Irresistibly Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake has been my ultimate comfort dessert since college.

Memories of late-night study sessions always drift back when I whip up this decadent treat.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with rich, nutty peanut butter for an irresistible combination.

My friends can’t resist asking for seconds whenever I serve this indulgent slice.

Cold refrigeration helps the cheesecake set into a dreamy, velvety texture that melts on your tongue.

Each bite promises a luxurious balance between tangy cream cheese and sweet peanut butter.

I promise this recipe will become your new favorite weekend baking adventure.

Dive in and create something magical that will make everyone at the table swoon.

Why Peanut Butter Cheesecake Is a Must-Try Dessert

• Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this cheesecake recipe offers simple steps anyone can follow with basic kitchen tools and minimal baking expertise.
• Prepare this dessert completely in advance, storing it in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days before serving, which makes party planning and gathering preparation incredibly stress-free.
• Peanut butter and cheesecake combine into an irresistible flavor combination that appeals to multiple age groups, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations.
• Experiment by adding chocolate chips, drizzling caramel, or incorporating different nut toppings to personalize this versatile dessert according to individual taste preferences.

Ingredients That Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Stand Out

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Classic base for a smooth, buttery foundation that adds crunch and traditional cheesecake texture.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Butter (Melted): Provides richness and helps hold the crust ingredients together.

• Cream Cheese (Softened): Rich, creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture, best when at room temperature.
• Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty flavor and creamy consistency to the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Crucial for structure and helping the cheesecake set properly, room temperature works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture and adds richness.

• Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that complements the dense cheesecake.
• Peanut Butter (Melted): Provides additional peanut flavor and decorative drizzle.
• Chopped Peanuts: Adds crunch and extra nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Shavings (Optional): Provides decorative touch and additional flavor complexity.

How to Bake a Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crispy Crust Foundation

Warm oven to 325F (165C)

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix until crumbly texture forms

Press mixture firmly into springform pan

Bake crust for 10 minutes

Remove and let cool completely

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Grab large mixing bowl

Beat cream cheese until silky smooth

• Peanut butter
• Sugar

Blend until completely incorporated

Crack eggs one at a time

Mix in vanilla extract

Pour in heavy cream

Stir until mixture looks uniform

Step 3: Bake Delectable Dessert

Pour filling over cooled crust

Smooth top with spatula

Bake 50-60 minutes

Check for slightly jiggly center

Turn off oven

Leave cheesecake inside with door slightly open

Rest for one hour

Transfer to refrigerator

Chill minimum 4 hours

Step 4: Design Stunning Topping

Spread whipped cream layer

Drizzle melted peanut butter

Sprinkle chopped peanuts

Add chocolate shavings

Step 5: Slice and Serve Magnificently

Cut into elegant wedges

Serve chilled

Enjoy luxurious dessert experience

Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Success

• Prevent Cracks: Avoid overbaking by removing the cheesecake when the center is slightly jiggly, which helps prevent unsightly surface cracks.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing and better cheesecake texture.
• Water Bath Alternative: Place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack to create moisture, helping the cheesecake bake evenly and reduce cracking.
• Crust Binding Trick: Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won't crumble when slicing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheesecake a day in advance, as it tastes even better after thoroughly chilling overnight and allows flavors to meld perfectly.

Keeping Peanut Butter Cheesecake Fresh and Chilled

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual slices or whole cheesecake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes perfectly for 1-2 months without losing quality.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth and maintain texture.
• Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent the creamy texture from becoming grainy or separated.

Toppings and Pairings for Peanut Butter Cheesecake

• Create a decadent flavor experience by serving this creamy peanut butter cheesecake alongside a smooth, dark chocolate stout that complements the rich, nutty dessert.
• Enhance the dessert's sweet profile by pairing it with a warm caramel macchiato, which brings out the cheesecake's creamy texture and peanut butter notes.
• Elevate the dessert with a sophisticated vanilla bourbon that harmonizes with the cheesecake's sweet and nutty flavors, providing a smooth, warming finish.
• Balance the cheesecake's richness with a crisp salted caramel martini, creating a luxurious dessert experience that plays with sweet and salty undertones.

Delicious Twists on Peanut Butter Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Nutty Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this creamy dessert.
• Vegan Peanut Butter Dream: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace eggs with flax eggs or silken tofu for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Peanut Butter Sensation: Substitute graham cracker crust with crushed pecans or almonds, use sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, and incorporate almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content.
• No-Bake Smooth Sensation: Skip baking entirely by using gelatin or agar-agar to set the cheesecake, creating a lighter, chilled dessert perfect for warmer weather.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, indulgent layers of smooth filling and buttery graham cracker crust. Irresistible slices promise pure bliss that will sweep you into a world of pure, nutty sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (85 grams) chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a buttery foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the base of a springform pan, creating a compact, uniform layer.
3. Briefly toast the crust in a preheated oven at 325F (165C) for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until it transforms into a silky, lump-free consistency.
5. Incorporate peanut butter and sugar into the cream cheese, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous texture.
6. Gently introduce eggs one at a time, thoroughly integrating each before adding the next, then fold in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
7. Pour the luscious peanut butter cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even, glossy surface.
8. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for slightly wobbling center and set edges as indicators of perfect doneness.
9. After baking, switch off the oven and allow the cheesecake to rest inside with the door slightly ajar, facilitating a gradual cooling process.
10. Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture and flavor melding.
11. When ready to serve, adorn the chilled cheesecake with a luxurious layer of whipped cream, drizzle with melted peanut butter, and sprinkle with chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings.
12. Slice and savor the decadent layers of creamy, nutty goodness, celebrating each indulgent bite of this ultimate dessert experience.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and even baking consistency.
• Use full-fat cream cheese and smooth peanut butter for richest flavor and most luxurious texture.
• Create water bath by placing springform pan in larger pan with hot water to prevent cracking and ensure even baking.
• Prevent over-mixing cheesecake batter which can incorporate too much air and cause surface cracks during baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg