J's Famous Peanut Butter Pie

Before I sold the bakery and parlor, one of my top sellers was my peanut butter pie. It is a basic recipe which I changed a little, as I do with every recipe I make, to make it my own. I've been asked numerous times for the recipe as it is one that is missed, so I thought I'd share it with the online world.
It is a great dessert to bring to your holiday parties and is so rich, a little slice goes a long way! It will surely be a favorite that you will be become famous for!

Ingredients:

Chocolate Crust:

2 1/4 cups chocolate wafer crumbs or Oreo Cookie crumbs (boxes of pieces/crumbs are available at your local Restaurant Supply Store- I use
http://www.therestaurantstore.com/141/store-profile.html)

2 tablespoons granulated white sugar

1 stick salted butter, melted

Peanut Butter Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup confectioners sugar (powdered or icing)

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoon salted butter, cut in small pieces

Instructions:

Chocolate Crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use a 9-12 inch pie pan, I use a spring form pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of the pie pan. (If using a spring form pan, press the crumb mixture onto the bottom and about one inch up the sides of the pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 - 10 minutes or until firm. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Peanut Butter Filling: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk on high speed, the cream cheese, peanut butter, vanilla, sugar and heavy cream and whip until a mousse like consistency.
Pour the filling over the cooled chocolate crust and smooth the top. Cover loosely and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or until firm.

Ganache: Melt the chocolate, cream, and butter in a microwave safe bowl, making sure to stir every 15-30 seconds and not to overheat or the chocolate will sieze. when completely melted, spread the ganache over the peanut butter. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight..

If using a spring form pan, after set, slide a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to separate the ganache from edges and the slowly open the springform. Slice and top with fresh whipped topping! Voila! A Delicious Dessert that will have your guests begging you to make it for every gathering!

(Stock image)