Why You Need to Make This Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie Today
Craving something sweet, rich, and utterly indulgent? Look no further than this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie with M&M’s. This pie is the perfect fusion of creamy peanut butter goodness, chocolatey richness, and a playful crunch from M&M’s. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience! Imagine serving this at your next gathering – it will be the star of the show, leaving everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Whether you are a fan of peanut butter, chocolate, or simply love over-the-top desserts, this pie has it all. So, put on your apron, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and let’s make some dessert magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Oreo Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup M&M’s candies
- Whipped cream for decorating
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust
Start by making the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they are fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes to set the crust. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring it’s fully combined without deflating the whipped cream. Spread this filling evenly over the cooled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading it over the peanut butter filling layer in the pie. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Once the ganache has set a little, decorate the pie with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Finally, scatter the M&M’s candies over the top to add a pop of color and crunch.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or until it’s firm and well set. Once chilled, remove the sides of the springform pan. Slice and serve to enjoy the rich, creamy, and chocolatey goodness!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze this pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to use different types of candy or chocolate chips on top to make the pie suit your taste or the occasion.
FAQs
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your filling. Just be aware that it might be slightly less smooth.
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust? A: Absolutely! A pre-made Oreo or graham cracker crust will work if you’re short on time. Just make sure it fits a 9-inch pie size.
Q: How do I make sure my ganache is smooth? A: Make sure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate completely, and whisk it until the mixture is glossy and smooth. If there are still lumps, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Q: Can I make this pie without M&M’s? A: Yes, you can make the pie without M&M’s or substitute them with another candy topping, like Reese’s Pieces or chopped peanut butter cups.
For another decadent dessert idea, check out our Vanilla Unicorn Sugar Cookie Bars.
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