Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream (whipped)

For the Jelly Layer:

1/2 cup fruit jelly or jam (such as strawberry, grape, or raspberry)

For Garnish:

Chopped peanuts (optional)
Whipped cream (optional)
Extra jelly or jam for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish to form a crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
Assemble the Pie:
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Heat the fruit jelly or jam in a microwave-safe bowl for about 10-15 seconds until it’s soft and pourable. Stir until smooth.
- Carefully spoon the jelly over the peanut butter filling, creating a thin layer on top. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, but don’t mix it into the peanut butter layer. You can create a swirl effect if you prefer.
Chill the Pie:
- Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm. For best results, chill overnight.
Serve:
- Garnish the pie with chopped peanuts, whipped cream, or extra jelly if desired.
- Slice and enjoy this creamy, nostalgic Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie!

Tips:

Crust Variation: For an extra indulgent crust, you can use crushed Oreos or a combination of graham crackers and pretzels for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Jelly Options: Feel free to use any flavor of jelly or jam you like. Strawberry and grape are traditional, but raspberry, blueberry, or even peach can add a unique touch.
No-Bake Option: If you prefer not to bake the crust, you can use store-bought graham cracker crust and skip the baking step.