Name: Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup Pretzels; 1 stick Butter (melted); 1/4 cup Sugar; 1/4 cup Peanuts (chopped); 8 ounces Cream Cheese; 1/2 cup Peanut Butter; 2/3 cup Powdered Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla; 8 ounces Whipped Topping; Chopped pretzels and peanuts

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s every bit as playful as it is addictive, Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is your golden ticket. This creamy, dreamy pie has it all—a salty-sweet pretzel crust, a thick billowy peanut butter filling, and a crown of toppings that you just want to dig your fork into. With its not-so-secret balance of crunch and cream, this is the showstopper that’ll win you friends, spark dessert table rivalries, and satisfy every peanut butter lover’s wildest cravings!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie brings something special to the party. From the buttered crunch of the pretzel crust to the lofty, peanutty filling, each element matters for taste and texture. Here’s your shopping list, with a few handy tips for making each one count!

Pretzels: These bring the key salty-crunch and act as the flavorful backbone of your crust—crush them fine for best results.
Butter (melted): Melted butter binds everything together in the crust and adds decadent richness.
Sugar: A little sugar in the crust balances out the salty pretzels beautifully.
Peanuts (chopped): Stirred into the crust for extra crunch and nutty flavor—roasted and unsalted work perfectly.
Cream Cheese: Let this soften at room temp; it makes the filling creamy and tangy and helps it set with structure.
Peanut Butter: The star of the show; use smooth, creamy peanut butter for the silkiest pie.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without grittiness—sift it if lumpy.
Vanilla: Adds a warm, mellow aroma that ties the filling together.
Whipped Topping: Lightens the peanut butter filling for airy, mousse-like texture—gently fold it in for best fluff.
Garnish: Finish with extra melted peanut butter, chopped pretzels, and peanuts to deck out your masterpiece.

How to Make Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie

Step 1: Crush and Prep the Pretzels

Start by measuring out your pretzels. You can blitz them in a food processor until they become fine crumbs or pop them in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. You’re looking for a texture a little chunkier than sand but still even—this will give your Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie crust the perfect bite!

Step 2: Mix the Crust Ingredients

Pour the crushed pretzels into a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, sugar, and chopped peanuts, then stir until every crumb is glossy and coated. The mixture should feel like wet sand and clump together when you squeeze it. Don’t skimp on those peanuts—they add layers of crunch that really make the crust shine.

Step 3: Bake the Pretzel Crust

Tip the crust mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, then use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly along the base and up the sides. It’s okay if things look a tad rustic! Slide it into a 350-degree F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s turning just golden and feels set. Let it cool completely before filling to keep your base deliciously crunchy.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy and smooth. This step is where the aroma fills the air and you’ll probably want to sneak a taste! Once smooth, gently fold in about a quarter of your whipped topping to lighten the mixture, then fold in the rest with a light hand so your filling stays cloudlike and airy.

Step 5: Fill and Drizzle

Spoon the peanut butter filling into your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. In a small microwave-safe bowl, warm up two tablespoons of peanut butter for 20 to 30 seconds, just until it’s pourable. Give it a stir, then use a spoon to drizzle it all over the pie’s surface—you’re going for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Chill, Garnish, and Serve

Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least two to three hours, or overnight if you can stand the wait. Before serving, shower the top with extra chopped pretzels and peanuts for added crunch and a gorgeous finish. Now, call everyone to the table—the Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie

Garnishes

Go wild here! A final sprinkle of chopped salted pretzels atop the chilled pie adds irresistible crunch, while an extra handful of roasted peanuts brings an extra pop of flavor. For an extra-party look, you can even pipe on a little extra whipped topping or add a chocolate drizzle for drama.

Side Dishes

Because this Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is so rich (in the best way!), keep sides fresh and light—think crisp apple slices, fresh strawberries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Coffee or cold milk are the perfect drinks to sip alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving the pie in little mason jars or clear cups as layered parfaits—crust, filling, and toppings all on display. Or cut into tiny squares for fun dessert bites at a party buffet. However you serve it, this pie never disappoints!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container before popping them in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days—just note that the pretzel crust will soften the longer it sits.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this pie! Wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a cool, creamy treat whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

This is one dessert that’s best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed. If chilled too long and the filling gets a tad firm, just let the pie sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the filling an extra burst of texture. Just be aware the overall filling will have small peanut bits, which some people find even more delicious.

What kind of pretzels work best for the crust?

Mini twists, sticks, or pretzel thins are all great choices. Just make sure to crush them evenly—bigger pieces can make the crust hard to slice.

Can I make Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie ahead of time?

Yes! It actually benefits from chilling and can be made up to a day in advance. Just add the pretzel garnish right before serving to keep everything crunchy.

How do I make the pie gluten free?

Swap regular pretzels for your favorite gluten-free brand and double-check that your whipped topping and other ingredients are certified GF. The rest of the recipe stays the same!

What’s the best way to crush the pretzels if I don’t have a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, simply place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a heavy rolling pin or wine bottle until finely crushed. It’s quick and weirdly satisfying!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that turns heads and turns up smiles, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. Give it a try and let it become the sweet, salty sensation your dessert dreams are made of—you may never want to share, but that’s a risk worth taking!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 7 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors. This easy-to-make pie is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for a decadent treat.

Instructions

Pretzel Pie Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Crush pretzels into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, sugar, and chopped peanuts. Press into a pie pan and bake until golden brown.
Peanut Butter Pie Filling: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold in Whipped Topping, pour into crust. Drizzle melted peanut butter on top. Chill before serving.

Notes

Make sure the pie is completely chilled before serving for the best texture.
You can customize the garnish with chocolate drizzle or caramel sauce for extra flair.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American