The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe Ever Made

Chocolate peanut butter cheesecake tempts dessert lovers with its irresistible combination of rich, velvety flavors.

Decadent layers promise an indulgent experience that transcends ordinary sweet treats.

Creamy textures intertwine with deep, luxurious notes that dance across your palate.

Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of classic ingredients changeed into something extraordinary.

Smooth chocolate weaves through dense, silky cheesecake while nutty undertones provide delightful contrast and depth.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert speaks to both elegant gatherings and casual celebrations.

Passionate bakers and dessert enthusiasts will find pure joy in crafting this incredible culinary masterpiece.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake You’ll Dream About

• Decadent Flavor Fusion: Indulge in the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that creates an irresistible taste explosion in every single bite.
• Textural Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the crunchy pretzel crust, silky smooth cheesecake filling, and the added crunch of chopped peanuts and pretzels on top.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Prepare this make-ahead dessert with minimal effort, utilizing simple microwave techniques and requiring only basic mixing skills, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers looking to impress without stress.
• Versatile Storage Magic: Enjoy maximum flexibility with storage options that let you keep this dessert in the refrigerator for a week or freeze for months, ensuring you can satisfy sweet cravings whenever the mood strikes.

What You’ll Need for PB Chocolate Cheesecake

• Pretzels: Salty and crunchy base that provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the pretzel crumbs and creates a solid, cohesive crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tangy cream cheese.
• Peanut Butter: Provides a nutty, rich flavor and creamy consistency.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Chocolate: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor and creates a marbled effect.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a light, fluffy texture when whipped.

• Chocolate: Used for drizzling, adds extra chocolate flavor and decorative touch.
• Peanuts: Provides crunch and nutty flavor to complement the cheesecake.
• Pretzels: Offers a salty, crispy garnish that adds textural contrast.

Instructions for Chocolate PB Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Base

• Crush pretzels into fine crumbs
• Melt butter
• Mix pretzel crumbs with melted butter
• Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper

Step 2: Create Chocolate Ganache

• Chop chocolate into small pieces
• Pour cream into a microwave-safe bowl
• Add chocolate pieces
• Microwave in short 15-20 second bursts
• Stir gently between each interval
• Let cool slightly

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture

• Beat cream cheese until silky smooth
• Add sugar
• Mix in peanut butter
• Pour in vanilla extract
• Blend on high speed until fluffy
• Fold in cooled chocolate ganache
• Mix until fully incorporated

Step 4: Prepare Whipped Cream

• Pour cream into a clean bowl
• Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form
• Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

• Pour cheesecake mixture into prepared crust
• Smooth top with spatula
• Refrigerate for minimum 8 hours or overnight

Step 6: Create Chocolate Drizzle

• Melt chocolate
• Add cream
• Microwave in short bursts
• Stir until smooth
• Let cool to room temperature

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Drizzle chocolate over chilled cheesecake
• Sprinkle chopped peanuts
• Add crushed pretzels
• Slice and enjoy

Expert Tips for Cheesecake Success

• Crush Pretzels Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a consistent crust texture.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Stir chocolate constantly during microwave melting to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
• Cream Cheese Technique: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before beating to eliminate lumps and create a silky-smooth filling.
• Whipping Cream Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for faster and more stable whipped cream peaks.
• Drizzle with Precision: Use a squeeze bottle or small spoon for controlled chocolate drizzling across the cheesecake surface.

How to Save and Reheat Cheesecake Properly

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezer Storage: Slice the cheesecake, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve texture and flavor for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its creamy texture. For frozen slices, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best taste and consistency.

What Tastes Great with PB Cheesecake

• Sip Robust Red Wine: Pair this decadent chocolate peanut butter cheesecake with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine's rich tannins complement the dessert's intense chocolate and creamy textures beautifully.
• Match Nutty Espresso: Serve alongside a shot of espresso or a creamy cappuccino. The coffee's deep roasted notes enhance the peanut butter and chocolate flavors, creating a luxurious flavor experience.
• Crunch with Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of caramel liqueur like Baileys or Kahlúa on the side. Its sweet, smooth profile adds complexity and elevates the dessert's richness while echoing the cheesecake's indulgent character.
• Cool with Salted Caramel Milkshake: Prepare a thick salted caramel milkshake as a playful accompaniment. The cold, creamy drink provides a delightful contrast to the dense cheesecake and amplifies the dessert's sweet-salty elements.

Flavor Ideas for Peanut Butter Cheesecake

• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate to enhance the richness.
• No-Bake Summer Freeze: Transform the recipe into a frozen dessert by using a graham cracker base. Skip the baking process and freeze the cheesecake for a cool, refreshing treat.
• Salted Caramel Fusion: Incorporate a layer of salted caramel between the chocolate and cream cheese mixture. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.
• Gluten-Free Crunch: Substitute pretzel crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or crushed nuts. Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate for a completely gluten-free and vegan version.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky chocolate and creamy peanut butter merge in this irresistible cheesecake that promises pure indulgence. Rich layers of chocolate graham cracker crust cradle a luscious filling, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of this ultimate dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 packages cream cheese (250 grams or 8 ounces each)
• 150 grams chopped chocolate
• 1¾ cups powdered icing sugar
• ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream (divided)

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups pretzel crumbs
• ¾ cup butter, melted

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chopped chocolate
• 1 tablespoon cream
• Chopped peanuts
• Chopped pretzels
• Homemade whipped cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust base by pulverizing pretzels and blending with melted butter, then firmly compress the mixture into a parchment-lined springform pan to create a crunchy foundation.
2. Gently melt chocolate with cream in short microwave bursts, stirring meticulously to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency without scorching. Allow the ganache to cool slightly.
3. Whip cream cheese until velvety, then incorporate sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla, beating vigorously until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Introduce the cooled chocolate ganache into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to create a uniform, decadent filling.
5. In a separate vessel, whip remaining cream until stiff peaks form, then delicately fold or gently mix into the cheesecake base to maintain its ethereal texture.
6. Transfer the luscious filling into the pretzel crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula, then refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
7. For the finale, prepare a chocolate drizzle by microwaving chocolate and cream in brief intervals, stirring carefully to prevent burning.
8. Once the drizzle reaches room temperature, artfully cascade it over the chilled cheesecake, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts and crushed pretzels for added crunch and visual appeal.
9. Preserve the remaining cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring a delightful dessert is always within reach.

Notes

• Chill the cheesecake for a minimum of 8 hours to ensure perfect texture and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Melt chocolate carefully in short microwave intervals to prevent burning and maintain smooth consistency.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for a lump-free, ultra-creamy filling that blends seamlessly.
• Create a crispy pretzel crust by pressing crumbs firmly into the bottom of the pan for a delightful textural contrast.
• Whip cream to stiff peaks for a light, airy filling that adds incredible volume and richness to the cheesecake.
• Customize the garnish with extra chopped peanuts and pretzels for a crunchy, salty-sweet topping that elevates the dessert.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg