A Decadent Dessert for Serious Sweet Tooths

If you’re a dessert lover who believes that peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe is about to become your new obsession. Rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent, this dessert is the perfect showstopper for any occasion — whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a well-deserved treat after a long week.

This cheesecake delivers a velvety peanut butter filling nestled in a crisp Oreo crust, topped with a silky chocolate ganache and a scattering of crunchy chopped peanuts. It’s a textural and flavor dream that combines smooth, sweet, nutty, and crunchy in every single bite.

Who Will Love This Cheesecake?

This recipe is tailor-made for:

Peanut butter fanatics: You get a full ¾ cup of peanut butter in the filling alone!
Chocolate lovers: With a dark chocolate Oreo crust and a glossy chocolate ganache, this dessert satisfies every chocolate craving.
Cheesecake aficionados: This is a baked cheesecake with a creamy, luxurious texture that’s worth every minute of baking and chilling time.
Impressive entertainers: This cheesecake looks gourmet but is surprisingly approachable to make, even for beginner bakers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

1 package of Oreos, crème removed (use just the cookies)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, melted

For the Filling:

24 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup sour cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
¾ cup peanut butter

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

¼ cup heavy whipping cream
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

9-inch springform pan
Food processor or blender
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Medium saucepan
Heat-safe bowl (for ganache)
Cooling rack
Large roasting pan (for water bath)

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep and Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Using a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies and sugar until the mixture resembles fine sand. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the melted butter until evenly combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and then the peanut butter. Continue mixing until completely smooth.

Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Place a large roasting pan filled with hot water on the bottom oven rack. Place the cheesecake on the middle rack directly above the water bath. This will help prevent cracks.

Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (93°C) and continue baking for 2 hours.

Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight for best results.

Step 4: Add the Ganache and Toppings

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just starting to boil. Place chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and pour the hot cream over the top. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate. Pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped peanuts around the edge for a beautiful finish.

Cut into slices and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Success

Room temperature ingredients: Let your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and avoids lumps.
No water bath leaks: If you’re nervous about water seeping into your pan, wrap the outside of the springform pan in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
Don’t skip the chill time: Cheesecake needs to firm up overnight to achieve the perfect texture. It’s worth the wait!

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies in place of Oreos for a gluten-free version.
Nut-free version: Substitute sunflower seed butter or cookie butter if you’re avoiding peanuts.
Chocolate peanut butter swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate into the filling before baking for a marbled effect.
Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin with liners for individual cheesecakes. Adjust the bake time to about 20-25 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers

Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Food and Drink Pairings

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with:

Coffee or espresso – the bitterness balances the sweetness
Dessert wines – try a Port or sweet Riesling
Vanilla ice cream – for the ultimate indulgence
Fresh berries – raspberries or strawberries cut through the richness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can, but the texture of the cheesecake will be slightly more rustic and less smooth. If you enjoy that added crunch, go for it!

How do I know the cheesecake is fully baked?

Even after baking, the center of the cheesecake will still jiggle slightly. That’s okay. It will firm up as it cools and chills.

Can I skip the ganache?

Absolutely! The cheesecake is delicious on its own, but the ganache adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks often occur from overbaking or sudden temperature changes. The water bath helps prevent this, as does a gradual cooling process in the oven with the door ajar.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and sigh in happiness after the first bite. It’s luxurious, rich, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a party or just because you deserve something amazing, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

If you love this recipe, please share it with your fellow dessert lovers and subscribe to the blog for more decadent treats, baking tips, and culinary inspiration. Happy baking! 🍫🥜🍰