Name: Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – **Crust:**; – 1 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies; – 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; – **Filling:**; – 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened; – 1 cup creamy peanut butter; – 1 cup granulated sugar; – 3 large eggs; – 1 tsp vanilla extract; – ½ cup sour cream; – **Topping:**; – ½ cup heavy cream; – ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; – Chopped peanuts (optional)

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There’s something magical about peanut butter and cheesecake coming together in one dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent. If you’re a peanut butter lover (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), this one’s a must-try. Trust me, every bite is pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Cheesecake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve it (which you totally do), this cheesecake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients—no fancy or expensive items required.

Quick and Easy: The prep is a breeze, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill.

Customizable: Want extra crunch? Add chopped peanuts. Prefer it extra chocolatey? Drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This creamy, peanut buttery dream is one of those desserts that disappears in minutes!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Here’s the magic of this cheesecake—it’s made with simple ingredients that come together in the most dreamy way. Let’s break it down:

Graham Cracker Crust: The perfect base, buttery and slightly crunchy, balancing the richness of the cheesecake.

Cream Cheese: The heart of any cheesecake—smooth, tangy, and ultra-creamy. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!

Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Creamy peanut butter blends beautifully into the batter, giving this cheesecake its signature flavor.

Sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without overpowering the peanut butter goodness.

Eggs: Help bind everything together while keeping the texture light and smooth.

Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors and adds a subtle warmth.

Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and silkiness to the filling.

Chocolate Ganache (Optional but highly recommended!): A glossy chocolate topping takes this cheesecake over the top!

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This ensures even baking and a perfect texture.

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and a bit of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, then bake for about 10 minutes. Let it cool while you make the filling.

Mix the Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid overbeating.

Pour and Bake: Pour the batter over the crust, smoothing out the top. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).

Top It Off: If you’re adding chocolate ganache, heat heavy cream until warm, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy, then pour over the chilled cheesecake.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and enjoy every creamy, peanut-buttery bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10 slices
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 (varies based on toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheesecake

This cheesecake is already amazing on its own, but here are some ways to take it up a notch:

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes each bite even creamier.
Drizzled with Caramel: A little salted caramel sauce takes the flavor over the top.
With Crushed Peanuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch and texture.
Paired with Coffee: A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.

Additional Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temp for a smooth batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Overbeating can cause cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until combined.
Use a Water Bath: Placing your pan in a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures an ultra-creamy texture.
Chill Overnight: If you can, let the cheesecake chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Use a Hot Knife for Slicing: Dip a knife in hot water and wipe dry before slicing for clean cuts.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! It will add a bit of texture, but the cheesecake will still be delicious.

2. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The center should still be slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pan. It will set fully as it cools.

3. Can I make this cheesecake without baking?
Yes! Swap out the eggs and use whipped cream instead for a no-bake version.

4. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracks usually happen from overmixing or overbaking. A water bath can help prevent this!

5. How long does peanut butter cheesecake last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

6. Can I freeze peanut butter cheesecake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

7. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts.

8. Can I make mini cheesecakes with this recipe?
Yes! Just use a muffin tin with liners and reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes.

9. Do I have to use a springform pan?
A springform pan is best, but you can use a regular pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

10. Can I add chocolate to the batter?
Yes! Melted chocolate mixed into the batter will make it even more indulgent.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cheesecake is one of those desserts that makes any day feel special. It’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with peanut butter goodness. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself—you deserve it!