Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie
A crunchy pretzel and graham cracker crust, layers of chocolate and peanut butter ganache, bananas, and more crunchy pretzels on top. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie is a sweet and salty dream come true, and easy as… well.. pie!
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It’s March. If you’re a dessert-based, food-blogging, scientist, it’s a pretty exciting time, because that means it’s almost… PI DAY!
I mean, really. What kind of baking math and science nerd would I be if I didn’t celebrate appropriately?
While I haven’t decided yet what I’m making this year to celebrate, I also always make sure to share a new pie recipe the week before.
This year, we’re going a little non-traditional, in that this pie isn’t baked in a pie dish… and in fact, it’s not really baked at all!
It uses a graham cracker and pretzel-based crust with layers of chocolate and peanut butter ganache covered slices of fresh bananas. Because of the layers, it works best in a springform pan, but a deep dish pie dish will work, too!
Just check out those delicious layers. ↓↓↓ So let’s celebrate Pi Day with this no-bake, easy-as-pie, chocolate peanut butter banana pretzel pie!
Easy Pie Layers
First up: the crust. It’s made from just crushed graham crackers, crushed pretzels, and melted butter. Press it into the bottom of the pan; no need to bake.
I provide instructions for making the chocolate ganache and peanut butter ganache using a microwave because it’s easy. Both can absolutely be made using a double boiler instead, to gently heat the chips until melted.
For the banana, we want to use a ripe – but not overripe – banana. It should still hold its shape well when cut and not be mushy. But — oh no! You want to make this pie soon, and the grocery store only has green bananas!
What’s the quickest way to ripen your bananas? It’s time for my favorite subject… kitchen chemistry!
Kitchen Chemistry
Bananas produce ethylene gas as they ripen, which helps convert starch to sugar. Exposure to this ethylene further increases the ripening process, which is why bananas go from green to brown so quickly. To help bananas ripen faster, store the bananas in a paper bag to trap the ethylene. Apples also produce a large amount of ethylene; adding an apple (or an already ripe banana) into the bag will speed the process further.
Use Acetate Strips for Perfect Layers
If you’re making this chocolate peanut butter banana pretzel pie in a deep dish pie plate, you can skip this section. Layer as directed in the instructions and slice with a sharp knife before serving.
If you’re going to use a springform pan, there’s one trick that can really help with getting the outside of your pie as beautiful as the inside: using acetate strips.
Acetate strips, also known as “cake collars”, allow you to build layers of cake and then easily peel away the strip. These are the acetate strips that I use (affiliate link).
When you remove the springform pan, some of the crust and ganache sticks to the metal a little, and running a knife along the outside leaves little knife marks.
For a truly smooth edge, line the springform pan with an acetate strip. Assemble the pie as instructed and chill. Once chilled, remove the outer springform pan ring, then slowly peel off the acetate strip.
A perfect layered pie, every time!
(And wash your acetate strip and reuse it over and over – don’t be wasteful!)
Common Questions about Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie
This is a perfect make-ahead pie! Assemble the entire pie, excluding the pretzels on top for decoration, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Gently press the pretzels onto the top of the pie immediately before serving.
The pie, either as a full pie in its entirety, or as individual slices, can be wrapped in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and frozen for up to 3 months.
Unfortunately, only fresh bananas should be used. Frozen bananas lose too much structure and get too soft — use them for chocolate chip banana bread or peanut butter banana cupcakes or banana nutella cake instead!
You can use a deep dish pie pan instead of a springform pan — cutting and removing slices is just a little more challenging.
More No-Bake Pie Recipes:
- Oreo Peanut Butter Pie
- Mint Chocolate Chip Pie
- Nutella Pie
- M&M Pretzel Peanut Butter Pie
- Chocolate Oreo Peanut Butter Torte
- All Pie Recipes »
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie
A crunchy pretzel and graham cracker crust, layers of chocolate and peanut butter ganache, bananas, and more crunchy pretzels on top.
Ingredients
- 9 whole sheets graham crackers
- 1 cup bite-sized pretzels, plus more for decorating
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (681 grams) heavy cream, divided
- 3/4 cup (202.5 grams) peanut butter, divided
- 8 ounces (227 grams) peanut butter chips
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 12 ounces (340 grams) chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the pan. Line a 9-inch springform pan with a sheet of acetate at least as tall as the sides of the pan. Alternatively, spray the inside of the springform pan ring with non-stick spray, or use a deep dish pie plate.
- Make the crust. Combine the graham crackers and 1 cup of the pretzels in a blender or food processor. Process until the graham crackers are all crumbs and the pretzels are small pieces (alternatively, crush by hand). Combine the graham cracker/pretzel mixture in a small bowl with the melted butter and mix. Scoop the mixture into the prepared pan and press into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
- Make the peanut butter ganache. Combine 1 cup of the heavy cream, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and the peanut butter chips in a medium sized microwave bowl. Microwave for 1 minute at 50% power and stir. Repeat until melted. Set the bowl aside to cool for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. After the mixture is cooled, stir in the 2 tablespoons of milk and remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter.
- Make the chocolate ganache. Combine the remaining 1 cups of heavy cream and chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Microwave for 1 minute at 50% power and stir. Repeat for 30 second intervals, stirring well between each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the salt. Set the bowl aside to cool for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once cooled, whip on high speed with a mixer for 2 to 3 minutes, until lightened in color and slightly thicker.
- Layer the pie. Arrange banana slices into a single layer over the bottom of the crust. This should use approximately half the total banana slices. Spread the peanut butter layer over the bananas. Add another layer of the bananas to the top of the peanut butter layer and spread the chocolate ganache over top. Refrigerate until the pie is set, at least 3 hours.
- Add pretzels before serving. Remove the pie from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Gently press the remaining pretzels on top of the pie to decorate. Unmold from the springform pan, remove the acetate strip, and transfer to a serving plate.
Notes
Chocolate peanut butter banana pretzel pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw under refrigeration before eating.
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This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie recipe was originally published on 03/18/2016 and republished with new photos and helpful tips on 03/05/2021.
Well… This cake was calling my name from the beginning, but when I read about the PB GANACHE, my heart was stolen. This pie has, umm, everything I love in it. If you added coffee, I would be even more into it, but I know you would never do that 😉 looks and sounds to dieeeee for!
Life. Changing. I never understood why people love ganache so much, since I'm not a chocolate fan. And then… I met peanut butter ganache (pre-pregnancy, of course!). And suddenly, I got it. (Also, why are peanut butter chips so much better than peanut butter? Even if you add extra sugar to peanut butter, it's never as good. Life mysteries I should probably investigate someday…)
I wouldn’t change a thing about this recipe. It looks good and I’m sure it tastes even better. Please ship a HUGE serving to me over here in the rainy UK.
This is everything I love! The layers are perfect and the flavors are amazing!
A no bake, pretzel-y pie that ALSO includes chocolate and peanut butter ganache? I am dying of want. This is gorgeous! And I also am more on the chocolate side now while I wait with much anticipation for my early strawberries in my CSA. Come on spring!