1. Prepare the Crust:
- Crush the Cookies:
- Place the Nutter Butter cookies in a food processor or a zip-top bag and crush them until they resemble fine crumbs. You should have about 2 cups of crumbs.
- Mix with Butter:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust:
- Press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press it down firmly.
- Chill:
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Filling:
- Whip the Cream:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Combine Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese:
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and well combined. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Cream:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Fill the Crust:
- Spoon the peanut butter filling into the prepared Nutter Butter crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-4 hours, or until set. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish:
- Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream, additional crushed Nutter Butter cookies, and a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice the pie and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, peanut buttery goodness!
Tips for Success:
- For Extra Crunch: If you like a crunchier texture, reserve some crushed cookies to sprinkle on top of the pie.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the garnishes right before serving.
- Variations: Try adding mini chocolate chips to the filling or using a different type of cookie for the crust if you prefer.
Conclusion:
Nutter Butter Pie is an indulgent and straightforward dessert that combines the best of creamy and crunchy textures. With its rich peanut butter filling and a no-bake crust, it’s a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying treat. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this pie is sure to be a hit!