Peanut Butter Banana Icebox Pie

Hey everyone! It's been crazy over here, and it's not going to settle down until next week! We traveled to Arkansas over the long weekend and had a blast with Handy Andy's grandparents. And I just wanted to give you a recipe to try that Grandma T and I tried over the weekend.  She found it in Southern Living and we wanted to give it a shot.

Peanut Butter Banana Icebox Pie

 Source: Southern Living

What you need:

• 2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs (about 15 sheets)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped honey-roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup butter, melted $
• 1 (4-oz.) semisweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 2 cups whipping cream, divided $
• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened $
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter $
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large bananas, sliced $
• Toppings: sweetened whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chopped honey-roasted peanuts

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together first 3 ingredients; firmly press on bottom, up sides, and onto lip of a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven to a wire rack, and cool completely (about 30 minutes). [We used a pre-made crumb crust because we had it on hand]
2. Microwave chocolate and 1/2 cup whipping cream in a small microwave-safe bowl at MEDIUM (50% power) 1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. (Do not overheat.) Spoon chocolate mixture into prepared crust.
3. Beat cream cheese, next 2 ingredients, and 1/4 cup whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Beat vanilla and remaining 1 1/4 cups whipping cream at high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third whipped cream mixture into peanut butter mixture to loosen; fold in remaining whipped cream mixture.
5. Arrange banana slices over chocolate mixture in crust. Spread peanut butter mixture over bananas. Cover and chill 8 hours. Serve pie with desired toppings.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of peanut butter pie because it's so rich -- and this was rich! The chocolate layer on the crust was to die for though! This wouldn't be my first choice, but it will definitely slay the PB pie fans.

Here's ours:

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend remembering those who have fought and are still fighting to keep America safe and free!