Mini Peanut Butter Pies Recipe
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Toppings:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottoms and slightly up the sides of a 12-cup muffin tin, using a spoon or your fingers. Make sure to pack the crust firmly so it holds its shape.
- Bake the crusts for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before adding the filling.
- Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined and the mixture is fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. This will give the filling a light and airy texture.
- Assemble the Mini Pies:
- Once the crusts have cooled, spoon the peanut butter filling into each crust, filling them to the top. Smooth the tops with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Refrigerate the pies for at least 2 hours or until the filling is firm and set.
- Add Toppings:
- If desired, drizzle the tops with melted chocolate, add a dollop of whipped cream, or sprinkle with crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips. This adds extra flavor and a decorative touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove the mini pies from the muffin tin. If they stick, run a knife around the edges to loosen them.
- Serve the pies chilled, and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter filling and crunchy graham cracker crust.
These Mini Peanut Butter Pies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their small size makes them perfect for individual servings at parties or gatherings. The rich and creamy peanut butter filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust, while the optional chocolate drizzle and whipped cream add an extra layer of indulgence.
You can customize this recipe by using different toppings or adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and filling for a more decadent experience. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.