Introduction

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie is a perfect blend of salty and sweet with a rich, creamy peanut butter filling and a crunchy pretzel crust. Topped with a luscious chocolate and butterscotch ganache, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

A round tart with three visible layers sits on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly, golden brown crust that forms the tart base and edges. The middle layer is a creamy, light beige filling that is smooth and slightly thick. On top is a glossy, dark chocolate layer that spreads evenly with a shiny finish, sprinkled lightly with coarse sea salt crystals. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups pretzels
1 cup flipside crackers
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 pinch kosher salt (diamond crystal brand)
8 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
⅔ cup creamy peanut butter (I use Skippy natural)
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup heavy cream (room temp)
8 oz heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate chips
4 oz butterscotch chips
¼ tsp flaky sea salt (Maldon brand)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust by blending pretzels and flipside crackers in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with granulated sugar, kosher salt, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly wet and combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a tart pan. Place the crust in the freezer until ready to use.
Step 3: Prepare the peanut butter filling by beating softened cream cheese in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 minute.
Step 4: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix in powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Add the room temperature heavy cream and mix on low speed until incorporated, then increase to medium-high speed and continue blending for 2 more minutes until fluffy.
Step 6: Pour the peanut butter filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate this while you prepare the ganache.
Step 7: For the ganache, heat 8 oz heavy cream in a small saucepan over low-medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Step 8: Place the dark chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in a medium bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chips, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Stir the ganache gently until smooth and glossy. Pour it evenly over the peanut butter filling.
Step 10: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours to set, or freeze for 1 hour for a quicker set. Before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use salted pretzels for added flavor contrast, but adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid over-salting.
For a crunchier crust, pulse the pretzels and crackers less so the crumbs remain slightly chunky.
Try swapping butterscotch chips for white chocolate chips for a different sweet note in the ganache.
If you prefer a firmer filling, chill the peanut butter cream for 30 minutes before adding the ganache.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To soften before serving, leave at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. This pie also freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a slice of dessert on a white plate with a white marbled background. The dessert has three layers: a crumbly light brown base at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a smooth dark brown chocolate layer on top sprinkled with small white flakes, possibly sea salt. In the foreground, part of the whole dessert is visible, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you like some texture in the filling. It will add a bit of crunch but keep the flavor equally delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have flipside crackers?

If flipside crackers aren’t available, you can substitute with saltine crackers or any lightly salted cracker. The goal is to have a salty base that complements the sweet filling.