Description
Creamy peanut butter cheesecake delivers a luxurious dessert experience that blends rich, smooth textures with indulgent flavor. Chocolate graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling create a delectable masterpiece you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 24 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
Instructions
- Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, then blend thoroughly with melted butter to create a cohesive crust mixture.
- Press the cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even, compact layer.
- Chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 325°F.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating peanut butter and sugar until fully integrated.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
- Fold in sour cream and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is uniform and velvety.
- Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid when gently shaken.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and chocolate chips over the surface.
- Drizzle caramel sauce in an artistic pattern across the top of the cheesecake.
- Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich, creamy texture and decadent flavor combination.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and perfect mixing consistency.
- Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath baking method.
- Crush graham crackers finely and press firmly to create a solid, crisp crust that won’t crumble when slicing.
- Reduce sugar for a less sweet version or swap regular peanut butter with natural, unsweetened varieties for a healthier twist.
- Prevent surface cracks by baking in a water bath and allowing slow, gradual cooling to minimize temperature shock.
- Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 471
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 292 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg