Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake – A Starry Night of Reese’s Delight
Introduction
If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecakes and delicious peanut butter, the Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for you! This indulgent treat combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and peanut butter with the iconic taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this sweet heavenly delight!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The creaminess of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the crunch of chocolate cookie crumbs, while the Reese’s cups add an extra layer of flavor. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cheesecake is sure to be a star at your dessert table.
How to Make Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 15–20 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Whipped cream, for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the creamy peanut butter.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour, then remove and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips until smooth.
- Allow to cool slightly. Drizzle the cooled topping over the chilled cheesecake, then finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Slice and enjoy your Cosmic Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake
Serve the Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake chilled. You can slice it into wedges and place a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for extra indulgence. Drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving makes it even more delightful!
How to Store Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake
Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to ensure it remains fresh. It will stay good for up to a week, but we bet it won’t last that long!
Tips to Make Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Do not skip refrigerating the cheesecake overnight; this helps it set perfectly.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before serving.
Variation
Feel free to change the base by using graham cracker crumbs instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for a different flavor. You can also use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may affect the creaminess of the cheesecake.
2. How long does it take to make this cheesecake?
The total time, including prep and bake, is about 1.5 hours, plus chilling time.
3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
Indulge in the Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake for a sweet treat that’s truly out of this world! Enjoy every bite!