Peanut butter and chocolate, a match made in dessert heaven! This vegan peanut butter pie brings together a luscious chocolate graham cracker crust, a velvety peanut butter mousse filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. It’s a delightful treat that tastes just like a peanut butter cup – rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent.
Growing up, peanut butter cups were my ultimate favorite, and this pie captures that same beloved flavor perfectly. With each bite, you’ll experience the creamy peanut butter filling nestled in a chocolate crust, all topped with a silky chocolate ganache. It’s a dessert dream come true, and the best part? No baking required! Just a bit of time in the freezer, and you’ll have a stunning and delicious vegan peanut butter pie ready to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
Creating a delectable vegan peanut butter pie is simpler than you might think with just a handful of key ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each component of this delightful dessert:
For the Oreo Cookie Crust
- 12 ounces chocolate chips (try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 12 ounces silken tofu (must be silken, not firm)
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- Scant 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Filling
- A chocolate cookie crust (Biscoff or Oreo cookie crust would also work)
- Note: always check the complete list of ingredients to ensure the brand you’re using is vegan-friendly.
- Melted Peanut Butter (for drizzling)
- Melted Vegan Chocolate (for drizzling)
- Crushed Peanuts
Putting together these simple yet flavorful ingredients will result in a vegan peanut butter pie that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor: To crush graham crackers for the crust and create cookie crumbs for the pie filling.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing the ingredients for both the crust and the peanut butter mousse filling.
- Spatula: To evenly spread the peanut butter mousse filling over the crust.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients like almond milk, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
- Tart Pan: To mold and shape the graham cracker crust and hold the pie during setting.
- Refrigerator: To chill the pie and allow it to set properly before serving.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this heavenly vegan peanut butter pie.
Preparing the Oreo Cookie Crust
- Pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor with the S-blade until they form a dough ball. Add coconut oil and process until well combined.
- Press the crust into a tart dish and bake as directed to set.
Making the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a food processor, blend silken tofu, peanut butter, coconut oil, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Pour the peanut butter filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil until smooth, then pour most of it over the pie filling to set.
- Once the filling is chilled, drizzle the remaining ganache on top and swirl it together for a delicious finish.
Assembling the Pie
To assemble the vegan peanut butter pie, start by preparing the peanut butter mousse filling and the chocolate graham cracker crust as per the previous steps mentioned. Once you have both components ready, follow these simple steps to put together this decadent dessert:
- Layering the Crust:
- Take the prepared chocolate graham cracker crust and press it firmly into the bottom of a tart pan.
- Using the back of a spoon or your hands, make sure the crust is evenly distributed and compacted to form a solid base for the pie.
- Adding the Filling:
- Next, scoop the creamy peanut butter mousse filling on top of the crust.
- Spread it out evenly with a spatula to create a smooth and level filling layer. You can also create a swirly pattern on top for a decorative touch.
- Chilling the Pie:
- Cover the assembled pie with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent any condensation.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill it overnight or for about 6-8 hours until it is completely cooled through and firm enough to slice.
- Final Touches:
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the vegan peanut butter pie alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream and a cup of espresso.
Remember to store any leftover pie covered in the fridge, where it can be kept for 5-7 days. Enjoy this no-bake delight that tastes like a chocolate peanut butter cup, perfect for any occasion or sweet craving.
Storing Your Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
After indulging in the delightful flavors of your vegan peanut butter pie, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness and taste. Here’s how to store your vegan peanut butter pie for extended enjoyment:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cooling Down: Allow the pie to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Covering: Cover the pie with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Place the covered pie on a plate and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Preparation: If you prefer freezing the pie for longer storage:
- Slicing: Slice the pie into individual servings.
- Wrapping: Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
- Freezing: Place the wrapped slices in a sealed container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container with the date to keep track of the storage time.
- Storage: Your vegan peanut butter pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
By following these simple steps, your delicious vegan peanut butter pie will stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Additional Tips
Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these additional tips will help you perfect your vegan peanut butter pie every time.
Substitution Options
- Oreo Alternatives: If you don’t have access to traditional Oreos, feel free to use any Oreo-style cookie like the ones offered by Trader Joe’s for the crust.
- Vegan Butter Exchange: Swap vegan butter with an equal amount of refined coconut oil mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt for a buttery taste.
- Peanut Butter Swaps: Experiment with alternatives like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunbutter for a nut-free version, ensuring the butter is drippy for optimal creaminess.
- Refined Sugar-Free Crust: For a refined sugar-free option, blend puffed rice cereal, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peanut butter to make a wholesome crust.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare parts of the vegan peanut butter pie in advance to save time without compromising on flavor. Here are some make-ahead tips:
- Crust Preparation: Make the crust ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to assemble the pie.
- Filling: Whip up the peanut butter mousse filling in advance and refrigerate it until needed for assembly.
- Ganache: If you’re short on time, you can make the chocolate ganache ahead of assembling the pie and store it in the fridge.
By planning ahead with these simple tips, you can enjoy a delicious vegan peanut butter pie with ease whenever you crave a sweet, indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Creating a vegan peanut butter pie is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings while sticking to a plant-based diet. With a luscious peanut butter mousse filling, a decadent chocolate ganache topping, and a crunchy crust, this pie is a true crowd-pleaser. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can easily whip up a delicious dessert that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Experiment with different variations, such as using alternative nut butters or refining the crust to suit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this vegan peanut butter pie is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy texture, rich flavors, and easy preparation of this delectable dessert.