Microwave Peanut Butter Pie
A creamy, peanut butter-flavored pie with a rich filling, layered with peanut butter and pudding, topped with meringue or whipped topping—perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a 1 1/2 quart dish.
- Gradually add milk, mixing well.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 7-8 minutes on high, stirring occasionally, until thick.
- Beat a small amount of the mixture into the egg yolks.
- Return the egg yolk mixture to the dish.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until thick.
- Add vanilla and butter, then stir well.
- Cool the filling to room temperature.
- Mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until crumbly.
- Layer peanut butter mixture and pudding mixture alternately in the pie shell.
- Top with meringue or whipped topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat milk. If you're out of cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of flour, but be sure to cook the mixture a bit longer to thicken properly. To cut down on sweetness, reduce the sugar in the peanut butter mixture. This pie pairs beautifully with Festive Chocolate Fudge for a dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is best served chilled and can be topped with whipped cream or meringue for added texture. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a fun twist, serve slices with a side of Carrot Cake for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pie crust from becoming soggy, consider placing a piece of wax paper between the filling and the crust. If you want to reheat the pie, do so gently in the microwave at low power to avoid melting the filling too quickly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Peanut Butter Pie contains roughly 586 calories, with 15g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 543mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but it may be more oily. To achieve the same texture, make sure to mix it well before adding it to the pie. You may also want to adjust the powdered sugar to balance the flavors.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make this peanut butter pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust. Additionally, ensure that your cornstarch and powdered sugar are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may cross-contaminate with gluten-containing products.
What can I use instead of meringue for the topping?
If you prefer not to use meringue, whipped topping or homemade whipped cream are excellent alternatives. For a richer flavor, you could even use a chocolate ganache or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.
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).