Decadent Buckeye Pie

Prepare to indulge in an extraordinary dessert that combines two of the most beloved flavors: peanut butter and chocolate. This incredibly rich and utterly decadent Buckeye Candy Pie is a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. It’s a delightful, no-bake confection that takes the nostalgic charm of classic Buckeye candy and transforms it into an easy-to-make, show-stopping pie. Imagine a silky smooth peanut butter filling nestled in a crunchy Oreo crust, all crowned with a luscious, velvety chocolate peanut butter ganache. This isn’t just a pie; it’s a celebration in every single bite, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying flavors.

If you’re captivated by the irresistible allure of Buckeye flavors, you’re in for a treat. Beyond this spectacular pie, explore other delightful Buckeye-inspired creations like our Awesome Peanut Butter Buckeye Rice Krispies, the timeless Buckeye Candy itself, and the melt-in-your-mouth Easy Buckeye Fudge! Each recipe captures the essence of this iconic flavor combination, promising pure dessert bliss.

What is Buckeye Pie?

Buckeye Pie is a decadent, layered, no-bake dessert masterpiece inspired by the classic Buckeye candy. This pie typically features three distinct, mouth-watering layers that perfectly complement each other. The foundation is a rich, dark, and crunchy Oreo cookie crust, which provides a delightful contrast to the creamy fillings. Above this, you’ll find a thick, sweet, and unbelievably smooth peanut butter filling, often enriched with cream cheese for an extra layer of velvety texture and a hint of tanginess that cuts through the sweetness. Finally, the pie is generously topped with a rich, glossy, and intensely chocolatey peanut butter ganache, creating a stunning visual appeal and an unforgettable taste experience. Every forkful offers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it a truly exceptional dessert.

This exquisite pie is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for any gathering, whether you’re celebrating birthdays, holidays, or simply treating yourself and loved ones to something special. Its ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities. For more Buckeye-inspired delights, don’t miss our Easy Buckeye Fudge and these incredibly satisfying Rich n’ Gooey Buckeye Bars – all echoing the beloved peanut butter and chocolate pairing!

What Are Buckeyes?

Buckeyes are a beloved traditional confection, particularly popular in the state of Ohio. They consist of delectable peanut butter fudge candy balls partially dipped in melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top. This distinctive appearance gives them their charming name, as they strikingly resemble the shiny, dark brown nuts that grow on the Ohio Buckeye trees. While they are a staple treat during the fall football season and a beloved symbol for Ohio State fans, you certainly don’t need to be from Ohio or a fan of the Buckeyes to thoroughly enjoy these incredibly rich and satisfying peanut butter and chocolate delights. They are a universal symbol of sweet indulgence, cherished by candy enthusiasts across the country.

Why You’ll Love this No-Bake Buckeye Pie Recipe!

This Buckeye Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Simple with 3 Main Steps: Forget complicated baking techniques and lengthy oven times. This pie is incredibly easy to assemble, broken down into three straightforward stages: preparing the simple Oreo pie crust, mixing the luscious peanut butter filling, and crafting the smooth chocolate ganache. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned bakers, proving that delicious desserts don’t have to be difficult.
Generously Serves a Crowd: With its rich and decadent nature, this pie is designed to serve at least 12 people comfortably. Each slice is packed with so much flavor and texture that even a smaller sliver is incredibly satisfying. This makes it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a dessert that stretches to please many guests without requiring a massive amount of effort.
A Dream for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Lovers: If you adore the classic combination of rich peanut butter fudge and smooth, decadent chocolate, then this pie is absolutely made for you. It captures the essence of that beloved pairing in a luxurious, creamy, and crunchy format. The contrasting textures and complementary flavors create a symphony on your palate, ensuring every bite is pure bliss. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, promising pure indulgence.

Essential Ingredients for Your Buckeye Pie

Crafting this incredible Buckeye Pie requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect decadent finish.

