If you’re craving the ultimate decadent dessert, look no further than Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake. This show-stopping treat brings together rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and velvety cheesecake in every luxurious bite. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just want to impress your friends at the next get-together, this recipe will have everyone swooning and asking for seconds. Each layer is thoughtfully crafted to balance flavors and textures, making this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake a true masterpiece for any dessert lover!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Each one plays an essential role, delivering the rich taste, creamy texture, and gorgeous layers that make this cheesecake unforgettable!

Chocolate cookie crumbs: These serve as the deeply chocolatey base, adding a perfect crunch to balance the creamy filling.
Melted butter: This binds the cookie crumbs and helps the crust hold together beautifully when sliced.
Cream cheese: The star of the show, lending a luxuriously smooth and tangy base for both the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that unmistakable nutty richness and silkiness, making the cheesecake indulgent and satisfying.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Boosts and rounds out all the flavors with a subtle warmth.
Large eggs: These provide structure and help set the rich, creamy filling as it bakes.
Sour cream: Enhances the filling’s creaminess and gives an extra hint of tang that balances the sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted into half the batter, these create a luscious chocolate layer that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.
Peanut butter & chocolate chips (for topping): A final drizzle brings dramatic flair and boosts the peanut butter-chocolate combo.
Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings: These optional garnishes add crunch, elegance, and a hint of extra flavor to finish your masterpiece.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until every crumb is coated and glistening. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s compact and even. Pop the crust in the oven for 8 minutes, then set it aside to cool while you make the filling. This crispy base will make every slice sturdy and delicious.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until super smooth and creamy—it’s worth taking your time here for the silkiest texture! Add the peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla, mixing until everything is beautifully blended. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating just enough to incorporate each. Stir in the sour cream last, which will make the filling extra luscious and slightly tangy.

Step 3: Create the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Layers

Divide your cheesecake batter in half. Gently stir the melted, slightly cooled chocolate chips into one half until fully combined. This two-batter method gives you the classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake layers—one rich and chocolatey, the other dreamy and peanut-buttery!

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the chocolate batter onto your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Carefully spoon the peanut butter batter over the chocolate layer, spreading it evenly. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any sneaky air bubbles. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed. Once baked, crack the oven door and let your cheesecake cool inside for an hour—this helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Chill and Finish with Toppings

Once your cheesecake has cooled, transfer it to the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better for clean slices). When ready to serve, melt the peanut butter and chocolate chips separately, then drizzle them over the chilled cheesecake. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a shower of chocolate shavings for a bakery-worthy finish!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

Garnishes

For a truly eye-catching presentation, drizzle the top with melted peanut butter and chocolate, then scatter a handful of crushed peanuts or delicate chocolate shavings over the surface. These simple touches not only add texture and crunch but also make your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake look like it came straight from a fancy dessert shop!

Side Dishes

While this cheesecake is a star on its own, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides add brightness and contrast to the cheesecake’s rich, decadent flavors, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try slicing the cheesecake into mini squares for an elegant dessert platter, or serve each slice with a tiny pitcher of extra chocolate sauce for dramatic flair. For special occasions, add edible flowers or gold leaf for a sophisticated, unforgettable finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake tasting fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay delicious in the fridge for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long! The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully. Simply wrap whole or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best taste and texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s usually no need to reheat. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, let a slice sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but the texture may be a bit looser since it tends to separate. For the best results, use a creamy, no-stir peanut butter to ensure a smooth, stable filling.

How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the turned-off oven with the door cracked is key. Also, make sure not to overbeat the eggs and use room-temperature ingredients for a silky, crack-free result.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the chocolate cookie crumbs for your favorite gluten-free chocolate cookies. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a slice.

What’s the best way to slice Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake cleanly?

For neat, Instagram-worthy slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This trick works wonders, especially after the cheesecake has chilled thoroughly.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake a day ahead gives it time to set up perfectly and develop even richer flavors. Just keep it covered and chilled until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a dessert that’s decadent, beautiful, and full of classic flavors, give this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake a try. It’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again, and every bite is sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake combines rich, creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate in a decadent layered dessert perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats. The cheesecake features a chocolate cookie crust, a luscious dual-flavored filling, and an optional drizzled topping with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo, without filling)
1/4 cup melted butter

Filling

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

Topping (optional)

1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated. Stir in the sour cream, then divide the batter in half. Stir the melted chocolate into one half until fully blended.
Assemble the cheesecake layers: Pour the chocolate batter over the baked crust, smoothing the top. Carefully spoon the peanut butter batter over the chocolate layer and smooth it evenly. Tap the pan lightly to release any air bubbles.
Bake the cheesecake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly puffed. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
Chill the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
Prepare the topping: Melt the peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips separately, then drizzle them over the chilled cheesecake before serving. Garnish with crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

For a swirl effect, alternate scoops of chocolate and peanut butter batter and swirl with a knife before baking.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more even batter.
Chill the cheesecake thoroughly and slice it with a hot knife for clean, neat servings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American