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Brownie Bottom Peanut Butter Pie is a showstopping dessert that never fails to impress at potlucks or celebrations. With its fudgy brownie base, airy peanut butter filling, and a shower of crunchy toppings, it brings together all the best textures in one unforgettable slice. If you crave chocolate and peanut butter together, this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
The first time I baked this, I was trying to use up a brownie mix and some leftover whipped topping after a birthday party. Now my friends beg for it at every gathering and I love seeing the look of surprise when they discover the fudge base in the first bite.
Ingredients
- Prepared refrigerated pie crust: Gives you a flaky crunchy base without extra work. Look for one that feels pliable but cool in the package
- Brownie mix: Forms the dense chocolate foundation. Choose a brand you love because the flavor really shines
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the brownie moist and chewy. Opt for fresh oil for the best texture
- Water: Simply brings the brownie batter together
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the chocolate notes. Use pure vanilla if possible for more depth
- Large egg: Binds the brownie mixture. Pick the freshest eggs for a better rise
- Peanut butter chips: Add surprise pops of flavor throughout the brownie layer
- Cream cheese: Softens the peanut butter layer and makes it tangy. Let it sit at room temperature for easier mixing
- Creamy peanut butter: Essential for silky smooth filling. Go for a no-stir variety for best results
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the peanut butter filling. Sift it if lumpy for an extra smooth texture
- Cool Whip or whipped topping: Creates the light cloudlike finish. Thaw it in the fridge so it folds in gently
- Chocolate jimmies, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or brownie crumbs: Fun options for garnishing. Choose one or mix a few for extra flair
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Crust:
- Ease the refrigerated pie crust into a deep 9 inch pie plate. Gently press into every corner and flare or crimp the edges for a decorative rim
- Make the Brownie Batter:
- In a medium bowl mix together the dry brownie mix, oil, water, vanilla extract, egg, and peanut butter chips. Use a spatula and stir just until no dry streaks remain. The batter will look thick and glossy. If you want to make brownie crumbs for garnishing, scoop out about two tablespoons and set it aside now
- Bake the Brownie Layer:
- Scrape the remaining brownie batter into the pie crust and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly from edge to edge. Aim for a level surface so it bakes up evenly. Slide it into your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should look shiny and cracked and a toothpick poked near the center should come out mostly clean. Move the pie to a cooling rack and let it cool all the way before the next step
- Optional Make Brownie Crumbs:
- Take the two tablespoons of reserved brownie batter and flatten it into a small round on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 7 to 8 minutes until just firm. Remove to a rack and once cool break into little pieces for sprinkling over your finished pie
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl beat together the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and half of the whipped topping. Use an electric mixer for an ultra silky consistency. Once no lumps remain, switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in the rest of the whipped topping to keep the mixture fluffy
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the peanut butter cream over the fully cooled brownie base and spread to the edges. Use an offset spatula for a bakery finish. Sprinkle your choice of chocolate jimmies, chips, peanut butter chips, or baked brownie crumbs right over the top for texture and color
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the pie in your fridge uncovered for at least two hours so the filling sets. Before serving slice the pie using a hot sharp knife for neat wedges. Cover any leftovers and store in the fridge where the pie holds up beautifully for up to one week
The moment my niece took her first bite and declared this her new favorite pie I knew I had found my own signature dessert
Storage Tips
Wrap your pie plate well with plastic or place slices in airtight containers. The flavors meld as it rests so it may taste even better on day two. For best texture keep in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. If you want to chill it quicker after assembly, place the pie uncovered in the coldest part of your fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter for a nut free option. Use non dairy whipped topping and plant based cream cheese if serving vegan friends. If you do not have peanut butter chips you can add chocolate chips to the brownie layer.
Serving Suggestions
Top slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra chips for a fun finish. A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds drama. If serving at a potluck chill the pie well and slice just before traveling so it holds up on the go.
Cultural Note
This pie is a celebration of the American love for all things chocolate and peanut butter. The concept of dessert bars and layered pies blossomed in the mid 20th century when convenience baking mixes became popular. This recipe carries forward that hands on tradition in a nostalgic way.
Seasonal Adaptations
Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups or pastel sprinkles for a springtime treat. Add a dusting of cinnamon to the peanut butter layer in fall. Swirl raspberry or strawberry sauce into the whipped topping for summer.
Success Stories
One reader brought this pie to a family reunion and watched it disappear before the barbecue even started. Another made it with their kids who loved hearing the cracks of the brownie crust as they layered on the filling.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze the pie complete all steps except the toppings and ensure it is wrapped tightly. When ready to serve thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then add fresh garnish right before slicing. The texture will be slightly more dense but still tastes fantastic.
This pie is always the first to vanish at our family parties and it never fails to surprise new guests. Try it once and it will become your signature dessert too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a homemade brownie mix for the base?
Yes, a homemade brownie batter works just as well. Just match the mix’s liquid quantities as needed for consistency.
- → Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the peanut butter layer?
Cream cheese helps stabilize and enrich the filling. For a lighter result, substitute with mascarpone or Greek yogurt.
- → Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare, assemble, and chill the dessert a day in advance for the best set and flavor mingling.
- → What topping variations work well for garnish?
Try extra chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts, caramel drizzle, or even biscuit crumbs for added texture.
- → How do I ensure the brownie layer stays moist?
Don’t overbake the brownie base; check for a few moist crumbs on the tester to retain fudginess.