Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for crust)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (for crust)
- ½ cup very cold Unsalted Butter, cubed
- 3–5 tablespoons Ice Water
- 8 ounces full-fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (stabilized brand)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
- 1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt (for filling)
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Whipping Cream, very cold
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for topping)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for topping)
- Optional Garnish: Chopped roasted peanuts or chocolate shavings
Instructions:
- Phase 1: Make the Crust Dough. Pulse or cut the cold butter into the flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into the 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges attractively. Prick the bottom thoroughly with a fork (docking).
- Blind Bake the Crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes. Remove weights and paper, then bake until pale golden (about 5–8 more minutes). Cool completely.
- Phase 2: Cook the Filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
- Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Temper the Eggs: Whisk a small amount (about ½ cup) of the hot peanut butter mixture into the beaten eggs, then slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Return the pan to low heat. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (do not boil!).
- Remove from heat, stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour the hot filling immediately into the cooled, pre-baked crust.
- Cover the filling loosely with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
- Phase 3: The Topping. In a clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spoon or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie. Garnish with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings just before serving.