This Peanut Butter Brownie Pie has layers of sweet perfection! The bottom layer is a rich, chocolate brownie. The top layer is peanut butter cheesecake made with cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, whipped topping (aka Cool Whip), and confectioner’s sugar. If you’d like to make this a swirl pie, just lightly stir the peanut butter into the cream cheese filling without completely blending it in.
This is not a quick and easy recipe. It can be prepared in about 20 minutes but then there’s also the time required to bake the brownie layer before you can add the cheesecake. Overall, preparation and bake time takes about an hour. The good news is it will be ready to devour after it’s been in the refrigerator only 45-60 minutes!
If you haven’t made a cheesecake before, you’ll want to make sure the cream cheese is soft before you start mixing the cheesecake layer. It’s extremely difficult to beat cream cheese if it isn’t softened first. i watched a YouTube video of a woman who tossed two blocks of cream cheese into a bowl and attacked it with an electric mixer on high. You can image what happened. The cream cheese splattered all over the kitchen.
I’ve seen cheesecake recipes that recommend softening the cream cheese in the microwave. It works but only if you stop the microwave every few seconds and mash the cream cheese. There are other methods to soften cream cheese. I find the easiest way to be cutting the block into tiny cubes and allowing them to come up to room temperature. Cutting the block into cubes increases the surface area so the cream cheese softens more evenly. The other proven method to soften cream cheese is to use a water bath. Leave the outside foil wrapper on the block and drop it into a bowl of warm water. Turn the block over once or twice to help evenly warm the cream cheese.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The nutrition information for this recipe will vary depending on the brand and type of brownie mix you’re using. Those ingredients will be listed on the box. Some require only water while others require eggs, butter, or oil. As an example, I’m using Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie mix. You’re welcome to use any type or brand of brownie mix.
Topping Suggestions
You can add just about any topping to this decadent dessert. Mini chocolate chips, mini peanut butter chips, coconut, chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, caramel or butterscotch drizzle, hot fudge, and whipped cream all pair well with the delicate blend of peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate brownie.
Creamy Peanut Butter Brownie Pie Recipe
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie plate
- 1 wire cooling rack
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 large bowl
- 1 electric mixer
Ingredients List
For The Pie
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
For The Brownie Mix (Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
- 1 18.3 ounce box brownie mix
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs large
- 3 Tbsp water
For The Peanut Butter Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese 8-ounce block
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping thawed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat The Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Prepare The Crust
- The crust should sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes as directed on the package.
- Place the crust in the pie plate and crimp the edge.
Prepare The Brownie Layer
- Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the box.
- Pour the mixture into the pie plate.
Bake
- Bake for 30-40 minutes of until the brownie is done.
- Start checking the crust after 20 minutes. IF the crust is getting too dark, use a pie crust shield or wrap thin strips of aluminum foil around the edge.
- Brownie is done when toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool at room temperature for 20-25 minutes then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Prepare The Topping
- In large bowl beat the cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract, and creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until creamy and smooth.
- Fold in the whipped topping If you're looking for a swirl cheesecake filling then lightly mix in the whipped topping. Otherwise blend until completely mixed.
Assemble and Cool
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the brownie and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.