I’ll never forget the moment I first decided to make a Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie. It was my nephew’s birthday, and when I asked what kind of cake he wanted, he looked at me with the most serious expression and said, “Aunt Sarah, I don’t want cake. I want a Reese’s cup the size of my head.” Challenge accepted! What started as a playful experiment in my kitchen has become my most requested dessert, a show-stopping peanut butter pie that makes every chocolate and peanut butter lover weak in the knees. This isn’t just any dessert—it’s a towering tribute to America’s favorite candy combination, transformed into an elegant tart that looks like it came straight from a fancy bakery but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

The beauty of this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a sweet, crunchy foundation that holds everything together. Above that sits a thick layer of chunky peanut butter filling that’s sweetened just right and studded with those delightful crunchy bits. Finally, a glossy chocolate ganache crowns the whole creation, smooth and rich, exactly like biting into an oversized Reese’s cup. When you slice into this masterpiece, you’ll see those distinct layers that look absolutely stunning on a plate.

Why This Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie Will Become Your Signature Dessert

This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie has everything going for it. First, despite its impressive appearance, it requires no special baking skills or fancy equipment—just a tart pan with a removable bottom and some basic mixing. Second, it’s a make-ahead dessert that actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it delivers on flavor in a way that few desserts can match. The combination of salty-sweet peanut butter with milk chocolate is timeless, but when you transform it into a pie format with proper proportions of each component, something magical happens.

I’ve made this peanut butter pie for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and “just because” moments when my family needs something special. Every single time, it disappears within minutes, and I’m left with requests for the recipe. The secret is in the quality of ingredients and the careful layering technique that ensures each bite contains the perfect ratio of crust, filling, and ganache.

Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients for Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sugar

For the Chunky Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1¼ cups crunchy peanut butter
• ½ cup salted sweet cream butter, melted

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 2½ cups milk chocolate chips
• 1¼ tablespoons vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups crushed graham crackers, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it well.
4. Bake for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
   
   

Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:

6. In a large bowl, combine 1⅔ cups powdered sugar and 1 cup graham cracker crumbs. Whisk to remove lumps.
7. Add 1¼ cups crunchy peanut butter and ½ cup melted salted butter.
8. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully combined into a thick, cohesive filling.
9. Press the peanut butter filling firmly and evenly into the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or your hands.

Create the Chocolate Ganache:

10. Place 2½ cups milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
11. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until about 75% melted.
12. Add 1¼ tablespoons vegetable oil and stir continuously until completely smooth and glossy.
13. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter filling, starting in the center and working outward.
14. Use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly across the entire surface, reaching all the way to the edges.

Chill and Serve:

15. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until completely set.
16. When ready to serve, run a warm knife under hot water, dry it, and use it to cut clean slices.
17. Remove the outer ring of the tart pan by placing it on a can and gently pulling down on the ring.
18. Slice and serve chilled.

Essential Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Pie

The foundation of any great peanut butter cup pie starts with quality ingredients. I prefer to crush my own graham crackers rather than buying pre-crushed crumbs because you can control the texture better. Some slightly larger pieces add wonderful texture to the crust. The butter binds everything together while adding richness, and that touch of sugar ensures your crust isn’t bland but rather acts as a sweet, cookie-like base.

The combination of powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs creates a filling that’s sweet but not cloying, with a texture that’s firm enough to slice cleanly but soft enough to melt on your tongue. The crunchy peanut butter is non-negotiable—those little bits of peanuts scattered throughout are what make this taste authentically like a Reese’s cup. Using salted butter adds depth and balances the sweetness perfectly.

I specify milk chocolate because it’s what Reese’s uses, and that slightly sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor is essential to achieving the authentic taste. The vegetable oil helps create a ganache that’s silky smooth and pourable, with a beautiful glossy finish that sets up perfectly in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Cup Pie

While this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is definitely an indulgent treat, it’s worth knowing what you’re enjoying. Each slice (assuming you cut the pie into 12 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 9g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 2g

The peanut butter does provide some protein and healthy fats, though this is certainly a dessert to be savored in moderation. The good news is that a little slice goes a long way—this peanut butter pie is rich and satisfying, so smaller portions are perfectly adequate.

Presenting Your Giant Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

The visual impact of this Reese’s peanut butter cup pie cannot be overstated. When you bring it to the table, that glossy chocolate ganache catches the light beautifully, and when you make that first cut, revealing the layers inside, people gasp. I like to dust the top with a tiny bit of sea salt flakes just before serving—they catch the light and add a sophisticated touch while enhancing the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

For an extra special presentation, you can garnish the pie with mini Reese’s cups arranged around the edge, crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, or even some whipped cream rosettes. A drizzle of extra melted peanut butter in a decorative pattern across the chocolate surface also looks stunning. Whatever you choose, keep the decorations simple so they don’t compete with the beautiful layers of the pie itself.

