The Ultimate Buckeye Pie (No-Bake Peanut Butter Dream!)
Imagine the perfect, iconic flavor combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, transformed into the most decadent, no-bake pie you’ve ever encountered. That, my friends, is the irresistible, crowd-pleasing magic of this Buckeye Pie. It’s a stunning dessert featuring a crisp chocolate cookie crust, a thick and impossibly fluffy peanut butter filling, and a…
Imagine the perfect, iconic flavor combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, transformed into the most decadent, no-bake pie you’ve ever encountered. That, my friends, is the irresistible, crowd-pleasing magic of this Buckeye Pie. It’s a stunning dessert featuring a crisp chocolate cookie crust, a thick and impossibly fluffy peanut butter filling, and a glossy layer of rich chocolate ganache on top. This is, without a doubt, the ultimate dessert for any peanut butter lover.
I promise you, from the moment you press the simple crust into the pan to the final, glossy swirl of ganache, you’ll be amazed at how easily this masterpiece comes together. It’s a true show-stopper that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you need a guaranteed dessert hit without ever turning on your main oven. Every bite is a perfect balance of salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy.
Get ready to master the art of the ultimate no-bake pie and create a stunning, unforgettable dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
Why This Will Be Your New Favorite No-Bake Pie!
You are going to be completely obsessed with this rich, creamy, and decadent pie. It’s a guaranteed sensation for so many reasons. Here’s why you have to make it:
- The Ultimate Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fix: This pie is the absolute pinnacle of the classic flavor combination, delivering rich, satisfying flavor in every single layer.
- Incredibly Light and Fluffy Filling: The filling isn’t dense or heavy; it’s a wonderfully light, airy mousse thanks to the whipped cream and cream cheese base. It melts in your mouth!
- A True Show-Stopping Presentation: With its distinct, beautiful layers of dark crust, light filling, and glossy ganache, this pie looks incredibly impressive and is guaranteed to wow your guests.
- Perfect for Making Ahead: This pie needs several hours to chill and set up, making it the ideal stress-free dessert to prepare a day in advance of a party or gathering.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 35 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes (plus chilling) |
| Servings | 8 servings |
| Calories | 559 kcal per serving |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / No-Bake |
Your Shopping List for This Decadent Pie
This recipe uses simple, classic ingredients to create its unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Chocolate Crust
- 1-1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs → From cookies like Oreos (filling removed) or Nabisco Famous Wafers.
- 1/4 cup sugar → Just a touch of extra sweetness for the crust.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted → The binder that holds our delicious crust together.
→ For the Fluffy Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese → Softened to room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth filling!
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar → For sweetness and a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract → To enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream → This is the secret to the incredibly light and airy texture.
→ For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips → For the rich, glossy topping.
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream → To create a smooth, spreadable ganache.
- 2 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts → For a final crunchy, salty garnish.
Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to create the most popular dessert at the party? Let’s break it down into three simple, decadent layers.
Part 1: The Crisp Chocolate Crust
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Crumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chocolate wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press and Bake: Firmly press the crumb mixture onto the bottom and all the way up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to pack it down tightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the crust is set. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Part 2: The Dreamy Peanut Butter Filling
- Beat the Base: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth, with no lumps. This is a very important step! Beat in the creamy peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate, clean medium bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form (when you lift the beaters, the peak gently slumps over). Be careful not to overbeat it into butter!
- Fold and Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture with a spatula until it’s fully incorporated and no white streaks remain. The goal is to keep the mixture as light and airy as possible.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the finished peanut butter filling into the completely cooled chocolate crust and spread it into an even, smooth layer.
Part 3: The Glossy Ganache Topping
- Melt the Ganache: Place the chocolate chips and half-and-half in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir well. Repeat in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is very smooth. Do not overheat it. Let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
- Top the Pie: Spread the slightly cooled ganache over the peanut butter filling, leaving a 1-inch border of the peanut butter showing around the edge of the pie. This creates the classic “Buckeye” look.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts over the ganache. Chill the pie for several hours (at least 4, but overnight is even better) before serving to allow it to set up completely.
No-Bake Buckeye Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Firmly press the mixture onto the bottom and up the side of a 9-in. pie plate.
- Bake until set, 10-12 minutes. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Beat in the peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. Pour into the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Place chocolate chips and half-and-half in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Spread the ganache over the peanut butter filling, leaving a 1-inch border of filling uncovered around the edge of the pie.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Buckeye Pie Perfection
These simple secrets will ensure your no-bake pie is a flawless, decadent masterpiece.
- Start with Softened Cream Cheese. This is the most crucial step for a lump-free filling. If your cream cheese is even a little bit cold, it won’t beat smoothly. Let it sit on the counter for at least an hour before you begin.
- Don’t Overbeat the Whipped Cream. You want to whip the cream only to the “soft peak” stage. This means when you lift the beaters out, the peak that forms will gently fold over on itself. If you overbeat it, the final filling will be dense and heavy instead of light and airy.
- Fold, Don’t Stir. When combining the whipped cream with the peanut butter base, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula. This technique helps to maintain all the air you just whipped into the cream, which is the secret to the mousse-like texture.
- Cool the Crust and Ganache. Make sure your chocolate crust is completely cool before adding the filling. Likewise, let the ganache cool for a few minutes before spreading it on the pie. Adding hot components to cold ones can cause melting and messy layers.
- Chill, Chill, Chill! A no-bake pie needs time to set. Don’t rush the chilling process. Several hours in the refrigerator is essential for the filling to firm up so you can get clean, beautiful slices.
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Pie
This pie is an entertainer’s dream because it must be made ahead and is stored easily.
- Refrigerator: This pie must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely and it will keep beautifully for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious on day two!
FAQs: Your Buckeye Pie Questions, Answered!
Can I use a different kind of crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought or homemade graham cracker crust would also be delicious with this filling. You could even use a traditional flaky pastry crust, just make sure it’s fully pre-baked and cooled before you add the filling.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended for this recipe. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and have a grittier texture. A standard, processed creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy will give you the best, smoothest, and most stable filling.
Can I make this pie completely no-bake?
Yes! If you want to avoid the oven entirely, you can use a store-bought pre-made chocolate cookie crust. Alternatively, you can make the homemade crust as directed but instead of baking it, simply chill it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm it up before adding the filling.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie freezes very well! You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Indulgence
There is nothing quite like a dessert that is both jaw-droppingly delicious and secretly simple to create. This Buckeye Pie is a true celebration of the world’s best flavor combination, delivering pure, unadulterated joy in every single bite. It’s a rich, impressive, and utterly satisfying dessert that I know will become a legendary recipe in your home. Happy (no) baking!
