Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

Let me start by saying this: if you’ve never tried Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie, you are in for an unforgettable bite. This pie is like the best parts of peanut butter fudge and silky vanilla pudding had a baby—nestled inside a flaky pie crust and topped with clouds of whipped cream. It’s old-fashioned, decadent, creamy, and comfort food to the core.

Whether you grew up near Amish country or are just discovering their incredible desserts, this one’s a must-try. Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is sweet but balanced, rich but airy, and truly the kind of recipe that people ask you for after just one slice.

What Is Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie?

This is a classic Amish dessert often found in roadside diners and bake shops throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. It combines a crumbly, sweet peanut butter streusel with a rich vanilla custard filling and is topped with fresh whipped cream. The texture is pure magic: buttery, smooth, and slightly crunchy in every bite.

Unlike peanut butter pies that use cream cheese or a no-bake filling, this version relies on homemade vanilla pudding and a simple peanut butter and powdered sugar crumble that gives it its signature texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

• Classic, nostalgic flavor that never goes out of style
• No weird ingredients—just pantry staples
• Creamy, fluffy, and surprisingly light for a peanut butter dessert
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners
• Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a cold, velvety vanilla custard paired with a delicate layer of sweet, salty peanut butter crumbles and topped with whipped cream that melts on your tongue. It’s smooth, a little crunchy, just sweet enough, and 100% crave-worthy. This isn’t your average peanut butter pie—it’s better. It’s comforting, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Great for making ahead—it needs chilling time anyway
• Doesn’t require fancy equipment or baking knowledge
• Can be adapted with a graham cracker or cookie crust
• Can be made in mini tart pans for individual servings
• Naturally vegetarian and family-friendly

Ingredients for Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

For the crust:

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked (store-bought or homemade)

For the peanut butter crumble:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

For the vanilla custard filling:

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer (for whipped cream)
• Pie plate (if making your own crust)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• No crust? Use a graham cracker crust for a shortcut.
• Make it chocolatey: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before the filling.
• Use crunchy peanut butter for more texture in the crumble.
• Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream.
• Top with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for extra flair.

How to Make Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

1. Bake your crust: Prepare and blind-bake your pie crust if you haven’t already. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the peanut butter crumble: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Use a fork or pastry blender to create a crumbly, sand-like texture. Set aside.
3. Cook the custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles—about 8–10 minutes.
4. Temper the eggs: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of hot milk mixture to the yolks while whisking, then pour it back into the saucepan. Cook 2 more minutes until thickened.
5. Add butter and vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.
6. Assemble the pie:
   • Sprinkle 2/3 of the peanut butter crumble into the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
   • Pour the warm vanilla custard over the crumble.
   • Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
7. Make the whipped cream: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
8. Finish and serve: Spread whipped cream over the chilled pie and sprinkle the remaining peanut butter crumble on top. Slice and serve cold!

What to Serve with Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie

This pie is rich yet light enough to follow up any meal. Serve with:

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Tall glass of cold milk
• Fresh berries on the side for contrast
• A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce (not traditional, but delicious)

Tips for the Best Pie

• Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest custard.
• Let the pie chill fully before slicing for clean cuts.
• Don’t skip the crumble—it’s the heart of the pie!
• Use a whisk, not a spoon, to keep your custard lump-free.
• Want a stronger peanut flavor? Add a tiny swirl of peanut butter to the whipped topping.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Not ideal for freezing—the texture may become watery once thawed.
• Make-ahead: Assemble the day before and top with whipped cream just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s better after chilling overnight. Just hold off on the whipped cream until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought pudding?

You could in a pinch, but it won’t have the same homemade flavor or texture. The stovetop custard really makes this pie shine.

Is this the same as Shoofly Pie?

Nope—Shoofly Pie is molasses-based. This pie is all about peanut butter and vanilla cream!

Can I make this with a graham cracker crust?

Absolutely. It adds a nice, subtle sweetness and is a great shortcut.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug wrapped in flaky crust, Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie is the one. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and simple—but tastes like something straight from a cozy farmhouse kitchen. Whether you’re sharing it or savoring it solo, I promise this one will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 460
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 44g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 260mg

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