Reeses Pie
If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, then let me introduce you to the dessert that dreams are made of: Reeses Pie! This decadent treat combines a creamy peanut butter filling with a rich chocolate Oreo crust, topped with whipped goodness and chunks of Reese’s cups. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also looks stunning when served, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, this pie is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the sweet details of creating this irresistible dessert!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Reeses Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing! Here are a few reasons why you’ll find yourself making this pie over and over again:
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a classic that never gets old.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite toppings or add-ins.
What You’ll Gather
To create this delightful Reeses Pie, here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- 24 regular chocolate Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup classic creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
- 2 containers (8 ounces each) Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
- ½ to 1 cup chopped Reese’s cups
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Food Processor: For crushing those Oreos into a fine crumb for the crust.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few different sizes for mixing the crust and filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, so have these ready.
- 9-inch Pie Dish: This is where all the magic will happen!
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding in the whipped topping and ensuring a smooth mix.
Stepwise Method: Reeses Pie
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on making this fabulous Reeses Pie!
Step 1: Make the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, crush the 24 Oreo cookies until they reach a fine crumb consistency. Once you have your crumbs, combine them in a mixing bowl with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Step 2: Form the Crust
Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure it’s packed tightly for a sturdy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Fold in the Cool Whip
Gently fold in the two containers of thawed Cool Whip until everything is combined. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; you want it to remain light and fluffy!
Step 5: Add the Reese’s Cups
Stir in the chopped Reese’s cups, reserving a few pieces for topping later.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Pour the peanut butter filling into the cooled Oreo crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pie to set properly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, remove the pie from the fridge, top with the reserved Reese’s cups, and slice into generous pieces. Serve with extra Cool Whip on the side for an added indulgence!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
While Reeses Pie is delicious as is, here are some seasonal flavor boosts you can try:
- Fall Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Minty Fresh: Swap out some of the Reese’s cups for mint chocolate candies for a refreshing twist.
- Holiday Cheer: Top with crushed candy canes during the winter months for a festive touch.
- Fruit Fusion: Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries on top for a fruity flair.
Avoid These Mistakes
To ensure your Reeses Pie turns out perfectly, keep these common pitfalls in mind:
- Don’t skip chilling the pie: It’s crucial for the filling to set properly!
- Avoid over-mixing the whipped topping: This can cause it to lose its light texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened: Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling.
- Press the crust firmly: A loose crust can crumble when slicing the pie.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To keep your Reeses Pie fresh and delicious, follow these guidelines:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to make the pie in advance, it can be frozen before adding the final toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Never refreeze a previously frozen pie once it has been thawed.
Reader Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
While you can use natural peanut butter, it may change the texture and flavor of the pie. Classic creamy peanut butter gives the best results for this recipe.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreos for the crust.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?
If you prefer, you can make your own whipped topping using heavy cream. Just whip it until soft peaks form and use it in place of Cool Whip.
Can I add more chocolate to the pie?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate on top or mix chocolate chips into the filling for an extra chocolatey experience.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the details and tips for making the perfect Reeses Pie, it’s time to get into the kitchen and start creating this delicious masterpiece! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a slice (or two) of this heavenly dessert. Happy baking!
Reeses Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies until they reach a fine crumb consistency. Combine them in a mixing bowl with the melted butter and stir until it resembles wet sand.
- Step 2: Press the Oreo mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until everything is combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped Reese's cups, reserving a few pieces for topping later.
- Step 6: Pour the peanut butter filling into the cooled Oreo crust, spreading it evenly.
- Step 7: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Step 8: Once chilled, top with reserved Reese's cups, slice, and serve with extra Cool Whip on the side.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This pie can be frozen before adding toppings for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
