Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is the ultimate easy dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, with a creamy cheesecake filling, crisp chocolate cookie crust, silky ganache, and caramel drizzle in every decadent bite. It is a perfect special occasion dessert, holiday dessert, party dessert, and make-ahead recipe that fits right in with your best dessert ideas, easy recipe collection, and crowd-pleasing food ideas.
Ingredients
24 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup caramel sauce
8 mini peanut butter cups, chopped
2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the outside in foil if using a water bath.
2. Stir the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter until evenly coated, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and let it cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, and mix until creamy.
4. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl as needed.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition.
6. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
7. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest for 30 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
8. Heat 1/4 cup heavy cream until hot, pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, let it sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
9. Spoon or drizzle the ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Finish with caramel sauce, chopped peanut butter cups, and crushed peanuts.
10. Chill briefly to set the topping, then slice and serve cold.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, creamiest texture.
Mix the eggs on low speed so the cheesecake stays smooth and is less likely to crack.
For cleaner slices, dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 145mg