Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Graham Crackers, finely crushed
- 3 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, full fat, softened
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Confectioners' Sugar
- 1/4 cup Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (Cold, for filling)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Cold, for topping)
- 2 Tbsp Confectioners' Sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (for topping)
- Roasted Peanuts, chopped or PB cups, for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine the crushed graham crackers and 3 Tbsp sugar in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are uniformly moist, resembling wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Chill the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. (Optional: Bake the crust at 350°F / 175°C for 8 minutes, then cool completely.)
- Using a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free (about 1 minute).
- Add the peanut butter to the cream cheese and beat on medium speed until fully combined and lightened, scraping down the sides often.
- Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar. Once combined, mix in the milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until the peanut butter base is smooth and thick. Set aside.
- In a separate, clean, cold bowl (ideally using the whisk attachment), pour the 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Add about one-third of the whipped cream to the peanut butter base. Gently fold it in with a spatula to lighten the mixture.
- Add the remaining whipped cream and fold carefully until no streaks remain, creating a light, mousse-like texture. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the fluffy filling mixture into the chilled crust. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the pie loosely and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pie is firm enough to slice neatly.
- Just before serving, whisk the remaining 1 cup of cold heavy cream, 2 Tbsp of confectioners’ sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form. Decorate the chilled pie with the whipped cream and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or peanut butter cups. Serve immediately.