Gladys' Peanut Butter Pie
A rich, creamy peanut butter pie with a crisp crust, topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for peanut butter lovers and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend peanut butter and powdered sugar until crumbly; set aside.
- Beat egg yolks until fluffy.
- Combine granulated sugar, salt, and cornstarch.
- Beat into egg yolks; gradually add hot milk and mix well.
- Cook over hot water, stirring constantly until filling is thick and smooth. Add butter and vanilla.
- Fill the pie crust with the peanut butter mixture.
- Pour the hot custard over the peanut butter layer.
- Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff.
- Spread the meringue over the top of the pie, sealing the edges well.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using chunky peanut butter instead of creamy. If you want a lighter meringue, beat egg whites at room temperature. Ensure your pie crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent sogginess. You can also substitute the granulated sugar with a sugar alternative if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Gladys' Peanut Butter Pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more festive touch, consider drizzling chocolate sauce over the pie before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil to maintain the meringue's texture. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If reheating, do so gently in a warm oven to prevent the meringue from becoming chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gladys' Peanut Butter Pie contains roughly 564 calories, with 7g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (65% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator. The meringue is best when fresh but will still taste great the next day. Avoid covering it tightly to keep the meringue from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. However, the texture may slightly differ. For a gluten-free option, try arrowroot powder or potato starch instead.
How do I prevent my meringue from weeping?
To minimize weeping, ensure that the pie filling is hot when you spread the meringue on top. Additionally, make sure that no grease or yolk is present in your egg whites, as this can affect the stability of the meringue.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).