These Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat for any dessert lover. They combine the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with a smooth chocolate ganache, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these mini pies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Additional chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Evenly divide the crumb mixture into a mini muffin pan, pressing the crumbs firmly into the bottom and up the sides to create a crust. You can use a small glass or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down evenly.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Peanut Butter and Sugar: Add the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar to the cream cheese, and continue beating until well combined and smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Fill the Crusts: Once the crusts are cooled, evenly distribute the peanut butter filling into each mini pie crust, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place the filled pies in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the ganache.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat just before it reaches a boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute to soften.
- Stir Until Smooth: After letting it sit, stir the chocolate and cream together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is your chocolate ganache.
- Top the Pies: Spoon the chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter filling in each mini pie. Use the back of a spoon to spread the ganache evenly across the tops.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Add Garnish: While the ganache is still slightly soft, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill: Return the mini pies to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the ganache is set.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, gently remove the mini pies from the muffin pan. You can use a small knife to help release the edges if needed. Serve the pies cold, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and indulgent flavors.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before starting. This will make them easier to mix and result in a smoother filling.
- Make Ahead: These mini pies can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Crust Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs for a chocolatey twist on the crust.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies:
- Perfectly Portioned: These mini pies are the perfect size for individual servings, making them great for parties or as a fun family treat.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate ganache creates a decadent dessert that’s hard to resist.
- No-Bake Option: If you prefer not to bake the crust, you can simply press the graham cracker mixture into the muffin pan and chill it in the refrigerator until firm. This makes the recipe even quicker and easier!
These Irresistible Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The rich and creamy peanut butter filling, paired with the decadent chocolate ganache, creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these mini pies are a must-try!
