The Best Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Creamy dreams meet chocolate bliss in this decadent peanut butter cup cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Smooth cream cheese mingles with rich peanut butter in a velvety symphony of flavors.

Chocolate graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch beneath layers of silky filling.

Reese’s pieces scattered throughout add playful bursts of sweet-salty excitement.

Each slice delivers a mouthwatering experience that balances tangy cheesecake with nutty undertones.

Dessert enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this irresistible treat that transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration.

Let’s whip up something spectacular that’ll make you the star of any gathering.

Presenting Slices of Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

• Decadent Dessert Companions: Complement this rich cheesecake with delightful pairings.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Serve alongside a scoop of dark chocolate ice cream or a warm chocolate brownie to enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Offer a steaming cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino to balance the sweetness and cut through the cheesecake's richness.
• Nutty Crunch Garnish: Top individual slices with extra chopped peanut butter cups, a sprinkle of sea salt, or toasted chopped almonds for added texture and flavor complexity.

Keeping Peanut Butter Cheesecake Fresh and Tasty

• Wrap the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Slice the cheesecake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake from freezer to refrigerator and let it slowly thaw overnight. This gradual process helps preserve the creamy consistency and prevents moisture buildup.

FAQs

• What makes the crust stick together?

Melted butter acts as a binding agent, helping the graham cracker crumbs hold together and create a firm, compact base for the cheesecake.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While possible, full-fat cream cheese provides better texture and richer flavor, ensuring a creamy and smooth cheesecake consistency.

• How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the filling, bake in a water bath, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracking and maintain a smooth appearance.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds richness and helps create a smoother, more luxurious texture in the cheesecake filling, making it more creamy and decadent.

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake—A Decadent Dream Dessert

• Unleash Decadent Indulgence: Dive into a rich, creamy cheesecake that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter cups and smooth cream cheese for a truly luxurious dessert experience.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or special celebrations, this recipe guarantees to impress guests with its stunning appearance and mouthwatering taste.
• Master Simple Gourmet Technique: Despite looking like a complicated dessert, this cheesecake requires minimal baking skills and basic ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Customize with Ease: Swap toppings or add extra peanut butter cups to personalize the recipe, giving you creative freedom to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients List for Rich Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers: A classic cookie that provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, golden crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, light filling.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Peanut Butter: Introduces a rich, nutty flavor to the cheesecake.

• Peanut Butter Cups, Caramel Sauce, Chopped Peanuts: Add layers of chocolate, caramel, and nutty crunch to complement the creamy cheesecake base.

How to Make This Creamy, Peanut-Loaded Cheesecake

Step 1: Create Crunchy Base

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the cracker crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even, compact layer.

Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass to pack down the crust tightly.

Step 2: Prepare Peanut Butter Cup Layer

Chop peanut butter cups into small pieces.

Melt half of the chopped pieces in a microwave or double boiler.

Gently spread the melted peanut butter cup mixture over the graham cracker crust.

Place the pan in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow the layer to set and become firm.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Bring cream cheese to room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps.

Add sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

Continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Fold in creamy peanut butter and the remaining chopped peanut butter cups, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.

Step 4: Smooth Out the Filling

Pour the prepared filling over the chilled peanut butter cup layer.

Use a rubber spatula to spread the mixture evenly, making sure to reach the edges of the pan.

Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles and create a perfectly smooth surface.

Step 5: Add Tempting Toppings

Drizzle rich caramel sauce in a decorative pattern across the top of the cheesecake.

Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the caramel, creating a delightful crunchy texture and additional flavor dimension.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop a perfect, creamy consistency.

The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld together.

Tips for a Smooth Peanut Butter Filling and Topping

• Use a food processor or place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a solid, even crust.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature and avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles that cause surface cracks in your cheesecake.
• Toast chopped peanuts before sprinkling on top to release their rich, nutty oils and intensify the overall taste profile of the dessert.
• Dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between each cut to achieve smooth, perfect cheesecake slices without dragging filling.

Unique Peanut Butter Cup Variations for Cheesecake Fans

• Chocolate Oreo Base: Replace graham crackers with crushed Oreo cookies for a richer chocolate crust.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and select dairy-free chocolate cups for a plant-based version.

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent peanut butter cup cheesecake brings creamy decadence to dessert lovers everywhere. Rich chocolate crust and silky peanut butter filling create a perfect harmony of flavors you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups peanut butter cups, chopped (divided)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts

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Instructions

1. Construct the foundation by pulverizing graham crackers and blending with melted butter, then firmly pressing the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to create a compact base.
2. Gently melt half of the peanut butter cups and carefully distribute the molten chocolate-peanut butter mixture across the crust, then chill for approximately 10-15 minutes until the layer solidifies.
3. Combine cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, whipping until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency. Incorporate creamy peanut butter and fold in the remaining chopped peanut butter cups.
4. Transfer the silky filling onto the chilled crust, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface with no air pockets.
5. Enhance the cheesecake’s visual appeal by artfully drizzling caramel sauce across the top and sprinkling chopped peanuts for added texture and crunch.
6. Allow the cheesecake to set by refrigerating for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring a firm, sliceable dessert with optimal flavor development.

Notes

• Chilling Tip Freeze the springform pan for 10 minutes before pressing the graham cracker crust to help it set firmly and prevent crumbling.
• Peanut Butter Cup Hack Freeze the peanut butter cups briefly before chopping to make cutting cleaner and prevent messy crumbling during preparation.
• Creamy Texture Secret Use room temperature cream cheese and beat on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg