Are you craving a cool, creamy, and utterly delicious dessert that requires minimal effort? Then look no further! This frozen peanut butter pie recipe is the perfect answer for those hot summer days or any time you need a quick and satisfying treat. It's a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfectly balancing rich indulgence with surprising simplicity. This homemade cooking masterpiece is sure to become a family favorite, a testament to the best recipes available.
Ingredients:
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For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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For the filling:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Gradually pour in the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
Create the creamy peanut butter filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture along with the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble and freeze the pie:
- Pour the peanut butter filling over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Spread the filling evenly across the crust.
- Cover the pie plate with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the pie to set completely.
Serving and Enjoying:
- Once frozen, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will soften it slightly, making it easier to slice.
- Garnish with extra peanut butter, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream, if desired.
Tips for the Best Frozen Peanut Butter Pie:
- Use good quality peanut butter: The flavor of the peanut butter will be prominent, so choose a brand you love.
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a less airy texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to freeze completely ensures a firm and delicious final product.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the filling for a richer, chocolatey twist.
- Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Pie: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the frozen pie before serving.
- Pretzel Crust: Replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed pretzels for a salty and sweet contrast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: 25-30g
- Protein: 7-8g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This frozen peanut butter pie is a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, showcasing the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking. Enjoy!