If you’re a peanut butter and chocolate lover, this Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake is pure dessert perfection! With a buttery chocolate crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate drizzle, every bite is a slice of heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Perfect for Reese’s Lovers – Packed with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!
✅ Rich & Creamy – Ultra-smooth cheesecake with a silky texture.
✅ Easy to Make – Foolproof steps for home bakers of any skill level.
✅ Great for Special Occasions – Birthdays, holidays, or just because!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 12)
For the Chocolate Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (adds a crunchy, chocolaty base)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for the perfect hold)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup sugar (balances the flavors)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
- 3 large eggs (creates structure and silkiness)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (the ultimate peanut butter flavor!)
- 15–20 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (for an irresistible crunch)
For the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a smooth ganache)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (rich, melted chocolate)
- ½ cup peanut butter chips (extra peanut butter goodness)
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional but amazing!)
- Whipped cream, for topping (a light, airy finish)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for extra crunch.
3️⃣ Bake the Cheesecake
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (overnight is best!).
4️⃣ Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate and peanut butter chips until smooth.
- Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
5️⃣ Assemble & Serve
- Drizzle the cheesecake with chocolate ganache and caramel sauce.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake!
📊 Recipe Facts & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Chill Time: 4+ hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours
- Calories per Slice: ~600 kcal
- Servings: 12 slices
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
💡 Want a No-Bake Version? Use a graham cracker crust and chill instead of baking!
💡 Extra Crunch? Add crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts on top.
💡 Dairy-Free Option? Swap cream cheese and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives.
💡 Make It Gluten-Free! Use gluten-free cookies for the crust.
