The Dreamiest Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe Ever Created

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake whispers decadence with every luxurious bite.

Smooth cream cheese mingles perfectly with rich nutty swirls.

Dessert enthusiasts crave this silky smooth sensation that melts delightfully on your tongue.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Chocolate drizzles and crunchy peanut garnishes make this treat irresistible.

Each slice promises pure indulgence that feels like a sweet celebration.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this dreamy confection.

Why Peanut Butter Cheesecake Is So Satisfying

• Craving Crowd-Pleaser: This peanut butter cheesecake delivers rich, decadent flavors that will impress family and friends at any gathering or special celebration.
• Master Dessert Technique: Perfect for bakers looking to elevate their skills with a professional-looking dessert that seems complicated but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
• Flexible Flavor Fusion: Combines classic cheesecake with beloved peanut butter and chocolate elements, creating a versatile dessert that satisfies multiple taste preferences in one stunning dish.
• Stress-Free Entertaining Solution: Allows advance preparation, so you can make the dessert ahead of time and focus on enjoying your event without last-minute kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake

• Oreo Cookies: Classic chocolate sandwich cookies that create a rich and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cookie crumbs together for a solid crust foundation.

• Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy and tangy base for the classic cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the rich cream cheese flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Brings a delicious nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, rich texture of the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake filling.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and glossy base for the chocolate ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a rich and decadent ganache topping.
• Peanuts: Provide a crunchy garnish that complements the peanut butter flavor.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Craft the Crumbly Cookie Base

Pulverize Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid foundation for your decadent dessert.

Step 2: Whip the Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated.

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing at low speed to maintain a luxurious texture.

Step 3: Fold in the Velvety Sour Cream

Delicately fold sour cream into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency that will melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter over the cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).

Bake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a slightly set center with a gentle jiggle.

Step 5: Create the Cooling Sanctuary

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly.

Let the cheesecake rest inside for one hour, allowing it to cool gradually and prevent cracking.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight, letting it firm up and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 7: Craft the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Warm heavy cream until it steams, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until the mixture becomes a glossy, smooth ganache.

Step 8: Dress and Garnish

Spread the luxurious chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 9: Slice and Indulge

Cut into generous slices and serve this show-stopping peanut butter cheesecake that promises to delight every single taste bud!

Handy Tips for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Lovers

• Mix Oreo crumbs thoroughly with melted butter to ensure a compact, stable base that won't fall apart when slicing.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
• Add eggs one at a time and mix at low speed to prevent over-mixing, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
• Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to cool gradually, reducing the chance of surface cracks.
• Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to allow it to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Flavor Swaps and Add-Ins

• Gluten-Free Nutty Delight: Replace Oreo cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile while maintaining creamy texture.
• Vegan Cheesecake Makeover: Use cashew cream cheese, coconut cream, and silken tofu instead of dairy ingredients. Replace eggs with cornstarch or flax eggs for binding.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute cookie crust with crushed pecans or almond flour. Use sugar substitute like erythritol and full-fat cream cheese to create a keto-friendly cheesecake.

Best Pairings for Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Dark, rich beer complements the creamy peanut butter cheesecake with its robust chocolate notes, creating a decadent dessert experience.

Smooth bourbon with caramel undertones enhances the nutty peanut butter flavor, providing a warm, sophisticated contrast to the cheesecake’s richness.

Silky, sweet liqueur softens the cheesecake’s dense texture, adding a luxurious layer of vanilla that harmonizes with the peanut butter and chocolate ganache.

Classic whole milk cuts through the cheesecake’s richness, refreshing the palate and balancing the intense peanut butter and chocolate flavors.

Storing Peanut Butter Cheesecake for Dessert

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the dessert remains fresh and delicious.
• Carefully wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Remove from the freezer and let the cheesecake defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing method prevents condensation and maintains the cheesecake's smooth consistency.
• Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore the perfect creamy texture.

FAQs

• What makes the crust in this cheesecake unique?

The crust uses crushed Oreo cookies instead of traditional graham crackers, adding a rich chocolate flavor that complements the peanut butter filling perfectly.

• Why do I need to leave the cheesecake in the oven after baking?

This technique, called gradual cooling, helps prevent cracking by allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly and evenly, which reduces temperature shock to the delicate custard.

• Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Smooth, processed peanut butter works best because it blends more easily and creates a smoother texture. Natural peanut butter might separate and create a less consistent filling.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, velvety texture and irresistible flavor profile. Indulgent layers of smooth cheesecake and nutty peanut butter promise a heavenly experience that lingers long after the last delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed oreo cookies
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Toppings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Chopped peanuts (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 325F (163C) and coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
2. Crush Oreo cookies and blend with melted butter, then firmly press the crumbly mixture into the pan’s base to create a solid foundation.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, mixing at low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth texture.
6. Delicately fold sour cream into the mixture, ensuring a luxurious and creamy composition.
7. Transfer the batter onto the prepared crust, using a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a slightly set center with a subtle jiggle, indicating perfect doneness.
9. After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour, promoting gradual cooling.
10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
11. Create chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until steaming, then pouring over chocolate chips and stirring until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
12. Generously spread the ganache across the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
13. Slice into elegant portions and serve chilled.

Notes

• Adjust oven temperature carefully to prevent cracking, using a water bath technique can help distribute heat evenly and create a smoother surface.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to ensure a silky, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly.
• Crush Oreo cookies finely and press firmly into the pan to create a compact, stable crust that won’t crumble when slicing.
• Incorporate eggs gently at low speed to maintain the cheesecake’s delicate texture and prevent air bubbles that can cause surface cracks.
• Swap regular peanut butter with natural or sugar-free alternatives for a healthier version that still delivers rich, nutty flavor.
• Chill the cheesecake completely before adding ganache to prevent the chocolate from melting and ensure a clean, glossy topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg