Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! A rich, creamy peanut butter cheesecake sits on a buttery Oreo crust, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and loaded with peanut butter cups. Every bite is smooth, decadent, and packed with indulgent flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Topping:
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed.
- Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Gently fold in chopped peanut butter cups.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a large roasting pan.
- Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the cheesecake pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Ganache & Assemble
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy cream until steaming (about 45 seconds).
- Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups and crushed peanuts over the top.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice and enjoy this rich and creamy peanut butter cup cheesecake!
Notes
- To prevent cracks, use a water bath and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- You can substitute the Oreo crust with a graham cracker crust if preferred.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4+ hours
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American