Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Crunch Pie

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures designed to captivate your senses. Imagine a tantalizing blend of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, all harmoniously brought together in one irresistible creation. This pie is a true testament to the legendary pairing of peanut butter and chocolate, elevated by the delightful surprise of a pretzel crust. It’s the kind of treat that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations, making it an absolute must-try for any dessert enthusiast.

Every bite of this extraordinary pie unveils a new layer of deliciousness. You’ll discover a rich, smooth peanut butter filling, a decadent chocolate ganache, and generous scatterings of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, salted peanuts, and pretzels. All these delightful elements are nestled within a perfectly crafted, homemade pretzel crust that provides an unparalleled sweet and salty foundation. If you’re a fan of this incredible flavor combination, you’ll also adore our Strawberry Pretzel Layered Dessert, another fantastic way to enjoy the classic sweet and salty dynamic.

Adding to its allure, our homemade pretzel crust offers an optional, yet highly recommended, melted chocolate layer. You might think the pie couldn’t get any better, but this extra step elevates the experience, transforming the crust into a chocolate-covered pretzel dream. While entirely optional, this additional layer provides an extra dimension of flavor and texture, echoing the beloved taste of chocolate-covered pretzels – a temptation we simply couldn’t resist!

For those who crave more sweet and salty sensations, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes: 16 Caramel Apple Recipes, 16 Chocolate & Caramel Gooey Decadent Desserts That Rule, and our incredibly gooey Caramel Pretzel Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Contents

Why This Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is a Showstopper

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece that consistently wins hearts and satisfies cravings. Here’s why our Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie stands out as an undeniable crowd favorite:

Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: At its core, this pie delivers the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter experience. The rich, nutty notes of peanut butter perfectly complement the deep, luscious sweetness of chocolate. What truly sets it apart is the clever addition of salty pretzels, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to a wide audience, from classic dessert lovers to those seeking a unique twist.
Irresistible Textural Contrast: Beyond its incredible taste, the pie offers a delightful interplay of textures. The crunchy, salty pretzel crust provides a satisfying bite, contrasting beautifully with the smooth, creamy peanut butter filling. The velvety chocolate ganache adds another layer of silkiness, while the scattered Reese’s cups, salted peanuts, and pretzel pieces on top contribute bursts of chewiness and crunch. This dynamic textural experience makes every forkful exciting and deeply satisfying.
Pure Indulgence, Elevated: This pie is a celebration of indulgence. It’s designed to make you want to devour every last crumb, leaving no doubt why it becomes an instant obsession. The meticulous layering of flavors and textures ensures a sophisticated dessert that feels gourmet yet remains comforting and approachable. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a moment of pure bliss.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself and your family, this pie is always a hit. Its impressive appearance and universally loved flavors guarantee smiles and requests for seconds. It’s a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

Choosing the Right Pie Pan for Your Reese’s Masterpiece

While the taste of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is undeniably the star, its presentation can elevate the entire experience. I personally opted for a tart pan with high sides to achieve those beautiful, fluted edges that give the pie an elegant, professional look. The defined ridges not only add to its visual appeal but also provide a sturdy structure for holding all those delicious layers.

However, don’t let the absence of a tart pan deter you! Any standard 9-inch pie pan will work perfectly for this Reese’s pie recipe. The key is the incredible flavor, and regardless of the pan you choose, your pie will still be a showstopper. It will look absolutely amazing, and your guests will be eager to dig in, demanding seconds before you know it!

For an extra touch of visual flair, consider a glass pie dish, which allows the beautiful layers of the pie to be admired from all angles. Metal pie pans are also excellent for even baking of the pretzel crust. The most important thing is to use a pan that is at least 9 inches in diameter and has sufficient depth to accommodate the generous layers of crust, filling, and ganache. No matter your choice, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit!

