This pie is for Mikey — a peanut butter pie made in memory of Jennifer Perillo’s husband, who passed away suddenly from a heart attack. I don’t know Jennifer personally, but I follow friends who do and I’ve seen her name and story appear often in my social feeds. Reading her post about his passing and seeing the outpouring of love, support and peanut butter pies from the food blogging community was deeply moving.
Moments like this remind me why the online baking and food communities matter. When someone shares grief, so many people respond with small, tangible signs of care: recipes, pies, messages, and offers to help. Those gestures become a kind of comfort that extends beyond words. For many, baking and sharing food is a way to reach out when words feel inadequate.
There are simple ways to show support: make a dish and bring it to someone who’s grieving, send a note of condolence, or post a memory. For those who find solace in the kitchen, a homemade pie can be a thoughtful and nourishing gift. A peanut butter pie, in particular, is rich, comforting and easy to share — it travels well and most people find comfort in familiar flavors like chocolate and peanut butter.
If you’re inspired to make one, you don’t need an elaborate plan. A classic peanut butter pie often starts with a cookie or graham cracker crumb crust, a creamy peanut butter filling made with cream cheese and whipped cream or Cool Whip, and a chocolate drizzle or ganache on top. Some bakers add a layer of cookies — Nutter Butters or peanut butter cookies — in the center for texture and extra nostalgia. Serve chilled, sliced into generous pieces for sharing.
There are many variations to suit different tastes: swirl peanut butter into chocolate mousse for a lighter filling, add a salted caramel drizzle for balance, or use a gluten-free crust if needed. For a crowd, make a large pie or prepare a tray of mini pies so everyone can have a portion. Presentation matters too; a few chopped peanuts, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a piped whipped cream border can make a simple pie feel special.
The food blogging community’s response to Jennifer’s loss shows how acts of baking and sharing can ripple outward. I remember when others in our community organized to help friends in need — bloggers and readers alike stepped forward to donate food, time and encouragement. Those efforts are a reminder that kindness can be organized simply by sharing a recipe, a photo and an invitation to help.
If you’d like a place to start, try a trusted peanut butter pie recipe: look for one that balances the richness of the peanut butter with light whipped cream or cream cheese, and contrast it with a touch of chocolate. The Pioneer Woman has a popular peanut butter pie version that many people enjoy, and others have shared dozens of pie recipes and variations online to inspire your own take.
Ultimately, making and sharing a pie is as much about the gesture as the dessert. Bring a slice to a neighbor, share a pie with a grieving friend, or bake with someone who needs company. That simple act of sharing food can be a small, steady bridge through a hard time.
For those who want to read Jennifer’s original post and the reflections that followed, her words are heartfelt and honest — you may want a tissue nearby. Making and sharing a peanut butter pie is one way this caring community has chosen to honor Mikey’s memory and to wrap someone in warmth during a time of loss.