Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the creamy, sweet decadence of an Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie. This old-fashioned dessert, rooted in Amish traditions, combines a rich and velvety vanilla custard with crumbly peanut butter goodness. Topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and nestled into a buttery pie crust, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of homemade charm, this pie is as versatile as it is delicious.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. Made with pantry staples like peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, it’s a dessert that feels luxurious without being complicated. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo with a cup of coffee, this pie is a surefire way to create sweet memories. Ready to whip up your own slice of nostalgia? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

Creating this delightful Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie starts with simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s your complete list:

• For the crust:
  • 1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled.
• For the peanut butter crumble:
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (or crunchy for added texture).
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar.
• For the creamy filling:
  • ½ cup granulated sugar.
  • ¼ cup cornstarch.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt.
  • 2 cups whole milk.
  • 3 large egg yolks.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• For the whipped cream topping:
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect pie. The peanut butter crumble adds texture and nuttiness, the creamy filling delivers a silky smooth bite, and the whipped cream topping brings it all together with a light and airy finish.

Substitutions and Additions

This pie is delicious as-is, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe to suit your taste:

• Switch up the peanut butter:
  Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy to add some bite to the crumble. Or, for a twist, try almond or cashew butter.
• Instant pudding shortcut:
  Short on time? Swap the homemade vanilla filling for instant pudding mix (one small box will do the trick). It’s a quick fix that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Store-bought crust:
  Not in the mood to bake a crust from scratch? Use a pre-made crust, but ensure it’s fully baked and cooled before assembling.
• Chocolate-lovers’ delight:
  Melt ⅓ cup of chocolate chips and spread it across the bottom of the baked crust before adding the peanut butter crumble. This adds a hint of chocolate that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
• Add fresh fruit:
  Slice bananas and layer them over the peanut butter crumble before adding the creamy filling for a banana cream pie twist.
• Top it off:
  Drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate over the whipped cream for an extra decorative (and flavorful) touch.

How to Make Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

There’s nothing more satisfying than creating a delicious Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie from scratch. Each step in this recipe builds layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a truly unforgettable dessert. Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to bring this nostalgic treat to life.

Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, let’s set the stage for success:

• Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for blind-baking the crust.
• Prepare the crust: Whether you’re using a homemade or store-bought crust, roll it out into a pie pan, crimp the edges, and dock the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights (or dried beans), and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights, then bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
• Gather your ingredients and tools: Have your whisk, saucepan, mixing bowls, and spatula ready. This preparation ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.

Making the Peanut Butter Crumble

This signature crumble is the heart of the pie, adding delightful texture and rich peanut butter flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup creamy peanut butter and ¾ cup powdered sugar.
2. Use a fork to mix until the ingredients form small, crumbly bits. It may take a bit of effort, but the result is worth it!
3. Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too dry, add a tiny drizzle of milk; if too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra powdered sugar. The perfect crumble should resemble small, buttery breadcrumbs.

Set the crumble aside while you move on to the creamy filling.

Cooking the Creamy Filling

Creating a silky vanilla pudding is the secret to this pie’s irresistibly smooth texture. Here’s how to master it:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Add milk gradually: Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously. After 8–10 minutes, the mixture will thicken to a pudding-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
4. Temper the egg yolks: In a small bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking to prevent curdling. Then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
5. Finish the pudding: Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
6. Cool completely: Transfer the pudding to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Assembling the Pie

Now comes the fun part—layering all the delicious components:

1. Base layer: Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumble evenly across the cooled pie crust.
2. Creamy filling: Pour the chilled vanilla pudding over the crumble, smoothing it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
3. Whipped cream topping: In a mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently spread or pipe the whipped cream over the pudding layer.
4. Final touch: Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumble on top for a decorative finish. For extra flair, drizzle melted peanut butter or sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top.

Chilling and Setting

• Let the assembled pie chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the layers to set beautifully and ensures clean slices when served.
• Pro Tip: For best results, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to slice the pie cleanly.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of an Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie lies in its versatility. Here’s how to make the most of it when serving:

Occasions and Pairings

This pie is a perfect fit for:

• Holidays: Impress your guests with its timeless charm during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
• Potlucks and celebrations: Its creamy filling and crunchy crumble make it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
• Comfort-food cravings: Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even hot cocoa for a cozy treat on chilly evenings.

Presentation Ideas

Make your pie a feast for the eyes with these simple styling tips:

• Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Sprinkle chopped peanuts or crushed graham crackers around the edges for a rustic look.
• For festive occasions, decorate with seasonal sprinkles, edible flowers, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie—it’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love making (and eating) this pie:

• Unique Flavor Profile: Imagine the nutty richness of peanut butter crumbles nestled against a smooth vanilla custard filling. Add a layer of fluffy whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and texture. Every bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
• Beginner-Friendly: Don’t worry if you’re new to baking—this recipe is designed with simplicity in mind. It uses pantry staples like peanut butter, sugar, eggs, and milk, so there’s no need to hunt for exotic ingredients. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to achieve bakery-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or holiday feast, this pie is always the star of the table. Its timeless appeal and classic flavors make it a universal favorite, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

This pie isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reason to gather, celebrate, and indulge in the joys of homemade baking.

Recipe FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie.

Baking or Cooking Tips

• Avoid Overbaking the Crust: For a perfectly crisp crust, blind bake it at the recommended temperature (375°F) and keep an eye on it during the final minutes to prevent burning.
• Prevent Scrambled Eggs in the Filling: Temper the egg yolks slowly by adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture while whisking continuously. This ensures the yolks integrate smoothly without curdling.
• Dietary Adjustments: Need a gluten-free crust? Use almond flour or a gluten-free pie crust mix. You can also substitute plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.

Troubleshooting

• Grainy Pudding: This can happen if the custard is overcooked or the heat is too high. Strain the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve to remove lumps or blend it for a smooth texture.
• Runny Filling: If your pudding doesn’t set, the cornstarch wasn’t cooked long enough. Next time, cook it until the mixture is thick and bubbling.
• Overly Thick Whipped Cream: If your whipped cream turns grainy, it’s likely overwhipped. Add a splash of heavy cream and gently fold it in to restore the right consistency.

Serving FAQ

• Best Time to Serve: This pie is best served chilled, making it perfect to prepare a day ahead for stress-free entertaining. Let it chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.
• Portion Recommendations: A 9-inch pie typically serves 8, but for larger gatherings, consider making two pies to ensure everyone gets a slice!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s how to keep your Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie fresh and delicious:

Storage Tips

• Store the pie uncovered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covering it may cause the whipped cream to deflate or become watery.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing will affect the custard’s smooth texture and the whipped cream’s lightness, so it’s best to enjoy this pie fresh.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• To save time, prepare the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately (with the filling covered in plastic wrap) and assemble the pie on the day of serving.

Reheating and Serving

• This pie doesn’t require reheating, but if serving leftovers, let the slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie, try these recipes from Creative's Cookery:

1. The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe - A simple yet rich vanilla treat.
2. Banana Blondies Recipe - Soft and sweet with a peanut butter twist.
3. Easy Peanut Butter Balls Recipe - A quick, no-bake peanut butter snack.
4. Coconut Cream Pie - Another creamy pie perfect for gatherings.

Conclusion

Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is more than a dessert—it’s a comforting, nostalgic treat that brings joy to any occasion. With its creamy filling, peanut butter crumbles, and pillowy whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to sweeten your day. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of homemade magic. Once you take your first bite, you’ll know it was worth the effort. Bake it today and create memories to savor!