Serve each slice on a white plate to really make the colors pop. A small fork is all you need—this peanut butter pie cuts cleanly and is sturdy enough to hold its shape on the plate. I often add a tiny dollop of whipped cream on the side, though many purists insist this pie needs nothing else to shine.

Perfect Pairings with Your Peanut Butter Pie

This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is rich enough to stand alone as the finale to any meal, but the right beverage pairing can elevate the experience even further. A strong cup of coffee is my go-to choice—the slight bitterness of the coffee cuts through the sweetness and complements both the chocolate and peanut butter beautifully.

For something more special, try pairing this peanut butter chocolate pie with a glass of cold milk (classic for a reason), a dessert wine like Banyuls or late harvest Riesling, or even a rich porter or stout beer. The malty, slightly bitter notes in these darker beers work surprisingly well with peanut butter desserts.

If you’re serving this at a dinner party, consider offering both coffee and a dessert wine so guests can choose their preference. I’ve also served this pie with hot chocolate during winter gatherings, which is admittedly over-the-top but absolutely delicious if you’re committed to chocolate indulgence.

Creative Variations on the Peanut Butter Cup Pie

Once you’ve mastered the classic version of this Reese’s peanut butter cup pie, there are countless ways to customize it to your preferences. For a white chocolate version, swap the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips in the ganache layer. The contrast between white chocolate and peanut butter is equally delicious and creates a stunning visual effect.

Want to add even more candy bar flavor to your peanut butter pie? Chop up several full-size Reese’s peanut butter cups and fold them into the peanut butter filling before pressing it into the crust. For a cookies and cream twist, crush some Oreos and add them to the crust mixture, or layer some on top of the peanut butter filling before adding the ganache.

If you can’t find or don’t enjoy crunchy peanut butter, smooth peanut butter works just fine in this peanut butter chocolate pie—you’ll lose a bit of that authentic Reese’s texture, but the flavor will still be spot-on. For those who love a salty-sweet combination, increase the salt by adding an extra ¼ teaspoon to the peanut butter filling, or use salted peanuts chopped fine and mixed into the filling.

You can also play with the crust by using Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers, or try chocolate graham crackers for an extra chocolate boost. Some adventurous bakers have even made this pie with a pretzel crust, which adds wonderful crunch and saltiness that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and chocolate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Peanut Butter Pie

One of the best things about this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is how well it keeps, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings. Once fully set, you can cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two, as everything has time to meld together.

If you want to make this peanut butter chocolate pie even further in advance, it freezes beautifully. Once the pie has set completely in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. Never try to thaw it at room temperature, as condensation can form on the surface and ruin that beautiful glossy ganache.

You can also prepare components of this Reese’s peanut butter cup pie ahead of time. The crust can be baked and cooled up to 2 days in advance—just cover it tightly and store at room temperature. The peanut butter filling can be mixed and refrigerated for up to 3 days before using; just let it come to room temperature slightly before pressing it into the crust, as it will be quite firm when cold.

My Personal Tips for Peanut Butter Pie Success

After making this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make the process even smoother. First, use a natural-style peanut butter rather than the super-processed kinds—brands like Jif or Skippy work perfectly in this peanut butter pie because they have stabilizers that help the filling set properly. Natural peanut butters that separate can make the filling too oily.

Second, don’t skip the step of letting the crust cool completely before adding the filling. I learned this the hard way when I was in a hurry once—the warm crust softened the peanut butter filling, and when I added the ganache, everything turned into a messy (albeit delicious) puddle.

Third, when pressing the peanut butter filling into the crust, really take your time to get it smooth and even. Any bumps or valleys will show through the ganache layer, so a few extra minutes of careful smoothing pays off in the final presentation of your peanut butter chocolate pie.

Finally, trust the chilling time. I know it’s tempting to cut into this pie after just a couple of hours, especially when it looks set on top, but the layers need the full 4 hours to firm up properly. If you cut it too early, the peanut butter filling may still be too soft and the slices won’t hold their shape nicely.

This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie has become more than just a recipe in my collection—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy to every gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging your peanut butter and chocolate cravings, this pie delivers on every level. The combination of textures, the perfect balance of flavors, and the impressive presentation make it a dessert worth the minimal effort it requires. So gather your ingredients, embrace your inner candy lover, and create your own giant Reese’s masterpiece. Your only regret will be not making two!