Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe

Rich Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Cookie Crust Recipe to Indulge

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake reigns supreme among dessert lovers seeking indulgent comfort.

Rich, decadent flavors dance across taste buds with luxurious smoothness and intense nutty undertones.

Dessert enthusiasts understand the magnetic allure of this classic sweet treat.

Culinary magic refines simple ingredients into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that delights the senses.

Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with robust peanut butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Crisp cookie crust provides delightful textural contrast against the velvety filling.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert promises to elevate any gathering with its irresistible charm.

  • Savor Rich Flavor Combination: This cheesecake delivers an incredible peanut butter explosion with multiple layers of intense nutty goodness, blending creamy cheesecake with a crispy peanut butter cookie crust for a mind-blowing taste experience.
  • Enjoy Luxurious Texture Harmony: The dessert offers a perfect balance between smooth, velvety cheesecake filling and a crunchy cookie base, creating a delightful contrast that makes each bite supremely satisfying and interesting.
  • Master Impressive Baking Technique: Despite looking complicated, this recipe is surprisingly approachable for home bakers, requiring basic mixing skills and offering a gourmet dessert that looks professionally made with minimal technical expertise.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Dessert: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or potlucks, this cheesecake guarantees wow-factor with its decadent presentation and universally loved peanut butter flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Crust Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter Cookies: Classic base for a rich, nutty foundation with a crumbly texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Cheesecake Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Creamy Peanut Butter: Core ingredients providing creamy, intense peanut butter flavor with smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and helps create a balanced taste.
  • Large Egg: Provides structure and helps bind the cheesecake mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a silky, rich texture.
Whipped Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy whipped topping with rich dairy flavor.
  • Melted Peanut Butter: Drizzle for extra peanut butter intensity and visual appeal.

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Crust

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch springform pan and get ready for deliciousness. Mix together:
  • Peanut butter
  • Sugar
  • Egg

Blend until silky smooth. Press this magical mixture into the bottom and sides of your pan. Pop it in the oven for 11-13 minutes until perfectly set. Let it cool down and rest.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Fire up your electric mixer and get ready for some serious mixing magic. Combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
Whip until beautifully smooth. Stir in:
  • Peanut butter
  • Vanilla
  • Sour cream

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until it forms dreamy stiff peaks. Gently fold this fluffy mixture into your peanut butter base. Pour the entire luscious mixture over your cooled crust and smooth the top with love.

Step 3: Add the Luxurious Sour Cream Topping

Whisk together sour cream and confectioners’ sugar. Spread this creamy layer across the top of your cheesecake like a silky blanket.

Step 4: Chill and Anticipate Deliciousness

Tuck your masterpiece into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours- overnight is even better. Just before serving, drizzle with melted peanut butter for that extra wow factor.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Baking Time: 13 minutes

Chilling Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 43 minutes

Pro Tips:
  • Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest texture
  • Don't overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy
  • Let the cheesecake rest completely before slicing

Baker’s Delight Warning: This cheesecake is so irresistible, you might want to hide a slice just for yourself! The perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.

Expert Tips for Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake

  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press the peanut butter cookie crust firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid, compact base that won't fall apart when slicing.
  • Achieve Smooth Cheesecake Texture: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy filling that blends perfectly.
  • Master Cream Whipping: Whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl to help it form stiff peaks faster and maintain its structure when folded into the cheesecake mixture.
  • Avoid Cheesecake Cracks: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water in the oven to create humidity, preventing surface cracks and ensuring even baking.
  • Perfect Chilling Technique: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, then chill for at least 6 hours to set properly and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 5 days. The cold environment helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Freezer Storage: Slice the cheesecake, then carefully wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing freezer burn.
  • Reheating Tips: Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, serve chilled and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.

Pairing Ideas for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Dessert

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, creamy peanut butter cheesecake with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine's tannic structure cuts through the dessert's sweetness, creating a balanced and luxurious flavor experience.
  • Serve with Coffee Companions: Enhance the dessert's nutty profile with a strong espresso or a smooth cold brew. The coffee's bitter notes perfectly contrast the cheesecake's sweet and creamy texture, making each bite more memorable.
  • Match with Chocolate Accents: Elevate the dessert by drizzling dark chocolate sauce or serving alongside chocolate-covered espresso beans. The intense chocolate flavor deepens the peanut butter's richness, creating a decadent flavor combination that chocolate and peanut butter lovers will adore.
  • Cool Down with Milk Pairings: Offer a classic glass of cold milk or a creamy almond milk to balance the cheesecake's dense texture. The smooth, subtle dairy complements the dessert's intense peanut butter flavor, providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Add New Flavors to Your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Creation

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl: Enhance the classic cheesecake by creating gorgeous chocolate swirls throughout the filling. Melt dark chocolate and carefully marble it into the peanut butter cheesecake mixture before baking.
  • No-Bake Nutty Version: Skip the oven and create a chilled cheesecake using gelatin to set the filling. Replace the cookie crust with crushed graham crackers and chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
  • Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between layers and on top. Add a sprinkle of sea salt to intensify the sweet and salty flavor combination.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream and replace eggs with ground flaxseed to create a plant-based version of this decadent dessert.
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Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe

Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent peanut butter cheesecake rests on a rich, crumbly peanut butter cookie base, promising a luxurious dessert experience. Rich, creamy layers meld perfectly, inviting dessert enthusiasts to savor each velvety, peanut-packed bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1¼ cups (322.5 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (258 grams) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)

Dairy and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups (297.5 grams) heavy cream, cold
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (94 grams) confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (115 grams) sour cream, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (57.5 grams) sour cream
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 grams) creamy peanut butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the springform pan by lightly greasing it, ensuring the peanut butter cookie crust will release easily after baking.
  2. Create the peanut butter cookie crust by thoroughly mixing peanut butter, sugar, and egg until a smooth, uniform consistency develops.
  3. Carefully press the cookie crust mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for the cheesecake.
  4. Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it sets and develops a light golden color, allowing it to cool completely before adding the filling.
  5. Cream the cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer, working until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps.
  6. Incorporate peanut butter and vanilla into the cream cheese mixture, blending until completely smooth and well-integrated.
  7. Gently fold in the sour cream, maintaining the delicate texture of the cheesecake base.
  8. Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl, gradually introducing confectioners’ sugar and continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  9. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter cream cheese mixture, ensuring a light and airy texture without deflating the whipped cream.
  10. Pour the completed filling over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
  11. Prepare the sour cream topping by whisking sour cream with confectioners’ sugar until completely combined and glossy.
  12. Spread the sour cream topping evenly across the cheesecake filling, creating a pristine and elegant finish.
  13. Refrigerate the cheesecake for an extended period, allowing it to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.
  14. Before serving, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top, creating an artistic and decadent final touch that enhances both the visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Create a dreamy, irresistible dessert that celebrates the rich, creamy essence of peanut butter in every luxurious bite.
  • Layer complex flavors through a carefully crafted cookie crust, silky cheesecake filling, and smooth sour cream topping that elevates classic comfort.
  • Master the art of cheesecake making by balancing precise techniques with playful peanut butter indulgence.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 568
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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