This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie is an easy no-bake dessert made with instant pudding and Cool Whip

Every family seems to have that one dessert that instantly takes them back to childhood. For me, it’s chocolate pie. Growing up, whenever we’d go visit my grandma, a stop at Village Inn always seemed to happen somewhere along the way. I can still picture those beautiful slices of chocolate pie behind the glass, and if I was lucky, one ended up in front of me. There was just something about that smooth chocolate filling and fluffy topping that felt like the best kind of treat.

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding Pie reminds me of those days, only with a peanut butter twist. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it starts with instant pudding, which means there’s no need to worry about cooking a custard with cornstarch or standing over the stove. It comes together quickly, chills while you go about your day, and tastes as if you spent much longer making it.

Ingredients

graham cracker crumbs or a graham cracker pie crust

butter

sugar

instant milk chocolate pudding

milk

creamy peanut butter

vanilla extract

Cool Whip

peanut butter cups

Additional peanut butter for drizzling.

A few recipe notes

1. I prefer using a creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif because they blend smoothly into the pudding mixture. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can alter the filling’s texture, so I don’t recommend it for this recipe. While this is a no-bake dessert, you’ll still end up with a pie that slices beautifully after a few hours in the refrigerator.
2. If you’re wondering whether you could make homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, you certainly can. Beat heavy whipping cream or heavy cream in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pudding. I still reach for Cool Whip most of the time because it’s simple, dependable, and gives this pie the light, fluffy texture I remember from childhood.

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the crust firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
4. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until completely smooth.
5. Fold the Cool Whip into the pudding with a large spoon until no white streaks remain.
6. Gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups.
7. Spread the filling evenly into the prepared crust.
8. Top with the remaining Cool Whip.
9. Sprinkle with additional peanut butter cups and drizzle with the warmed peanut butter.
10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Overnight is even better.

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Pudding Pie

Ingredients

Crust

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Pie Filling

• 2 3.9 ounce Boxes Instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2.5 cups cold milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed

Topping

• 2 cups Cool Whip
• 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter warmed until drizzleable

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it begins to thicken.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Fold in the 8-ounce container of Cool Whip until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

5. Spoon the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.

6. Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the pie.

7. Sprinkle with the chopped peanut butter cups.

8. Microwave the peanut butter for about 15 to 20 seconds, just until smooth enough to drizzle. Drizzle it over the top of the pie.

9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

This easy peanut butter pie is one of those desserts that always disappears quickly at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings.

If you like this recipe, you should also make:

Coconut Cream Pie

Olive Oil Brownies

Swiss Miss Brownies

This chocolate pudding peanut butter pie will become one of your favorite pie recipes.  If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it.  Please comment below this blog post and let me know how you liked it.   You can also find me on social media.  Tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.