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Amish Peanut Butter Pie

A nostalgic dessert layered with silky homemade pudding, peanut butter crumbles, and fluffy whipped cream, all nestled inside a flaky crust.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: amish peanut butter cream pie
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • One portion of sweet pie dough chilled and ready for rolling

Vanilla Pudding Filling

  • Two large whole eggs
  • One-fourth teaspoon fine kosher salt
  • Two cups 16 fl oz full-fat milk
  • One teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • One-quarter cup cornstarch 25 grams
  • Half a cup granulated white sugar 100 grams
  • Four tablespoons 1/4 cup or 57 grams unsalted butter, divided into small cubes

Peanut Butter Crumble Layer

  • One and one-half cups powdered sugar 180 grams
  • Half a cup all-purpose flour 60 grams, heat-treated
  • One cup 270 grams creamy peanut butter

Whipped Cream Topping

  • One cup 8 fl oz heavy whipping cream
  • One-quarter cup powdered sugar 30 grams
  • Two teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla paste

Instructions

  • Dust a flat surface and rolling pin lightly with flour. Roll the chilled pie dough into a round approximately 1/8 inch thick, rotating the dough every few rolls to maintain shape and prevent sticking.
  • Gently fit the rolled pastry into a 9-inch pie plate, shaping the edges decoratively as desired. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (205°C). Once the crust is chilled, pierce the base and sides using a fork.
  • Crumple a piece of parchment paper, then spread it within the pie shell. Fill the shell entirely with pie weights, uncooked rice, or dried beans.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully lift out the parchment and weights. Return the crust to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the bottom appears dry and fully baked.

For the Vanilla Pudding Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, blend the sugar with cornstarch. Incorporate the eggs and whisk until smooth and uniform. Set aside.
  • Warm the milk and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until just below boiling.
  • Gradually add about a third of the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pan with the remaining milk and return to heat.
  • Whisk briskly and continuously. As bubbles fade and the mixture begins to thicken, continue stirring until it reaches a boil. Allow it to bubble for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
  • Immediately strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a prepared bowl. Stir with a whisk or spatula to aid in passing through.
  • Let the pastry cream cool to about 140°F. Begin incorporating the butter one piece at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla.
  • Place plastic wrap directly against the surface of the custard and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours.

For the Peanut Butter Crumbles

  • Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until a temperature of 160°F is reached to ensure safety.
  • Sift the flour into a large bowl to eliminate clumps. Mix in the powdered sugar using a fork.
  • Add the peanut butter and use a fork to press and mash until the mixture forms soft, clumpy crumbles.

For the Whipped Cream

  • In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on high speed until stiff peaks develop.

To Assemble the Pie

  • Evenly distribute about three-quarters of the peanut butter crumble over the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
  • Spread the chilled vanilla pudding over the crumbles, smoothing it out to meet the edges.
  • Top the pudding with the prepared whipped cream, then scatter the remaining crumble mixture over the surface.
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Notes

Refrigerate uncovered for up to 3 days. Be aware that the crust may soften slightly and the whipped topping may begin to separate after 48 hours, though flavor remains intact.
Do not freeze this pie.
Tips:
  • The pudding can be made up to three days ahead; prepare the crust a day in advance to streamline assembly.
  • Have all tools ready before beginning the pudding to ensure smooth preparation.
  • If no thermometer is available, let the custard rest for 5–7 minutes before incorporating butter.
  • Best results come from assembling the pie with a freshly baked crust and consuming it the same day.
  • Creating the peanut butter crumbles may require persistence—use the back of a fork and continue pressing until cohesive.