Essential Ingredients for Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie

Crafting this incredible pie requires a few key components, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect sweet and salty balance and decadent texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Irresistible Pretzel Pie Crust:

Crushed Pretzels (2 cups): The foundation of our pie! It’s best to measure out about 3 ½ to 4 cups of small pretzels and then crush them until finely chopped. The coarser the grind, the more texture your crust will have, adding to the delightful crunch.
Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup): This adds a subtle caramel note and helps bind the crust together, providing a touch of sweetness to balance the pretzels’ saltiness.
Melted Salted Butter (6 tablespoons): Essential for binding the pretzel crumbs and sugar into a cohesive crust. Salted butter enhances the sweet and salty profile.

Optional Chocolate Ganache for a Chocolate-Covered Pretzel Crust:

Semi-sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (½ heaping cup or 3 ounces): Whether you use chips or a bar, quality chocolate makes a difference. This layer adds a sophisticated depth of flavor and creates a protective barrier for the crust.
Heavy Cream (¼ cup): The key to a smooth, glossy ganache. It emulsifies with the melted chocolate to create a rich, pourable consistency. You can also use peanut butter for a double peanut butter layer!

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Pie Filling:

Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup): The star of the filling! Choose a good quality, creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture and richest flavor. Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation as it can affect consistency.
Softened Cream Cheese (4 oz): Adds a slight tang and incredible creaminess to the filling, preventing it from being overly sweet and giving it a wonderful, almost cheesecake-like body.
Cool Whip (8 oz): Provides a light, airy texture to the filling, making it wonderfully fluffy and easy to spread. For a homemade alternative, you can use stabilized whipped cream.

For the Decadent Chocolate Ganache Top Layer:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): This generous amount creates a thick, luxurious chocolate topping. Semi-sweet is ideal for balancing richness without being overly bitter or sweet.
Heavy Cream or Peanut Butter (½ cup): Again, heavy cream for a classic ganache. If you opt for peanut butter here, you’ll intensify the peanut butter flavor and achieve a slightly thicker, fudgier topping that is simply divine.

For the Ultimate Toppings:

Cool Whip (8 oz): For piping beautiful borders or dollops, adding a final touch of lightness.
Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The iconic topping! These add bursts of peanut butter and chocolate flavor and instantly identify the pie’s inspiration.
Salted Peanuts: Enhance the salty notes and provide extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Homemade or Store-Bought Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The perfect garnish, reinforcing the pretzel theme and adding another layer of sweet and salty goodness.

Crafting Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this incredible pie is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will impress everyone!

Phase 1: The Perfect Pretzel Pie Crust

Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden.
Crush and Combine: For the crust, take your pretzels and crush them finely using a blender or food processor. Aim for a fine crumb, but a few larger pieces are welcome for added texture. In a bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with the light brown sugar and the melted salted butter. Mix thoroughly until the pretzel crumbs are evenly coated and moist.
Form the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan. Ensure it’s compact to prevent crumbling.
Bake and Cool: Bake the crust for 8 minutes. This brief bake time helps to set the crust, making it sturdy. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack before proceeding. A fully cooled crust is crucial to prevent the filling from melting.

Phase 2: Optional Chocolate Ganache for the Pretzel Crust

This step adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and acts as a barrier, keeping your pretzel crust crisp longer.

Prepare the Ganache: If using bar chocolate, chop it into small, uniform pieces for even melting. Place the chocolate in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
Add Cream and Spread: Pour the heavy cream (or peanut butter, if using) into the melted chocolate and stir until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This creates your ganache. Spread this thin layer evenly over the bottom and up the sides of your cooled pretzel crust. Don’t worry if it’s a very thin layer or if there are a few bare spots; it’s mostly for flavor and a subtle barrier.
Chill to Set: Refrigerate the crust with the chocolate ganache until it is completely set, about 10-15 minutes. This ensures the layer is firm before adding the peanut butter filling.

Phase 3: The Creamy Peanut Butter Pie Filling

This is where the magic happens – a light, airy, and rich peanut butter filling!

Blend the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip (or your homemade stabilized whipped cream) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping and make the filling less airy.
Layer and Chill: Spread this luscious peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Return the pie to the fridge while you prepare the final chocolate ganache layer. This allows the filling to begin setting and prevents it from softening the crust.

Phase 4: The Decadent Chocolate Ganache Top Layer

A rich, glossy chocolate layer to crown your pie.

