If you are searching for a dessert that captures the nostalgic charm and comforting flavors of homemade goodness, look no further than this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of creamy, rich peanut butter custard nestled in a buttery crust, finished with crunchy peanut butter crumbs and a cloud of whipped cream. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweetness, smooth texture, and just the right amount of peanut buttery indulgence, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug from a close friend. This recipe is both timeless and simple, making it a perfect choice for celebrations or just treating yourself on any given day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this pie so irresistible. From the creamy custard base to the crunchy topping, everything works together seamlessly.
- Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the crisp, buttery foundation that holds all the creamy goodness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the custard and peanut butter crumb topping perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Offers that signature rich, nutty flavor and adds texture in crumb form.
- 3 cups whole milk: The base for the smooth, velvety custard that makes the pie so luscious.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent, ensuring the filling sets just right.
- 3 large egg yolks: Add richness and help create a creamy pie interior with a perfect custard consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and peanut buttery flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth to the custard’s flavor profile.
- Whipped cream, for topping: Adds a light and fluffy finish, balancing the dense filling beautifully.
How to Make Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Crumbs
Start by combining half of the sugar with the peanut butter in a small bowl. Stir them together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This crumb mixture adds an amazing texture contrast in the finished pie, so don’t rush this step—getting these crumbs just right pays off wonderfully.
Step 2: Warm the Milk
Next, pour 2 and a half cups of whole milk into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Warm the milk until it’s steaming but not boiling, which sets the stage for a smooth custard. Keep an eye on it because scorched milk can ruin the delicate flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Custard Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, salt, and the leftover half cup of milk. You want a silky, lump-free mixture because this blend will thicken to create the custard filling. This is where your patience and whisking skills shine!
Step 4: Combine and Cook the Custard
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the warm milk while whisking vigorously. Continue cooking over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and bubbles, achieving that perfect custard texture that clings to the back of your spoon.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Cool Slightly
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This little addition elevates the custard from just tasty to truly memorable. Let the custard sit for a bit to cool — this will help it set cleanly in the pie crust without melting the peanut butter crumbs.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Sprinkle half of the peanut butter crumbs evenly in the bottom of your pre-baked pie crust. Pour the warm custard gently over these crumbs and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbs on top to add that signature finish you’re after.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Pop your pie into the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. This chilling time is essential for the custard to fully set and for all the flavors to meld together, creating creamy, dreamy bites that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 8: Add the Final Touch
Before serving, top your Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe with a generous swirl of whipped cream. This topping lightens the rich filling and adds a refreshing finish that your guests will thank you for.
How to Serve Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While whipped cream is a classic choice, consider adding crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra flair. These additions bring texture and a deeper peanut flavor, making your pie look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to serve a complete dessert spread, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a handful of fresh berries pairs wonderfully. The cool creaminess or tartness of the berries balances the pie’s richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pie in individual clear glass dishes to showcase the layers or top each slice with a peanut butter dollop and a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch. You can also try garnishing with mint leaves to add a pop of color and a refreshing scent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe can be stored comfortably in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious pie later, you can freeze it. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Allow the pie to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain the perfect consistency and flavor.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended as it can alter the texture of the custard and crust. Instead, simply let it thaw gently in the fridge if frozen, and serve chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter other than creamy?
Yes, you can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your texture preference. Chunky peanut butter will add more crunch, while creamy keeps the texture smooth.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the pie crust?
Pre-baking the crust is important for this recipe because it prevents sogginess when the custard is poured in, giving you a crisp and sturdy base every time.
Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
While whole milk creates the best custard texture, you can try using full-fat coconut milk or another dairy-free milk. The flavor will be a bit different, but it can still be delicious.
How long does the pie need to chill?
For the custard to set properly and flavors to develop fully, chilling the pie for at least 2 to 3 hours is recommended.
Can I make this pie without eggs?
Egg yolks are essential for the creamy custard texture in this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe, so omitting them would require a different thickening approach, such as gelatin or agar agar, but that changes the classic nature of the pie.
Final Thoughts
Making this Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Amish comfort into your kitchen. It’s rich yet light, peanut buttery but balanced perfectly with sweetness and creaminess. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of warm nostalgia, this pie is sure to become a fast favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy it brings as much as I have!
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Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a luscious peanut butter custard filling nestled in a pre-baked pie crust, topped with crumbly peanut butter pieces and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfectly chilled and set, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Peanut Butter Crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Custard Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups whole milk, divided
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Crumbs: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar with 1/2 cup peanut butter. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set this mixture aside to use later as the crumb topping and base layer.
- Warm the Milk: Pour 2 1/2 cups of the whole milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Warm the milk until it is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup milk, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined without any lumps.
- Cook Custard: Gradually pour the egg mixture into the warm milk, whisking constantly to blend. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble gently.
- Flavor Custard: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the custard to cool slightly so it’s easier to spread.
- Assemble Pie: Sprinkle half of the prepared peanut butter crumbs evenly over the bottom of the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Pour the warm custard over the crumbs and spread it evenly to fill the pie crust.
- Top With Crumbs and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumbs evenly over the top of the custard layer. Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours, or until the custard is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Just before serving, add a generous topping of whipped cream for extra richness and creaminess. Slice and enjoy this classic Amish dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to use a fully pre-baked pie crust to avoid sogginess.
- Whisk the custard mixture constantly to prevent lumps or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- For best results, chill the pie overnight to achieve a firmer set.
- Use natural or creamy peanut butter for smoother crumbs.
- Serve with extra whipped cream or chopped peanuts for added texture.
