This Payday Pie is a dream come-true dessert, layering a creamy peanut butter filling and a sweet caramel topping over a crunchy graham cracker crust. It’s an easy, no-bake recipe that brings the classic flavor of Payday candy bars into a pie dish, perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
My sister Jennifer, our family’s designated dessert maker, first brought this pie to a summer barbecue. She called it her “Payday Pie,” and watching everyone’s faces light up with that first bite is a memory I hold so dear. It was simple, homemade, and shared with so much love.
What Makes This Payday Pie So Special
- Easy No-Bake Recipe: This dessert comes together without ever turning on the oven, making it perfect for any time of year.
- Classic Candy Bar Flavor: Captures the beloved salty and sweet combination of a Payday candy bar with peanuts, caramel, and a creamy peanut butter filling.
- Perfect for Parties: Because it needs to chill and set, it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings, freeing up your time on the day of the event.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry and fridge staples, you can whip up this impressive homemade pie with minimal fuss.
Here’s What You’ll Need to Get Started
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
For the Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
My Favorite Tools for This Recipe
9-inch Pie Dish
A glass pie dish is my go-to for this recipe because it helps the crust chill evenly, and you can see the beautiful layers.
Electric Mixer
For the smoothest, creamiest peanut butter filling, an electric mixer makes all the difference and saves your arm a little work!
Let’s Build Our Pie, Layer by Layer
Creating Our Buttery Graham Cracker Base
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it feels like damp sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. I find using the bottom of a measuring cup helps get it nice and compact. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the wonderful filling.
Whipping Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Heart
In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese together until everything is smooth and perfectly creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure it’s all incorporated! Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing just until they’re combined.
Folding in the Fluff for a Silky Texture
Now, gently fold in the whipped topping. You want to be careful here to keep the filling light and airy. Once it’s all one beautiful, fluffy consistency, spoon the filling into your chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
The Finishing Touch: A Caramel and Peanut Topping
Here comes the best part! Drizzle the caramel sauce all over the top of the pie. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the caramel for that signature salty-sweet Payday crunch. For an extra treat, you can even add chopped peanut candy bars on top!
The Final Step: A Little Patience While it Chills
All that’s left to do is let it chill. Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better, to allow it to fully firm up and set. When you’re ready, slice and serve it cold.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. This information is for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A Few Lighter Touches
- Reduced-Sugar Crust: You can use sugar-free graham crackers or reduce the granulated sugar in the crust for a less sweet base.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. Just be sure to stir it well before measuring.
- Lighter Filling: For a lighter filling, you could substitute part of the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add a bit of protein.
How We Love to Serve This Pie
- A La Mode: A slice of this rich pie is absolutely heavenly with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream on the side.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate dessert experience, add a light drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate over the top just before serving.
- Extra Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of creamy goodness.
My Tips for a Perfect Pie Every Time
- Not Chilling the Crust: Make sure the crust is well-chilled and firm before you add the filling. A warm crust can become soggy and fall apart.
- Lumpy Filling: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This is the key to a perfectly smooth and creamy peanut butter filling without any lumps.
- Rushing the Final Chill Time: This pie needs adequate time to set. Cutting into it too early will result in a soft, messy slice. Be patient, it’s worth the wait!
Keeping Your Pie Fresh
This Payday Pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, although the crust may soften slightly over time.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is something so special about sharing a homemade dessert. It’s more than just food; it’s a way of sharing a little piece of your heart. I hope this Payday Pie recipe brings as much joy and as many sweet memories to your table as it has to ours.
A Few Questions You Might Have
Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
Absolutely! While a graham cracker crust is classic, an Oreo cookie crust would add a wonderful chocolate flavor, or a store-bought crust would work perfectly in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this recipe with crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, if you love extra texture, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for the creamy variety in the filling. It will add a nice little crunch to every bite.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great dessert to make ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, making it perfect for parties and holiday planning.
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Payday Pie Recipe Guide, Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Dessert
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This no-bake Payday Pie layers a creamy peanut butter filling and a sweet caramel topping over a crunchy graham cracker crust — a dessert that tastes just like the classic candy bar.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup salted peanuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish and chill.
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until fluffy and smooth.
- Spoon filling into the chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie and sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow proper chilling time for clean slices and best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Payday Pie, peanut butter pie, no bake dessert, caramel peanut pie