Last Sunday, food blogger Jennifer Perillo’s husband suffered a massive and unexpected heart attack and passed away. He loved peanut butter cream pie, and as a tribute to him, Jennifer asked everyone to join her in celebrating his life and honoring his memory by making the dessert he loved so much.
To be honest, I feel a little strange making a dessert for someone I’ve never met, and who likely won’t even know what I’ve done. I also can’t wholly relate to Jennifer’s experience, as I’ve been fortunate enough to never have experienced the loss of someone dear to me. But, I’m so awed by the love and support complete strangers have shown for Jennifer and her family that I can’t help but want to do my part as well. So, here’s my pie for Mikey Perillo, and my best wishes for his family.
Ingredients:
(Crust)
– 1-1/4 chocolate cookie crumbs (I used crushed Oreos)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
(Filling)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp butter, softened
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Melted chocolate and butterscotch ganache for garnish (Optional! I had butterscotch ganache leftover from when I made those butterbeer cupcakes, and I thought it would be a nice touch.)
(1) Preheat oven to 375.
(2) Combine cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter until the mixture has the texture of crumbly, wet sand. Press into the bottom of a pie plate.
** I opted out of the pie dish and divided my mixture between 2 mini spring-form pans.
(3) Bake crusts for 6-8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
(5) Whip cream in a separate bowl, then fold into the peanut butter mixture.
(6) Spoon filling on top of your crust.
** In my case, divide evenly between two mini spring-forms.
(7) Drizzle with melted chocolate and butterscotch ganache.
(8) Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve — the longer it spends in the fridge, the firmer the filling.
(9) Serve immediately, plain or with ice cream.
Wow! Looks fantastic, even if it was conceived under less-than-ideal circumstances.
I'll have to try this recipe now that you've vouched for it–I also love peanut butter pie, but I usually just use condensed milk, peanut butter, cream cheese, and Cool Whip. It's delicious, but it would be nice to try it starting with some ingredients that are slightly less processed.
You are right, I have seen an amazing number of these pies… But never enough. I think this is a wonderful thing you all are doing. I hope you made your friend smile
Dave
I am new to your blog, saw your recipes linked over at Jam Hands. You've got a great blog, with beautiful photos. I am your newest follower!
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