For the Crunchy Oreo Crust:

Oreo Cookies: The star of our crust, providing a deep chocolate flavor and a perfect crunch. Regular or even Double Stuffed Oreos work wonderfully.
Unsalted Butter, melted: Binds the cookie crumbs together, giving the crust its firm structure and rich flavor.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling:

Cream Cheese, softened: Essential for a rich, tangy, and incredibly smooth filling. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a lump-free mixture.
Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the filling. Opt for a classic, creamy processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the best texture and consistency. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and alter the filling’s texture.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it sweetens the filling and contributes to its silky-smooth texture, dissolving easily without creating grittiness.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla elevates all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth to the peanut butter.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into the filling, it lightens the texture, making it airy and irresistibly fluffy.

For the Decadent Chocolate Ganache:

Heavy Whipping Cream: Forms the base of the ganache, providing the necessary fat to create a smooth and glossy topping.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: The primary chocolate component. High-quality chips will yield the best flavor and melt smoothly. You can also use good quality chocolate bars, finely chopped.
Peanut Butter: A small amount added to the ganache infuses it with that classic Buckeye flavor, enhancing the chocolate and giving it a unique richness.

How to Make This Dreamy No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Pie

Creating this stunning Buckeye Pie is a straightforward process, broken down into three simple, no-bake stages. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly layered and unbelievably delicious dessert.

Step 1: The Perfect Oreo Crust

Start by preparing your Oreo cookies. You can either pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form or place them in a large resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. The goal is consistent, fine crumbs.
In a bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the melted unsalted butter and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Firmly press this mixture evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to compact it well. This creates a sturdy base for your pie.
Place the prepared crust in the freezer for 10-12 minutes while you begin making the peanut butter filling. This brief chilling period helps the crust set, preventing it from crumbling when sliced.

Step 2: The Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is exceptionally smooth and free of any lumps. This is crucial for a silky filling.
Add the creamy peanut butter to the bowl (remember to reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache later). Beat for about 2 minutes until it’s well combined with the cream cheese. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until just incorporated.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed after each addition. Continue mixing until the mixture is evenly combined and beautifully smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Gently fold in the heavy whipping cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling too dense.
Pour the luscious peanut butter mixture into your chilled Oreo crust and spread it evenly, making sure it reaches the edges of the pie. Set this aside to prepare the ganache.

Step 3: The Velvety Chocolate Ganache

Place the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until it just begins to boil. Alternatively, you can heat it gently on the stovetop until simmering, but not rapidly boiling.
Immediately pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips and the reserved 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in a heat-proof bowl. Do not stir. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for one minute to allow the chocolate to melt and the peanut butter to soften.
After one minute, begin to whisk the mixture gently from the center outwards. Continue whisking until the ganache is completely smooth, glossy, and beautifully emulsified.
Carefully spread the warm ganache evenly over the peanut butter filling, extending it all the way to the edge of the pie crust.
For the best texture and to allow all the layers to set properly, chill the Buckeye Pie in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. This ensures clean cuts and a firm, delightful consistency.

Tips for a Perfect Buckeye Pie

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before beating. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform peanut butter filling.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Once you add the heavy whipping cream to the peanut butter mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can cause the filling to become dense rather than light and fluffy.
Quality Chocolate for Ganache: Use good quality semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate bars for the ganache. Better chocolate melts more smoothly and yields a more luxurious, flavorful ganache.
Proper Ganache Technique: When making the ganache, pour hot cream over the chocolate and peanut butter, then let it sit for a minute before whisking. This allows the heat to melt the chocolate evenly, resulting in a perfectly smooth and glossy finish.
Chill Time is Key: Do not rush the chilling process. The pie needs several hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator for all the layers to set properly, making it easy to slice and ensuring optimal texture.
Clean Slices: For perfectly clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps glide through the ganache and filling without sticking.

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions for Buckeye Pie

While this Buckeye Candy Pie is absolutely divine on its own, there are countless ways to customize it and make it even more spectacular. Get creative and tailor it to your taste or occasion!

