Salty, Sweet, and Frozen: This Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Pie Has It All

Name: Salty, Sweet, and Frozen: This Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Pie Has It All
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups softened vanilla ice cream; Chocolate sauce for drizzling (optional)

April 8, 2025

Recipes

When I think of summer, I am instantly transported back to my childhood, where the sun was always shining, and the days seemed to stretch on forever. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother and me in her cozy kitchen, whipping up sweet treats that would cool us down on those hot afternoons. Among the many recipes we created together, this Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Pie stands out as a family favorite. The combination of salty pretzels, creamy peanut butter, and sweet ice cream is a delightful reminder of those carefree days, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:

Texture Contrast: The crunchy pretzel crust perfectly complements the smooth, creamy ice cream filling.
Flavor Harmony: The sweet and salty combination creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, this pie is perfect for those last-minute summer gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you prefer chocolate or caramel drizzles.

Gather Your Ingredients

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Freeze Time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

2 cups crushed pretzels
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
Chocolate sauce for drizzling (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking

In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.
Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
In another bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the softened vanilla ice cream until fully combined.
Pour the peanut butter ice cream mixture into the cooled pretzel crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Before serving, drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Helpful Hints & Variations

For a fun twist, try adding crushed chocolate candies or nuts into the ice cream mixture for added texture. You can also substitute the vanilla ice cream with chocolate or even a swirl of both for a decadent treat!

Perfect Pairings

This pie pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of iced tea or a scoop of your favorite sorbet. For a more indulgent experience, serve it alongside a rich chocolate brownie or a scoop of creamy gelato.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer, family, and the joy of creating something delicious together. Each bite is a reminder of those sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me.

Your Turn

I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy baking!