Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs (or Digestive Biscuits)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
- ⅛ teaspoon Pinch of Salt
- 8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar), sifted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (optional)
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Whipping Cream (Double Cream), chilled
- 3 tablespoons Icing Sugar (for whipping cream)
- 1 tablespoon Reserved Peanut Butter (For garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Chocolate Shavings (Optional)
Instructions:
- Phase 1: Preparing and Baking the Crust. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, and pinch of salt.
- Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture. Toss with a fork until all crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Transfer the mixture into the 9-inch pie dish. Press firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides using the base of a measuring cup.
- Bake for 8 minutes to set the crust structure. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.
- Phase 2: Whipping the Cream. Ensure the heavy cream, bowl, and whisk attachment are all well-chilled for maximum volume.
- Pour the chilled heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of icing sugar into the bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the base.
- Phase 3: Creating the Peanut Butter Filling. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl on medium speed until perfectly smooth (about 1 minute). Scrape down the sides.
- Add the room temperature peanut butter, 1 ½ cups sifted icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. (If the mixture is too thick, add the 2 tablespoons of milk or cream.)
- Fold Gently: Take half of the reserved whipped cream and add it to the peanut butter mixture. Fold gently using a rubber spatula in a figure-eight motion until just combined.
- Add the remaining whipped cream and continue to fold until uniform. Stop immediately when no streaks of white cream remain to avoid deflating the pie.
- Phase 4: Assembly and Setting. Spoon the peanut butter filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top into a slight dome.
- Cover the pie loosely and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pie is firm and completely set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, top the pie with extra whipped cream, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, and a dusting of chocolate shavings.