Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups Graham Crackers (finely crushed)
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • ¼ tsp Fine Sea Salt (for crust)
  • 8 oz block Cream Cheese (full-fat, room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups Creamy Peanut Butter (not natural style)
  • 1 ½ cups Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar), sifted
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream (Double Cream, well chilled)
  • ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt (for filling)
  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Roasted Peanuts (optional garnish)
  • Chocolate Shavings or Cocoa Powder Dusting (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the 9-inch pie plate.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are uniformly moist, resembling wet sand.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the pie plate and firmly press the crumbs onto the bottom and up the sides of the dish using a measuring cup or flat object.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes until the crust edges are lightly golden. Remove the crust and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. In a separate, chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  6. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature cream cheese until completely smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the creamy peanut butter and beat until fully combined.
  7. Reduce the speed and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the mixture is uniform and smooth. (Sifting the sugar prevents lumps.)
  8. Gently fold about one-third of the reserved whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to lighten the base.
  9. Add the remaining whipped cream and gently fold until just combined and streak-free. Do not overmix.
  10. Spoon the peanut butter filling into the completely cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  11. Cover the pie loosely and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pie is completely set and slices cleanly.
  12. Just before serving, garnish the top with chopped peanuts, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.