Whipped Topping & Peanut Butter Cup Delight: Elevate your dessert by adding a generous dollop of freshly made whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping to each slice. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top. The whipped topping not only lightens the richness but also adds a wonderful contrast in texture, making this Buckeye Candy Pie even more irresistible.
Festive Flair with Sprinkles: Want to make this peanut butter chocolate pie stand out for a birthday, holiday, or special event? Add colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache before it fully sets. Choose colors that match your celebration for a fun and festive look.
Artistic Chocolate Drizzles: For a lighter chocolate presence or a decorative touch, make only half of the ganache recipe. You could also leave a 1-inch border around the edge of the pie when adding the ganache, allowing the peanut butter filling to peek through. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate back and forth across the pie in an artistic pattern for a sophisticated finish with less overall chocolate ganache.
Added Crunch with Chopped Nuts: Introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor by sprinkling some finely chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts on top of the pie. The crunch will complement the smooth filling beautifully.
A Touch of Sea Salt: For an exquisite gourmet twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate ganache just before serving. The sea salt perfectly enhances both the chocolate and the peanut butter flavors, creating a truly sophisticated and mouth-watering experience. Yes, we went there, and it’s absolutely amazing!
Serve with Ice Cream: For the ultimate dessert experience, serve a slice of Buckeye Pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a complementary flavor like coffee or salted caramel.

Storing Your Decadent Buckeye Candy Pie

Proper storage is key to keeping your Buckeye Candy Pie fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Given its creamy components, refrigeration is essential.

Refrigeration: Store the pie, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Ensuring it’s well-sealed will prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge and will keep the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to enjoy your Buckeye Pie for an extended period, it freezes beautifully.
- Whole Pie: Wrap the entire chilled pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil.
- Individual Slices: For easier portioning, slice the pie first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and foil.
Frozen pie can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer the pie (or individual slices) to the refrigerator and let it thaw for several hours or overnight.

This buckeye pie recipe truly is a joy to make, and its presentation is nothing short of glorious! The chocolate ganache, with its high sheen and rich depth, looks absolutely stunning draped over the beautiful pie. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a truly fun and rewarding dessert to serve at any occasion. Every slice promises pure satisfaction.

Craving More Decadent Desserts?

If your sweet tooth is still calling, explore these other fantastic recipes that promise to deliver pure dessert bliss:

Oreo Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
Gooey Caramel Chocolate Ganache Brownies
Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie
Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

Buckeye Pie

Kim Lange

This decadent Buckeye Candy Pie is made in an Oreo crust & filled with a sweet peanut butter filling & rich chocolate peanut butter ganache!

Rating: 4.17 from 6 votes

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Prep Time
20 mins

Course
Dessert

Servings
12 Servings

Ingredients

Oreo Crust

Oreo Crust
25 Oreo Cookies crushed into crumbs
5 tablespoons butter melted
¼ teaspoon salt

Peanut Butter Filling

1 package 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ¾ cups creamy peanut butter (reserve 2 tablespoons for chocolate ganache)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup heavy whipping cream

Chocolate Ganache

½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter

Instructions

How to Make Buckeye Pie

Oreo Crust

Pulse or crush Oreo cookies into crumbs. Add melted butter to Oreo cookie mixture and mix well. Firmly press mixture onto bottom and up the side of a 9-in. pie plate. Place in freeze for 10-12 minutes while you make the filling.

Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until very smooth. Beat in peanut butter (reserving 2 tablespoons for ganache) until mixed well for 2 minutes, then mix in vanilla.
Add powdered sugar one cup at a time on medium speed until mixture is evenly combined and mixed together.
Mix in heavy whipping cream and then add mixture into crust and spread mixture evenly over filling.

Chocolate Ganache

Place heavy cream in microwave for 1-2 minutes until it starts boiling. Add chocolate chips and peanut butter and let sit for one minute. Then, whisk mixture together to get the smooth, glossy ganache.
Spread ganache over the peanut butter filling covering to the edge of the pie. Chill for several hours before serving.

Keyword
Buckeye, chocolate, chocolate frosting, Oreos, peanut butter, peanut butter cup, pie

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