If you’re the kind of person who always goes straight for the peanut butter cups in the candy aisle, this dessert is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine everything you love about a Reese’s—creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and that perfect sweet-salty balance—turned into a giant, shareable pie. This recipe delivers just that: a decadent treat that looks like an oversized peanut butter cup, but with layers of smooth filling, buttery crust, and silky ganache.
Whether you’re making it for a party, a holiday gathering, or simply because you believe desserts should always be a little over-the-top, this Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the peanut butter layer:
1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
½ cup finely chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
For the chocolate ganache topping:
2 cups high-quality milk chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vegetable oil (optional, for extra shine)
Optional garnish:
Additional chopped Reese’s cups
Light drizzle of melted peanut butter
Instructions
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
Make the peanut butter layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream, being careful not to lose the airy texture. Stir in the chopped Reese’s pieces, then spread the mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Return the pan to the refrigerator.
Create the ganache: In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Stir in the vegetable oil if you’d like extra shine.
Assemble the pie: Pour the warm ganache over the peanut butter filling. Tilt the pan gently to let it spread evenly across the surface. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Chill thoroughly: Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is essential to ensure the layers firm up properly and the flavors meld together.
Serve: Before slicing, garnish with chopped Reese’s cups and a drizzle of peanut butter if you want that bakery-style finish. For neat slices, dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
Why this pie works so well
This dessert is pure indulgence. The crust provides a buttery base, the peanut butter layer is fluffy yet rich, and the ganache ties it all together with a glossy, chocolatey finish. Unlike a regular Reese’s cup, this version has the added bonus of real whipped cream folded into the filling, giving it a lighter, mousse-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Tips for success
Use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and won’t set as smoothly.
Make sure your whipped cream is at soft peaks before folding—this keeps the filling light.
Don’t skip the chilling time. The pie needs several hours to set for clean slices.
If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
Fun variations
Swap the crust: Try an Oreo cookie crust for an extra chocolatey twist.
Add crunch: Fold in chopped pretzels or peanuts for added texture.
Make it mini: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to create individual peanut butter cup pies.
Holiday version: Top with red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel candy for Easter.
Serving ideas
This pie is already a showstopper, but you can elevate it even more by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 or a swirl of whipped cream on the side. It also pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk 🥛 or even a cup of strong coffee ☕ for balance.
Final thoughts
The Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie is not just dessert—it’s an experience. It combines nostalgia, creativity, and pure indulgence in every slice. Rich, creamy, chocolatey, and undeniably fun, it’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into something special.
Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it for birthdays, holidays, or any time you feel like celebrating with something big and bold.
So go ahead—grab those Reese’s cups, melt some chocolate, and treat yourself to the biggest peanut butter cup you’ve ever seen. One slice and you’ll know: this is dessert done right.