This peanut chocolate no-bake pie is a dream if you’re looking for a simple showstopper dessert. It can easily be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also prepare the base and filling, then make the meringue topping on the day. You’ll need a blowtorch to create the brûléed effect on top.

Peanut chocolate no-bake pie

What makes this peanut chocolate no-bake pie so special?

This pie is so easy to make and is great for a dessert that requires very little effort with big return! Here’s why I love it so much:

  • This pie requires absolutely zero baking
  • It can be made with or without the meringue topping and will still taste great
  • The meringue topping makes it an amazing showstopper dessert with minimal effort

Serving and storage:

You can store this no-bake pie in the refrigerator until it’s ready to serve. To cut, heat a large chef’s knife under hot water, then dry it off with kitchen towel and slice. You can wiggle a cake slicer or offset spatula underneath a slice to release the crust from the pie tin.

What if I’m having trouble releasing it from the tin?

If you find that the pie is too difficult to slice as soon as it’s come out of the fridge, simply leave it to stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. 

You can store this pie in the fridge for around 2-3 days.

Peanut chocolate no-bake pie

How to prevent your meringue weeping:

If you’re leaving your pie in the fridge for a few days after making it, you might notice droplets of liquid on top of your meringue. This watery substance can be caused both by undercooking and overcooking the meringue itself, creating unwanted moisture on top of your pie (also known as beading).

Here are a few tips that will help prevent your meringue from weeping and shrinking:

  • Choose to make meringue on dry, low-humidity days where there isn’t so much moisture in the air.
  • Undissolved sugar in the egg whites can cause weeping, so always check there’s no graininess when you rub a little between your thumb and fingers. Caster sugar will help in this instance because it is finer than granulated and will dissolve more easily.
  • Be sure to “seal” the meringue completely to the edge of the pie so there aren’t any gaps.

Plates kindly gifted by Denby Pottery.

Peanut chocolate no-bake pie

Peanut Chocolate No-Bake Pie

A no-bake pie made with a buttery oat crust and a rich chocolate peanut filling, topped with brûléed meringue.
Prep Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 10 slices

Ingredients
  

For the biscuit base

  • 225 g McVitie's HobNobs
  • 5 tbsp caster sugar
  • Pinch fine sea salt
  • 150 g unsalted butter melted

For the chocolate peanut filling

  • 150 g milk chocolate
  • 150 g dark chocolate 70% or above
  • 480 ml double cream
  • Pinch fine sea salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120 ml smooth peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp caster sugar

For the meringue topping

  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 60 ml water
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

For the biscuit base

  • Place the HobNob biscuits in a food processor a whizz to a fine crumb. Alternatively, you can place the biscuits in a zip-lock bag and bash them with a rolling pin.
  • Add the crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in the sugar and salt. Pour in 130g of the melted butter and mix to combine until the biscuit crumbs and evenly coated and clump together when squeezed.
  • Using the leftover melted butter, grease a 9-inch pie pan. Tip the crumb mixture into the pan and start to press it into the sides and bottom in an even layer.
    N.B. You can use the bottom of a glass to press the crumbs into the corners of the pan and across the bottom to create an even layer of crust.
  • Refrigerate the crust for at least 1 hour to firm up.

For the chocolate peanut filling

  • Fill a small saucepan with water and bring to the boil over a medium-high heat. Lower the heat until the water is simmering, and sit a bowl on top of the saucepan. The water mustn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Add all of the chopped chocolate and stir until completely melted.
  • Remove from the heat (use oven gloves, as the escaping steam can cause burns!) and leave to cool slightly.
  • Wash out your saucepan and heat 120ml of the cream over medium heat until it begins to steam and slightly simmer. Pour the hot cream into the chocolate mixture and mix to combine.
  • Add the salt and vanilla extract then whisk until smooth. Add the peanut butter and whisk again until completely combined. Set aside to cool completely.
  • Make your whipped cream by pouring the remaining 360ml double cream into a large bowl along with the sugar. Using an electric whisk, whip to stiff peaks.
    N.B. Be careful not to over-whip your cream. You want it to simply hold its shape, not curdle.
  • Using a large rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture being careful not to knock any air out and deflate the mixture. 
  • Pour the chocolate mousse into the prepared biscuit crust and lightly spread it out until smooth with an offset spatula. You don't need to pack it in.
  • Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve.

For the meringue topping

  • Stir together the sugar and water in a small saucepan, then bring to the boil without stirring. Place a sugar thermometer into the mixture (or clip it to the side of the pan) and heat until it reaches 238F.
  • Meanwhile, place the egg whites and vanilla extract in the bowl of stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk until stiff peaks start to form and they hold their shape.
  • Once the sugar mixture reaches 232F, take it off the heat and with your mixer on a medium-high speed, very carefully pour the hot sugar syrup in a slow and steady stream into the egg whites.
  • Continue mixing on high speed until the outside of the mixer bowl returns to room temperature and the meringue holds stiff peaks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. 
  • Top the chilled pie with the Italian meringue. Pile it high, swooping it to create swirls on the outside. Toast the meringue with a blowtorch until golden and brûléed.

Notes

You’ll need a blowtorch for this recipe. I use a BrightSpark one from Divertimenti.
Keyword biscuit, browned butter, chocolate, meringue, no-bake, peanut, peanut butter, pie, tart

Subscribe to my coffee chats

Subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter for exclusive recipes, as well as early access + discounts to newly launched workshops and e-courses. You can unsubscribe at any time.

October 27, 2021
November 17, 2021

RELATED POSTS