Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate is an incredible dessert that hits all the right notes—salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. The pretzel crust provides a perfect salty base that complements the creamy peanut butter filling, while the layers of fresh bananas and rich chocolate add depth and indulgence. The combination of textures and flavors in this pie makes it an unforgettable treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this pie is sure to become a favorite.

Banana Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate

Ingredients

For the pretzel crust:

2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 3 cups whole pretzels)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the peanut butter filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For the banana layer:

3 ripe bananas, sliced

For the chocolate layer:

1/2 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the pretzel crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, crush the pretzels into fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- In a bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well coated and resembles wet sand.
- Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, forming an even crust on the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before assembling the pie.
Prepare the peanut butter filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the pie:
- Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread a thin layer of the peanut butter filling over the crust to create a base.
- Arrange the sliced bananas evenly on top of the peanut butter layer.
- Spread the remaining peanut butter filling over the bananas, smoothing it out into an even layer.
Make the chocolate topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter layer, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set.
- Before serving, you can garnish with additional chopped pretzels or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Total time: 4.5 hours (includes chilling time)
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours

Variations

No-bake version: If you don’t want to bake the crust, simply freeze the pretzel crust for about 30 minutes to firm it up before adding the filling.
Dark chocolate topping: Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.
Peanut butter drizzle: For an extra peanut butter kick, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top of the pie before serving.
Vegan version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and a dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the pie for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or another pre-made crust. However, the pretzel crust adds a wonderful salty-sweet contrast that complements the filling.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter will work, but the texture will be a bit different. You’ll get more crunch in the filling, which may be an enjoyable addition!

3. How can I make the pie more chocolatey?

If you love chocolate, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips in the topping or even add a chocolate drizzle after the pie sets.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is great for making ahead. It needs to chill for a few hours to allow the layers to set, so making it the day before is ideal.

5. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze this pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To serve, thaw it in the fridge for a few hours.

6. Can I add more fruit to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more fruit like strawberries or raspberries to the filling for a burst of freshness.

7. How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown?

To prevent the bananas from browning, you can lightly toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water before placing them on the pie.

8. Can I make this pie without the chocolate topping?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate topping if you prefer a lighter pie, or replace it with a peanut butter drizzle.

9. Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, to make this pie gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pretzels for the crust and ensure that the rest of the ingredients are gluten-free.

10. Can I use other nuts instead of pretzels for the crust?

While pretzels are ideal for their salty crunch, you can use crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for the crust if you prefer a different flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate is the perfect dessert that combines all the best elements—rich peanut butter, creamy layers, salty pretzel crust, and decadent chocolate. Whether for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a fun treat, this pie is sure to impress. The blend of textures and flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a slice of sweet, salty, and chocolatey heaven!