Introduction

Buckeye Pie is a luscious dessert combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a creamy, smooth filling atop a crunchy chocolate cookie crust. This no-bake style pie is perfect for peanut butter lovers craving a decadent treat. Easy to prepare and impressively delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

The image shows a pie with three distinct layers arranged in a clear glass pie dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly crust made from crushed cookies, forming a round base about one inch thick. The middle layer is a thick, creamy peanut butter filling with a smooth texture and a light golden tan color, evenly spread over the crust. The top layer is a glossy, dark chocolate ganache, covering about two-thirds of the peanut butter layer in the center. Three slices of the pie are cut and separated slightly, revealing all three layers clearly. Surrounding the pie, there is a bowl of creamy peanut butter, a white plate with silver forks, chopped dark chocolate pieces on a white plate, and a striped cloth with a silver pie server. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

26 chocolate creme cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1¾ cups creamy peanut butter (1 – 16 oz. container)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract, divided
⅓ cup + 4 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking bar, broken into small pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate creme cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are coated.
Step 3: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool on the counter while you prepare the filling.
Step 5: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth.
Step 6: Add the creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese and beat for 1-2 minutes until smooth and combined.
Step 7: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid lumps.
Step 8: Stir in 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract and ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Beat on high for 1-2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Step 9: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly into the cooled crust. Set aside.
Step 10: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons heavy cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and chocolate pieces. Heat on high for 30 seconds, then whisk until smooth.
Step 11: Spoon the chocolate ganache into the center of the pie and smooth into a circle, leaving about a 1 to 1½ inch border visible around the edges.
Step 12: Refrigerate the pie for at least 6 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and lump-free filling.
Choose a good-quality chocolate baking bar like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Baker’s for better melting and flavor.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped honey roasted peanuts onto the ganache before chilling.
Avoid natural peanut butter with high oil content, as it can cause separation in the filling.
You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate bars with an equal amount of quality semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Storage

Store the Buckeye Pie covered in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the ganache for easier slicing. This pie is not recommended for freezing as the texture may be affected.

How to Serve

A slice of pie sits on a white plate, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a thick, dark brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is a thick, light brown creamy peanut butter filling with a slightly rough texture, and the top layer is a smooth, shiny dark chocolate glaze that covers the surface evenly. The crust edges rise slightly around the peanut butter filling, which is dense and soft. The background is a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around and two white bowls, one filled with light brown peanut butter, blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or multiple pie dishes. For easier serving, consider cutting the pie into squares instead of traditional slices.

Can I use candy coating chocolate instead of a baking bar?

While you can use candy coating chocolate, it may behave differently when melted and could affect the texture and taste. Using a good-quality semi-sweet baking bar is recommended for best results.