Kraft Nutter Butter Frozen Peanut Butter Pie: A No-Bake Dream
Craving a decadent, peanut buttery dessert that requires absolutely no baking? Look no further! This Kraft Nutter Butter Frozen Peanut Butter Pie is the answer to your sweet tooth prayers. It’s creamy, crunchy, intensely peanut buttery, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or simply a satisfying treat any time of year, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe leans heavily on the iconic Nutter Butter cookies, both for the crust and as a delightful textural element within the filling. Kraft Peanut Butter, a staple in many households, provides the rich, authentic peanut butter flavor that makes this pie so irresistible. The frozen aspect adds a refreshing coolness, making it an ideal dessert for warm weather.
Get ready to indulge in a slice of peanut butter heaven! This recipe breaks down into three simple parts: the Nutter Butter crust, the creamy peanut butter filling, and the optional (but highly recommended) toppings.
## Ingredients:
**For the Crust:**
* 24 Nutter Butter cookies (about 1 1/2 packages)
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
**For the Filling:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup Kraft Peanut Butter (creamy or chunky, your preference!)
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
* 1/2 cup chopped Nutter Butter cookies, for texture (optional, but highly recommended)
**Optional Toppings:**
* Chocolate sauce
* Peanut butter cups, chopped
* Mini Nutter Butter cookies
* Whipped cream
* Chopped peanuts
* Sprinkles
## Equipment:
* 9-inch pie plate
* Food processor (or a ziplock bag and rolling pin)
* Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Instructions:
**Part 1: Making the Nutter Butter Crust**
1. **Prepare the Cookies:** If using a food processor, add the Nutter Butter cookies and pulse until they are finely ground into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the cookies in a large ziplock bag. Seal the bag and use a rolling pin to crush the cookies into fine crumbs. This might take a little elbow grease, but it works just as well.
2. **Combine Crumbs and Butter:** In a medium bowl, combine the Nutter Butter cookie crumbs and the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
3. **Press into Pie Plate:** Pour the crumb mixture into the 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Make sure the crust is firmly packed to prevent it from crumbling later.
4. **Chill the Crust:** Place the prepared crust in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will help it hold its shape when you add the filling.
**Part 2: Making the Peanut Butter Filling**
1. **Beat Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter:** In a large bowl, using a mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This is important to prevent lumps in the filling. Add the Kraft Peanut Butter and continue to beat until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
2. **Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla:** Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and helps to create a smooth, rich texture.
3. **Fold in Whipped Cream:** Gently fold in the whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream and make the filling less fluffy. The whipped cream adds lightness and airiness to the filling.
4. **Add Chopped Nutter Butters (Optional):** If you’re using chopped Nutter Butter cookies for added texture, gently fold them into the filling. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
**Part 3: Assembling the Pie and Freezing**
1. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Remove the chilled crust from the freezer and pour the peanut butter filling into the crust. Spread the filling evenly to the edges of the crust.
2. **Freeze the Pie:** Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the surface of the filling to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pie is firm and completely frozen.
**Part 4: Serving and Enjoying**
1. **Thaw Slightly (Optional):** Before serving, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to slice.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pie into wedges and serve immediately.
3. **Add Toppings (Optional):** Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chocolate sauce, chopped peanut butter cups, mini Nutter Butter cookies, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, or sprinkles. Get creative and customize your pie to your liking!
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Nutter Butter Frozen Peanut Butter Pie:
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy filling. Leaving it at room temperature for at least an hour usually does the trick. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking frequently, until it’s soft.
* **Use High-Quality Peanut Butter:** While this recipe calls for Kraft Peanut Butter, you can use your favorite brand of creamy or chunky peanut butter. Just make sure it’s a good quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream:** When folding in the whipped cream, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream and make the filling less airy. Fold until just combined.
* **Freeze Completely:** Ensure the pie is completely frozen before serving. This will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too soft. Freezing overnight is recommended.
* **Prevent Ice Crystals:** To prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface of the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap gently against the surface of the filling. You can also place the pie in a freezer bag for extra protection.
* **Make it Ahead:** This pie can be made several days in advance and stored in the freezer. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
* **Vary the Crust:** While the Nutter Butter crust is delicious, you can also use other types of cookies for the crust. Try using chocolate wafers, graham crackers, or even Oreo cookies.
* **Add Chocolate:** For a chocolate peanut butter twist, add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate to the peanut butter filling or drizzle chocolate sauce over the top of the pie.
* **Customize the Toppings:** Get creative with the toppings! Use your favorite candies, nuts, or sauces to customize the pie to your liking.
* **Use a Springform Pan:** If you want a cleaner presentation, you can use a springform pan instead of a pie plate. This will make it easier to remove the pie from the pan without damaging it.
* **For a vegan version:** Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, sweetened condensed milk with a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative (often made from coconut or oats), and use vegan Nutter Butter cookies (check the ingredients as some may contain honey). Ensure the whipped cream is also a vegan variety, such as coconut whipped cream.
## Serving Suggestions:
* Serve the pie on its own as a decadent dessert.
* Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
* Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Bring it to a potluck or party and watch it disappear!
## Variations:
* **Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie:** Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate to the peanut butter filling or drizzle chocolate sauce over the top of the pie.
* **Peanut Butter Cup Pie:** Stir in chopped peanut butter cups into the filling and sprinkle more on top.
* **Oreo Peanut Butter Pie:** Use Oreo cookies for the crust instead of Nutter Butter cookies. You can also crush some Oreos and fold them into the filling.
* **S’mores Peanut Butter Pie:** Top the pie with toasted marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a s’mores-inspired treat.
* **Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Pie:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the pie for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
## Nutrition Information (approximate, per slice, without toppings):
* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 8-10g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **No-Bake Simplicity:** The fact that it requires no baking makes it incredibly easy and convenient, especially during warmer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
* **Intense Peanut Butter Flavor:** The combination of Nutter Butter cookies and Kraft Peanut Butter delivers a powerful and satisfying peanut butter punch.
* **Creamy and Crunchy Texture:** The creamy filling and the crunchy Nutter Butter crust (and optional chopped cookies in the filling) create a delightful textural contrast.
* **Customizable:** The toppings are completely customizable, allowing you to tailor the pie to your preferences.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Peanut butter is a universally loved flavor, making this pie a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
## Storing the Pie:
Store leftover pie in the freezer, tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw slightly before serving.
## Conclusion:
This Kraft Nutter Butter Frozen Peanut Butter Pie is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and customizable toppings, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to indulge in a slice of peanut butter perfection! Enjoy!