The aroma of freshly baked peanut butter cookies wafts through the kitchen, enveloping my senses in a warm embrace. I can hear the soft chatter of my family as they gather around the table, each one eagerly waiting for a slice of something special. This is the feeling I chase in the kitchen, where moments are crafted from simple ingredients, memories made, and love served on a plate. Today, it is all about a delightful Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie that fills our hearts and tastes like home.
The Story Behind Our Favorite Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie is more than just a dessert; it is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and joy. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to recreate a delicious pie I enjoyed as a child. My grandmother had a way of turning the simplest foods into something magical. I can still hear her laughter as she guided me through the pie-making process, her hands moving with grace and confidence.
Gathering around her kitchen table, we would mix together peanut butter, cream cheese, and the juiciest raspberries. The bright color of the raspberries was a vibrant splash against the creamy mixture, and the texture was simply divine. With each spoonful, we shared stories and laughter, creating a bond that felt unbreakable.
That spirit of connection drives me to share this recipe today. I want everyone to experience the warmth that comes from crafting something with love and intention. This pie not only satisfies the sweet tooth; it carries stories, memories, and a sense of belonging.
Bringing Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie Together
“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”
Making this Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie is a joyful journey full of delightful sounds and colors. The rhythm of the kitchen comes alive as I combine ingredients. The crunch of peanut butter cookies crumbling under my fingers, the juicy raspberries glistening in their syrup, and the thrill of mixing the flavors together create a symphony that fills the air.
As the crust bakes, the aroma of rich peanut butter melds with the sweetness of the jam. It is a sensory delight, beckoning everyone to gather around. As I whisk and fold, the kitchen becomes a canvas for family togetherness, each step drawing us closer to that moment when we share this delicious creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring this Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie to life, gather these simple ingredients:
- 3 cups frozen raspberries (thawed)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp kosher salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)
- ¾ tsp unflavoured gelatin
- 1 ½ tsp water
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup PB2 powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 225 g peanut butter cookies (about 6 large cookies)
- ¼ cup salted peanuts (chopped)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
There is something comforting about gathering these ingredients. The colors are inviting, and the thought of combining them fills my heart with anticipation. A little extra vanilla adds warmth to the final flavor, while fresh butter brings richness to the crust that’s hard to resist.
Step-by-Step Directions
Make the Raspberry Jelly Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the thawed raspberries, ½ cup of sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, gelatin, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. Wait for the mixture to thicken until it bubbles gently. It will transform into a bright, glossy filling filled with lively raspberry flavor. Allow this to cool before using.
Make the Peanut Butter Crumb: Take the peanut butter cookies and crush them in a bowl until they form fine crumbs. Mix these crumbs with the melted unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and a touch of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Feel free to use your hands to get that crumbly texture just right.
Make the Peanut Butter Cookie Crust: Press the peanut butter crumb mixture into a pie dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Use the back of a measuring cup to pack it down firmly. Once it’s nice and compact, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, waiting for the edges to turn golden and fragrant.
Make the Peanut Butter Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered icing sugar, continuing to whip until it’s airy and luscious. Pour in the whipping cream and vanilla extract, and whip again until the mixture holds soft peaks. This step fills your kitchen with a joyful aroma that is hard to resist.
Assemble the Pie: Once the crust has cooled, spread the raspberry jelly filling evenly across the bottom. Then, top it with the peanut butter cream filling, spreading it gently to create a beautiful layer. Finish off by sprinkling chopped salted peanuts over the top for added crunch.
How We Enjoy Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie at Home
Sharing this Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie at the family table is where the magic truly happens. I love to serve it at family gatherings or during cozy nights in. As we gather around, I can see the excitement on everyone’s faces when they take their first bite.
Plating is simple — a generous slice on each plate, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of fresh raspberries. We often reminisce about times spent in the kitchen, stories reminding us of the laughter and warmth we create together.
The pie invokes a comforting sense of connection that lingers long after the last bite, reminding me of the simple joys of cooking and sharing with those we love.
Keeping It Fresh and Comforting
Storing leftover Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie is as easy as pie, pun intended. Cover it gently with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious for a few days. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight, blending together beautifully as they rest.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This allows the creamy filling to soften a touch, making each slice indulgently smooth.
Tried-and-True Tips
- If you want to switch things up, you can use other fruits for the jelly filling. Cherries or strawberries work wonderfully, creating a seasonal twist.
- For a shortcut, feel free to use store-bought peanut butter cookies if time is short. They can save a little prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Cleaning up can be a breeze. As soon as you’re done, soak any mixing bowls and utensils in warm soapy water. This makes it easier to scrub off any remnants of delicious cream filling.
Family Variations on Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie is a wonderful canvas that we often like to play with. Sometimes, we mix in chopped bananas with the cream filling for a delightful banana-peanut butter twist. During the summer, we might replace a layer of jelly with sliced strawberries for a prettier pie.
For a richer flavor, I occasionally add a swirl of chocolate ganache to the cream filling. It brings a lovely richness and makes our dessert feel like a special treat. The best part is that no matter how you twist this recipe, it still carries the heart of home.
Common Questions From My Readers
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie actually improves when made a day ahead. As it sets in the fridge, the flavors meld beautifully, leading to a deeper taste profile that everyone will love.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Of course! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the cream filling. Just remember, it will change the consistency a bit, making it more fun and interesting.
What if I can’t find PB2 powder?
No worries! You can simply replace PB2 with an equal amount of regular creamy peanut butter. It may make the filling a bit richer, but that might just be the extra comfort you need.
What This Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie Reminds Me Of
As I sit in my kitchen, reflecting on this Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie, I realize it represents so much more than just a dessert. It embodies the spirit of family, love, and joy that we find in simple moments together. Whether you’re savoring a slice alone or sharing it with loved ones, I hope this pie brings warmth to your heart and brightens your home.
Cooking, at its core, is about connection and love. I hope that as you recreate this recipe, it sparks joy in your kitchen and helps you create memories that last a lifetime. So take your time, enjoy the process, and allow the flavors to inspire you just as they have inspired me.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the thawed raspberries, ½ cup of sugar, cornstarch, kosher salt, gelatin, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until thickened.
- Allow this mixture to cool before using.
- Crush the peanut butter cookies in a bowl until fine crumbs.
- Mix crumbs with melted unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the peanut butter crumb mixture into a pie dish evenly, then bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden.
- Beat softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered icing sugar and whip until airy.
- Pour in whipping cream and vanilla extract, whip again until soft peaks form.
- Spread the raspberry jelly filling across the cooled crust.
- Top with peanut butter cream filling and sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts.
