Description
Classic peanut butter cheesecake delivers creamy indulgence with a graham cracker crust and rich chocolate drizzle. Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will savor each luxurious, silky slice of this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 (8 oz / 226 g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsps heavy cream
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into a springform pan’s base. Roast at 350F (175C) for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
- Filling Composition: Whip cream cheese until velvety, blending peanut butter and sugar to create a luxurious mixture. Incorporate sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract with gentle folding to maintain a silky, crack-free texture.
- Assembly and Baking: Pour the filling onto the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface meticulously. Position the pan in a water bath and bake until the edges set firmly while the center maintains a subtle wobble, approximately 50-60 minutes.
- Cooling Process: After removing from the oven, let the cheesecake rest in the slightly opened oven, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of four hours or overnight to enhance structural integrity and flavor complexity.
- Finishing Touches: Craft a chocolate drizzle by melting chocolate chips with heavy cream in short microwave bursts. Artfully cascade the glossy mixture over the chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Serving: Gently release the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice with a heated knife to ensure clean edges, and present this decadent dessert to delighted guests.
Notes
- Prevent Cracking Technique: Use a water bath during baking to ensure even heat distribution and minimize surface fractures in the cheesecake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee a smooth, lump-free batter and optimal texture.
- Gentle Mixing Strategy: Fold ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to maintain the cheesecake’s delicate, silky consistency and prevent incorporating excess air.
- Cooling Precision: Let the cheesecake cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to develop rich flavors and achieve perfect structural integrity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg