The Best Easy Peanut Butter Pie

 Here's a simple yet indulgent recipe for The Best Easy Peanut Butter Pie:

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs

6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

2 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or whipped heavy cream

For Topping:

1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted (optional)

1/4 cup chopped peanuts or crushed peanut butter cups

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking the crust (optional).

2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs (or cookie crumbs), melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until it resembles wet sand.

3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it's evenly spread across the bottom and up the sides.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes (for extra sturdiness), then cool completely. Alternatively, freeze the crust for 20 minutes.

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2. Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat together peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.

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3. Assemble the Pie

1. Spoon the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

2. Drizzle melted chocolate over the pie and sprinkle with chopped peanuts or crushed peanut butter cups.

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4. Chill

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or until set (overnight works best).

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Slice, serve, and enjoy this luscious peanut butter pie with minimal effort!