Dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent and rich, this chocolate peanut butter cheesecake recipe promises a symphony of indulgent flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy layers of smooth peanut butter meld perfectly with deep chocolate notes, creating a dessert that’s both luxurious and irresistible.

The velvety texture promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you wanting more.

Each slice boasts a delicate balance of sweet and nutty undertones that complement the classic cheesecake base.

The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch, providing a stunning contrast to the silky filling.

chocolate and peanut butter lovers will swoon over this decadent treat that elevates dessert to an art form.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single blissful bite of this show-stopping cheesecake.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

• Pretzels: Provides a salty, crunchy foundation with a delightful twist on traditional graham cracker crusts.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the pretzel crumbs together and adds richness to the base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates the smooth, velvety texture that defines a classic cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Peanut Butter: Introduces a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall depth of flavor and adds a subtle aromatic touch.
• Heavy Cream: Provides lightness and creates a silky, mousse-like consistency.
• Chocolate: Adds decadent chocolate flavor and creates beautiful marbling throughout the filling.

• Chocolate: Allows for a luxurious drizzle that elevates the visual appeal.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth chocolate drizzle.
• Chopped Peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty texture.
• Pretzels: Provides an extra layer of salty, crispy garnish.

Baking Equipment for Cheesecake Prep

• Perfect for creating a seamless cheesecake with easy removal.
• Parchment or wax paper: Ensures smooth cake release and clean edges.
• Microwave: Quick tool for melting chocolate and cream.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese mixture.
• Medium mixing bowl: Used for melting chocolate and cream.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and whipping cream to smooth, fluffy consistency.
• Spatula: Helps fold whipped cream into cheesecake mixture gently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredients measurement.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layers

• Pretzel Base

Crush pretzels into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a springform pan lined with parchment paper, creating a solid foundation for the cheesecake.

• Chocolate Fusion

Gently melt chocolate with cream in short microwave bursts, stirring carefully to create a smooth chocolate mixture. Let cool slightly before incorporating into the cheesecake batter.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, then incorporate sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly until the batter becomes light and fluffy. Fold in the melted chocolate, creating a marbled effect.

• Whipped Cloud Topping

Whip remaining cream until it forms stiff peaks. Gently fold into the cheesecake mixture, creating an airy and luxurious texture.

• Chilling and Setting

Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 8 hours or overnight. This crucial step ensures the perfect creamy consistency.

• Decadent Finishing Touches

Melt additional chocolate with cream for a glossy drizzle. Once cooled, artfully drizzle over the cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and pretzel pieces for added crunch and visual appeal.

• Storage and Enjoyment

Keep the cheesecake refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving or enjoy partially frozen for a refreshing summer dessert.

Flavor Twists & Swirl Tips for Cheesecake

• Replace pretzel crumbs with graham crackers, Oreo cookies, or chocolate wafers for a different crust texture and flavor profile that complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
• Experiment with mix-ins like caramel swirls, chopped Reese's pieces, or a sprinkle of sea salt to add depth and unexpected excitement to your cheesecake masterpiece.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps, and always beat ingredients on low speed to maintain a silky, creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Transform leftovers into frozen cheesecake bites by cutting into small squares, freezing on a parchment-lined tray, then storing in an airtight container for quick indulgent treats anytime.

Serving Cheesecake Without the Fuss

• Party Platter Presentation: Create an elegant dessert board with sliced cheesecake, arranged beautifully with extra chopped peanuts, pretzel crumbs, and chocolate shavings scattered around the plate for a stunning visual display.
• Decadent Dessert Companion: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy texture and complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
• Summer Chill Twist: Cut individual portions into bite-sized squares, insert wooden skewers, and freeze for a cool handheld treat perfect for outdoor gatherings or poolside snacking that keeps guests refreshed and delighted.
• Wine and Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a glass of port wine or a rich dessert wine that will beautifully balance the sweet and salty notes of the cheesecake, creating a sophisticated dessert experience for adult gatherings.

Best Way to Chill and Store This Dessert

• Fridge Storage Strategy: Keep your cheesecake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Slice Protection Technique: Place wax paper between individual slices when storing to prevent sticking and make grabbing a piece super easy.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap the entire cheesecake tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain delicious taste quality.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared up to 3 days before a special event, giving you stress-free party planning and allowing flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator.

Smooth Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate peanut butter cheesecake delivers creamy indulgence with a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 packages cream cheese (250 grams or 8 oz each)
• 150 grams chopped chocolate
• 1.75 cups powdered icing sugar
• 0.25 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
• 2 cups pretzel crumbs
• 0.75 cup butter, melted
• 2 tbsps chopped chocolate
• 1 tbsp cream
• Chopped peanuts
• Chopped pretzels
• Homemade whipped cream
• 1 tsp vanilla

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize pretzels and combine with melted butter, pressing firmly into a parchment-lined springform pan to create a crisp, sturdy base.
2. Chocolate Ganache Creation: Melt chocolate with cream using short microwave intervals, stirring carefully to produce a silky, glossy mixture. Allow to cool slightly while maintaining a pourable consistency.
3. Cheesecake Filling Development: Whip cream cheese until smooth, then blend in sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Integrate the cooled chocolate ganache, mixing thoroughly to create a uniform, luxurious filling.
4. Cream Incorporation: Whip remaining cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the cheesecake mixture to preserve its airy texture and volume.
5. Chilling and Setting: Pour the filling into the pretzel crust, smoothing the surface evenly. Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours to allow flavors to develop and texture to solidify completely.
6. Finishing Touches: Craft a chocolate drizzle by microwaving chocolate and cream in brief bursts, stirring to prevent scorching. Once cooled to room temperature, elegantly cascade over the chilled cheesecake. Garnish with chopped peanuts and crushed pretzels for added texture and visual intrigue.
7. Storage and Preservation: Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring a decadent dessert is always available for spontaneous indulgence.

Notes

• Pretzel Crust Pro Tip: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling and ensure a stable base for your cheesecake.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Use short microwave bursts and stir consistently to avoid burning, creating a smooth ganache with perfect glossy texture.
• Whipping Wisdom: Beat cream cheese until ultra-smooth and aerate the mixture thoroughly to achieve a light, decadent filling that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling Strategy: Allow minimum 8 hours refrigeration to develop deep flavor fusion and set the cheesecake’s luxurious texture, improving overall taste and consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg