It’s the little things that make life enjoyable, like taking a vacation with your best friend, watching a good old movie, or eating a huge piece of peanut butter cheesecake all by yourself. Which is exactly what I’m doing right now. And will probably do again once I’m done with this piece.
This cake is what I consider a proper celebration cake. It’s tall and impressive, and if peanut butter is your thing, then it’s hard to beat this flavor. It’s a bit of everything good—cheesecake, peanut butter, chocolate, and Oreo cookies—all in one. Some would say that this is not for the faint of heart, but if you like your cheesecakes Cheesecake Factory-style, then this one is for you. But if you ask me, it’s not even that heavy.
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The cake is rich and creamy, very peanut buttery, and a bit chocolatey from the crust and ganache topping. If you’d like to add more chocolate, add chocolate chips or break a few Reese’s cups into pieces and add them to the batter. I could give you more ideas on how to make it even more decadent, but I don’t want to cause any trouble.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Ingredients
Crust:
- 20 Oreo cookies (225 g/8 oz)
- 5 tablespoons (70 g/2.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 3 packages (680 g/24 oz) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 â…› cups (230 g/8 oz) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (200 g/7 oz) smooth peanut butter
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs , at room temperature
Topping:
- 115 g /4 oz (â…” cup) chopped milk chocolate
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (or 120 g sour cream for less sweetness)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325F/160C.
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Make the crust: Place cookies (with their filling) in a food processor and process until finely ground. In a medium bowl combine crumbs and melted butter, and mix until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer. Place in the freezer or fridge to set while you make the cheesecake.
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Make the cheesecake: In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium-low speed until smooth and lump-free, about 1-2 minutes. Add sugar and beat until blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Add peanut butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and beat just until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, until well blended and batter is smooth. Don’t overbeat. Take crust out of the freezer and pour batter over it.
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Wrap the bottom and sides of the pan with one large piece of foil, then repeat with another piece. This will ensure that water from the bath doesn’t seep into the cake. Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan, then pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Place gently in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, until the sides are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. Let cake cool completely to room temperature.
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Make the topping: Place chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave in 20-30 seconds intervals, stirring in between intervals so that the chocolate won’t burn. Let cool slightly, then pour over the cake. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, until cheesecake is completely set. It tastes best after 24 hours, so this cake is great to make a day ahead.
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Cover cheesecake with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For another delicious cheesecake, try my Oreo Cheesecake recipe!
Miriam says
I love cheesecake and anything that has a chocolate-peanut butter combination, so this is right up my alley. Thanks so much for sharing!
Meg says
just pulled it out of the oven ~ it looks so great, no cracks and smells even better! can’t wait to try it tomorrow
Julie says
How long can it sit out at room temp? Just until it’s also at room temp?
Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. says
Hi Julie, I would leave it at room temperature for only a few hours before returning it to the refrigerator.