Description

This rich, creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake features a velvety peanut butter and cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker or Oreo crust. Optional chocolate ganache topping adds an indulgent finish to this easy, impressive dessert.

Ingredients

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Oreos)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (omit if using Oreos)

6 tablespoons melted butter

Pinch of salt

24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 blocks)

1 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or Skippy)

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache, optional)

4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Mix graham cracker or Oreo crumbs with melted butter, pinch of salt, and sugar (only if using graham crackers).
Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add peanut butter and mix until well combined.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix to combine.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
Wrap the springform pan in foil and place it in a water bath (optional for avoiding cracks).
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Optional: For ganache, heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Once cheesecake is fully chilled, pour ganache over top and refrigerate until set.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.

Natural-style peanut butter may result in oily texture—stick with shelf-stable brands like Jif or Skippy.

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

A water bath and gradual cooling help prevent cracks.

Ganache is optional but adds a rich chocolate finish.

Cheesecake slices cleanly when using a hot knife wiped between cuts.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 540
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg