Looking for an unforgettable showstopper that combines all the best dessert cravings in one bite? Meet the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake: the blissful marriage of rich, baked cheesecake and nutty, creamy peanut butter, all set on a chocolatey cookie crust and crowned with a decadent chocolate-peanut topping. Whether you’re making this for a birthday, a holiday, or a Tuesday night treat-yourself moment, you’re in for pure satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, staple ingredients that all pull their weight for flavor, texture, or that classic cheesecake extravagance. Every element plays a starring role, so reach for quality—it makes all the difference in your Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake!
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: Crushed Oreos or similar cookies form a bittersweet, crunchy base for contrast.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness both to the crust and the creamy filling, balancing the richness.
- Unsalted butter: Binds the cookie crust and lends it melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
- Cream cheese: The undisputed hero of cheesecake—use full-fat, room temp for exceptional smoothness.
- Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that signature peanutty punch and makes the filling deliciously velvety.
- Sour cream: Adds a light tang that lifts and balances all the richness.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling and ensure the perfect creamy-yet-sliceable texture.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon deepens all the other flavors and adds cozy warmth.
- Heavy cream: Shows up in both the batter and the topping for lusciousness throughout.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: For an optional but highly recommended ganache-style topping.
- Chopped peanuts: A crunchy, salty finish for visual flair and extra peanut flavor.
How to Make Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine your crushed chocolate cookies, a sprinkling of sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything resembles delicious, dark wet sand, then press it firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. This chocolatey foundation is the first hint that you’re in for a treat. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to let it cool—resist the urge to nibble!
Step 2: Blend the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
In your largest bowl, beat softened cream cheese until impressively smooth. Add in the peanut butter and more sugar, and beat again until the mixture is luxuriously creamy. Mix in sour cream and vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, blending gently after each—overmixing is a cheesecake no-no if you want that perfectly tender texture. Finally, stir in heavy cream for added silkiness. If you’re all about peanut flavor, swirl in a little extra peanut butter at this stage for extra wow-factor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour your glossy peanut butter filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. To achieve that famous creamy texture, bake the cheesecake in a water bath—just wrap the bottom of your pan in foil and set it in a larger pan filled with warm water. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes; you’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center has the slightest jiggle. Once the time is up, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake sit for an hour, cooling gently to avoid cracks. Let it cool completely at room temp before a long chill in the fridge—patience is rewarded here.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Ganache and Peanuts
If you’re going all out (and why wouldn’t you with the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake?), pour hot cream over chocolate chips to create a glossy ganache. Spread this over your fully chilled cheesecake, then finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts for the ultimate nutty crunch. Gaze at your masterpiece, then pop it back in the fridge until ready to serve.
How to Serve Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Garnishes
Dressing up your Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is almost as fun as eating it. A glossy chocolate ganache and handful of chopped peanuts create visual drama and extra flavor, but you can also add chocolate curls, a drizzle of caramel, or even a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream to each slice. However you personalize, make it special!
Side Dishes
The richness of this cheesecake shines brightest next to something simple and refreshing. Pair each slice with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic treat, or serve with a fresh berry salad on the side to cut through the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also make it an even more indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Try slicing the cheesecake into bite-sized squares for a party platter, or serve wedges topped with a mini peanut butter cup for an extra visual punch. You can even make individual cheesecakes in mini springform pans for dessert plates that really pop. However you slice it, don’t forget the ganache and peanuts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake (and that’s a big “if”), simply cover the cheesecake or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay delicious and creamy for up to 5 days in the refrigerator—ideal for sneaking forkfuls right from the kitchen late at night.
Freezing
This cheesecake is a dream for those who like to plan ahead. You can wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture remains beautifully creamy, and the flavors only deepen over time.
Reheating
Since cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, reheating is rarely necessary! If you prefer yours slightly softer, simply let a slice rest on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. The ganache will glisten and the peanut butter aromas will be even more inviting.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a fun texture to the filling and extra bursts of peanut flavor. Just make sure to stir your peanut butter before measuring, and note that the smoothness of the final cheesecake may change slightly—but in a good way!
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
To safeguard against cracks, always bake your Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake in a water bath and avoid overmixing the eggs. Be sure to let it cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked, then bring to room temp before chilling. Even if a crack appears, that chocolate ganache will cover any imperfections beautifully!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and check your peanut butter and chocolate chips to be sure they’re gluten-free. The result will be just as decadent, with all the creamy, chocolaty magic you expect.
Do I need a springform pan for this cheesecake?
A springform pan is the easiest tool for releasing your cheesecake cleanly and neatly, but you can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan lined with parchment if that’s what you have. Just note that serving may be a little messier, but it’ll taste every bit as wonderful.
Can I freeze the cheesecake with the ganache topping?
You can! The ganache holds up well in the freezer, though for the freshest look, add the chopped peanuts just before serving to keep them crunchy and vibrant. This makes the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake perfect for making ahead for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for pure dessert satisfaction, you truly can’t go wrong with this Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. It’s delightfully nutty, irresistibly creamy, and endlessly customizable—a dessert guaranteed to earn you “best baker” status in your circle. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a slice of peanut butter heaven!
Print
Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent richness of this Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. Creamy peanut butter blended with smooth cream cheese, nestled on a chocolate cookie crust, and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. A dessert fit for any peanut butter lover!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the crust: Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add peanut butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, and heavy cream. Pour into crust.
- Bake: Bake in a water bath for 60–70 minutes, then cool in the oven.
- Add topping: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth, and spread over cheesecake. Garnish with peanuts.
Notes
- For a more intense peanut flavor, swirl in 1/4 cup extra peanut butter before baking.
- This cheesecake freezes well if wrapped tightly.
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