Peanut Butter Pie
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 12 to 14 whole (150 to 200 g) graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups crumbs)
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, melted
Dark Chocolate Layer:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. (113 g) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Peanut Butter Mousse Filling:
- ½ cup (106 g) sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (191 g) creamy or chunky peanut butter
Topping and Decoration:
- Sweetened whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
- 3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter, stir until well blended. Using the palm of your hand, press the moistened crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 9- or 10-inch pie plate. Bake in the center of the oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Set the pie crust on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the chocolate layer: In a small saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Remove the pan from the heat, add the chocolate, and stir until melted and smooth. Pour the mixture into the cooled pie crust, smoothing it over the bottom and slightly up the sides. Freeze for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Prepare the mousse: In a heavy medium-size saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add ½ cup milk and whisk until smooth. Add the remaining milk and the egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Set the saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk constantly until the custard comes to a boil. Still whisking, boil for 1 minute until very thick. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla and peanut butter. Pour the mousse into the baked pie crust. Chill for 1 hour, or until firm. Before serving, decorate the pie with whipped cream and sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips, if desired.