Prepare the Ganache (Again!): If using bar chocolate, chop it. Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
Emulsify and Cool: Add the heavy cream or peanut butter to the melted chocolate and stir until the ganache is glossy and perfectly smooth. It’s crucial to allow this ganache to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the peanut butter filling. Pouring hot ganache will melt the peanut butter layer.
Pour and Spread: Once the ganache is at room temperature but still pourable, carefully pour it over the peanut butter filling. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across the top of the pie, creating a beautiful, smooth finish.

Phase 5: The Ultimate Toppings and Chilling

The final decorative touches that make this pie truly special.

Decorate: Using a spoon or a piping bag, pipe a border of whipped cream around the top edge of the pie. Then, arrange mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, salted peanuts, and chocolate-covered pretzels artfully in the center of the pie. Feel free to get creative with your arrangement!
Final Chill: Cover the pie loosely with tinfoil or plastic wrap and return it to the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours. This crucial chilling time allows all the layers to set completely, making for clean slices and a firm pie.
Serve and Store: Before serving, if frozen, remove the pie from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will make it much easier to cut into perfect slices. Cover and refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.

Tips for Success and Troubleshooting Your Pie

Even though this Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie recipe is relatively straightforward, a few tips can ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time:

Pretzel Crushing Consistency: For the best crust, aim for a fine crumb with some slightly larger pieces. Too fine, and it can become dense; too coarse, and it might not hold together. A food processor works best for this.
Proper Chilling is Key: Don’t rush the chilling steps! Each layer needs ample time to set. A firm crust and set filling prevent a soggy bottom and ensure clean, beautiful slices.
Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This is vital for a smooth, lump-free peanut butter filling. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy texture.
Ganache Temperature Matters: When adding the chocolate ganache top layer, ensure it has cooled to room temperature. Hot ganache will melt the peanut butter filling, creating a messy, unappealing look and compromising the texture. It should still be pourable but not warm.
Preventing a Soggy Crust: The optional chocolate ganache layer on the pretzel crust serves as a delicious barrier, helping to prevent the crust from becoming soggy from the moisture in the filling. If you skip this, consider a thin layer of melted white chocolate or a quick brush of egg white and a brief bake before adding the filling.
Measuring Pretzels: When measuring crushed pretzels, it’s generally better to crush them first and then measure, rather than crushing pre-measured whole pretzels. The density changes significantly.

Storing Your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie for Optimal Freshness

Proper storage is essential to maintain the deliciousness and integrity of your Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie. Because it contains dairy ingredients like whipped cream and cream cheese, it needs to be refrigerated.

Refrigeration: Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is well-covered with plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or placed in an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge and keeps it fresh.
Make Ahead: This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it 1-2 days in advance of your special event or busy schedule. The flavors actually meld and deepen slightly overnight, often making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire pie. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. A whole pie can be wrapped similarly. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature before serving for easier slicing.

Creative Variations and Substitutions for Your Pie

While the classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is divine as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Crust Alternatives:
- Oreo Crust: If pretzels aren’t your thing, a homemade Oreo crust or a graham cracker pie crust would be absolutely delicious. These provide different flavor profiles and textures but still work wonderfully with peanut butter and chocolate.
- Store-Bought Crust: Short on time? Don’t hesitate to use a pre-made pie crust available at your favorite grocery store. Graham cracker or chocolate cookie crusts are excellent choices.
Ganache Options:
- Hot Fudge Topping: If you prefer not to make a chocolate ganache from scratch, a good quality store-bought hot fudge sauce can be warmed and poured over the pie for a quick and easy alternative.
- White Chocolate Ganache: For a different visual and flavor twist, try a white chocolate ganache instead of dark or semi-sweet.
Peanut Butter Varieties: Experiment with different types of peanut butter – chunky for added texture, or even a specialty nut butter if you’re feeling adventurous (though it might alter the classic Reese’s taste).
Topping Transformations:
- Different Candies: Instead of mini Reese’s, consider chopped full-size Reese’s cups, Reese’s Pieces, or other chocolate-peanut butter candies.
- Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the ganache would introduce another layer of sweet and salty complexity.
- Chocolate Shavings: For an elegant touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or curls.

More Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Desserts You’ll Love!

If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this iconic pairing:

Chocolate Nutella & Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Salted Caramel Pretzel & Peanut Brownies
Rolo Reese’s Pretzel Fudge
Double Chocolate Banana Snack Cake

This chocolate peanut butter pie recipe is truly designed for ease, with each step broken down into manageable and simple tasks. There’s no need to be an expert baker to achieve spectacular results. And trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it for the unforgettable taste!

One of the many benefits of this no-bake peanut butter pie (aside from the quick crust bake) is its make-ahead potential. You can effortlessly prepare it 1-2 days in advance, a fantastic advantage when planning for upcoming special events or navigating a busy schedule. This flexibility allows you to focus on other preparations, knowing that a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert is already taken care of. It’s the perfect sweet solution for any occasion!

More Decadent Bites to Explore

Delve deeper into a world of exquisite flavors with these additional dessert creations, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth:

Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Krispie Treats
Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies
Sweet & Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars
M&M Pretzel Bars
Outrageous Peanut Butter Caramel Truffle Cookies
Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cookies
Heavenly Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
Buckeye Pie
Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie – Costco CopyCat Recipe
30 Peanut Butter & Candy Desserts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie

Author: Kim Lange

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is a tantalizing sweet and salty dessert temptation too hard to resist! Delicious pie layers of peanut butter filling, chocolate ganache, loads of peanut butter cups, salted peanuts, pretzels and whipped cream in a super yummy homemade pretzel crust.

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Chill Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 8 Servings

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Ingredients

Pretzel Crust

2 cups crushed pretzels – (measure out 3 ½ to 4 cups of small pretzels lightly broken in pieces to fit in the measuring cup)
¼ cup light brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted salted butter

Optional: Chocolate Ganache for Chocolate Covered Pretzel Crust

½ heaping cup or 3 ounces of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (chips or bar chocolate)
¼ cup heavy cream (or peanut butter could be used)

Peanut Butter Filling Layer

1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz Cool Whip

Chocolate Ganache Top Layer

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream or ½ cup peanut butter

Toppings

8 oz Cool Whip
Mini peanut butter cups
Salted peanuts
Home-made or store-bought Chocolate covered pretzels

Instructions

Pretzel Crust

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
For the crust, crush the pretzels in a blender or food processor until finely chopped. Stir in the brown sugar and melted butter. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan.
Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack.

Optional: Chocolate Ganache for Chocolate Covered Pretzel Crust

Chop the chocolate if using a bar. Place the chocolate in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
Add cream and stir until glossy and smooth. Spread evenly over the bottom and up the sides of the cooled pie crust. Refrigerate until set (about 10-15 minutes).

Peanut Butter Filling Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until well blended and smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until just combined.
Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the crust. Return pie to the fridge while making the ganache.

Chocolate Ganache Top Layer

Chop the chocolate if using a bar. Place the chocolate in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted. Add cream or peanut butter and stir until glossy and smooth.
Allow the ganache to come to room temperature before adding it to the pie. Pour the ganache on top of the pie, using a spatula to evenly spread it.

Toppings

Pipe a border of whipped cream around the top of the pie. Then, artfully arrange mini peanut butter cups, salted peanuts, and chocolate-covered pretzels in the center.
Cover the pie with tinfoil or plastic wrap and return to the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours to set completely. Before serving, if frozen, let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature to make cutting easier. Cover and refrigerate or freeze any leftovers.

Keyword: chocolate, layered dessert, peanut butter, peanut butter and chocolate, pie, pie crust, pretzels, reeses

Tried This Recipe? Let us know how it was by commenting below!

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of iconic flavors and satisfying textures. From its perfectly crunchy, sweet-and-salty pretzel crust to its creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate ganache, every element is designed to deliver pure bliss. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this pie promises a truly memorable experience. Its ease of preparation and make-ahead convenience make it an ideal choice for any baker. So go ahead, indulge in this decadent creation and watch it become an instant favorite!