you use can make a difference. So, please keep in mind that the nutritional information below is just an estimate. It’s based on the ingredients listed and a standard serving size, but think of it as a ballpark figure, not a strict rule! This pie is definitely a treat, meant for enjoying and celebrating!
Here’s a general idea per serving (based on 10 servings):
- Calories: ~780
- Sugar: ~60g
- Sodium: ~280mg
- Fat: ~55g
- Saturated Fat: ~25g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~65g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~12g
- Cholesterol: ~60mg
Remember, these are just estimates! The most important thing is to enjoy every single bite of this incredible Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie!
Print
Giant Reeses Peanut Butter Pie: 24 Cups
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is a decadent dessert featuring a chocolate crust, peanut butter filling, and chocolate ganache topping.
Ingredients
- 24 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Arrange 16 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter. Press into the bottom and 2 inches up the sides of the pan.
- Beat confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread peanut butter mixture over the Reese’s cups in the crust. Freeze for 2 hours or until firm.
- Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the frozen pie.
- Arrange remaining 8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top of the ganache.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Freeze pie thoroughly before adding ganache.
- Use a warm knife to slice for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 60g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Reese's, peanut butter, chocolate, pie, dessert, no bake