Decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe

Dreamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Cookie Crust Recipe

Decadent desserts reach new heights with this irresistible peanut butter cheesecake that boasts a rich, creamy texture and a crisp peanut butter cookie crust.

Every bite promises pure indulgence and a symphony of nutty flavors.

The silky smooth filling melts delicately on your tongue, creating a luxurious experience that surpasses ordinary sweets.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts will find this cheesecake absolutely impossible to resist.

The golden-brown cookie crust provides a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the velvety cheesecake center.

Each slice delivers a sophisticated blend of textures and deep, robust peanut butter notes.

Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this show-stopping treat that’s guaranteed to impress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 43 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 13

For Crust Base:
  • Peanut Butter: Brings rich, nutty foundation that anchors the entire dessert's flavor profile, choose high-quality creamy or crunchy varieties for optimal texture and taste.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients together, select fine-grain sugar for smooth blending.
  • Egg: Acts as a crucial binding agent that helps create a sturdy, cohesive cookie crust with excellent structural integrity.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, luxurious base with tangy undertones, ensure room temperature for seamless mixing and silky texture.
  • Peanut Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Blend together to infuse intense, harmonious flavor with balanced sweetness and aromatic depth.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and contributes to creamy, velvety consistency of the cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream, Confectioners' Sugar: Whip into fluffy, stable peaks that add lightness and elegant structure to the filling.
For Topping:
  • Sour Cream, Confectioners' Sugar: Craft a delicate, slightly sweet garnish that complements the rich cheesecake base.
  • Melted Peanut Butter: Provides luxurious drizzle that enhances visual appeal and intensifies nutty flavor profile.
  • Springform pan: 9-inch essential for easy cheesecake removal.
  • Electric mixer: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
  • Mixing bowls: Multiple sizes needed for combining different ingredients.
  • Whisk: Great for blending dry and wet ingredients evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.
  • Spatula: Helps fold cream and smooth cheesecake surface.
  • Baking sheet: Optional for catching any potential drips during baking.

Steps to Bake the Peanut Butter Cheesecake

  • Crust Foundation

Create a buttery base by mixing peanut butter with sugar and egg. Press this delightful mixture into a springform pan, ensuring an even layer that will cradle your creamy cheesecake.

  • Cheesecake Cream

Whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Fold in luscious peanut butter, vanilla, and sour cream. Separately, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until peaks form, then gently blend into the mixture for an airy texture.

  • Topping Magic

Spread a velvety sour cream layer across the top of your cheesecake, creating a cloud-like finish that adds a tangy contrast to the rich filling.

  • Chill and Reveal

Allow your masterpiece to rest in the refrigerator for several hours, letting flavors meld and texture set. Before serving, drizzle with melted peanut butter for a dramatic final touch that will make mouths water.

Helpful Variations & Peanut Butter Tips

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Crust Crunch Hack: Crush extra peanut butter cookies and sprinkle them on top for added texture and a delightful crumbly layer that gives your cheesecake an irresistible homemade touch.
  • Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or swirl chocolate ganache into the cheesecake filling for a rich peanut butter and chocolate combination that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cheesecake up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining or special occasions.
  • Topping Transformation: Replace the sour cream topping with a layer of salted caramel sauce or chopped peanut butter cups for an extra decadent and unexpected flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular peanut butter cookies with gluten-free peanut butter cookies to make this dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
  • Nutty Dessert Companion: Pair this rich cheesecake with a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla almond milk to balance the intense peanut butter flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Enhance the dessert by adding a warm chocolate sauce zigzag across each slice, creating a classic peanut butter and chocolate combination that everyone loves.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle crushed peanut butter cookies or chopped roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch and a beautiful textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert presentation.
  • Seasonal Sweet Twist: During summer, serve chilled with a small scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream on the side, transforming this cheesecake into a decadent plated dessert experience.

Save & Store Peanut Butter Cheesecake Properly

  • Fridge Life Strategy: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it consistently cold to maintain its creamy texture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for a maximum of 1 month without compromising taste or quality.
  • Thawing Wisdom: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to defrost gradually and preserve its smooth, velvety consistency without developing unwanted moisture.
  • Portion Control Hack: Cut and separate slices with parchment paper between them before freezing, making it easy to grab a single serving whenever your sweet tooth calls.
Print
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Decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe

Decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a Peanut Butter Cookie Crust Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 43 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake nestles on a crumbly peanut butter cookie base, delivering indulgent layers of nutty, sweet flavor. Serve chilled for a luxurious dessert that satisfies deep chocolate and peanut butter cravings you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1¼ cups (322.5 g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (258 g) peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • 1¼ cups (297.5 g) heavy cream, cold
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (94 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tsp confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) sour cream, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (57.5 g) sour cream
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Lightly grease springform pan to ensure easy release of the peanut butter cookie crust after baking.
  2. Craft Cookie Crust: Thoroughly blend peanut butter, sugar, and egg into a smooth mixture, then press evenly into the pan’s bottom and sides, creating a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
  3. Bake Crust: Preheat oven and bake crust until it sets with a light golden hue, then allow to cool completely.
  4. Create Cheesecake Base: Whip cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until silky and lump-free, then seamlessly incorporate peanut butter and vanilla for a rich, smooth consistency.
  5. Enhance Filling: Gently fold in sour cream, then prepare whipped cream by beating heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form, carefully folding it into the peanut butter cream cheese mixture to maintain a light, airy texture.
  6. Assemble Cheesecake: Pour the completed filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula, then prepare the sour cream topping by whisking sour cream and confectioners’ sugar until glossy and spread evenly across the top.
  7. Finishing Touches: Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours to set completely, then before serving, drizzle melted peanut butter over the top for an artistic and decadent final presentation.

Notes

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Grease springform pan lightly to ensure easy cookie crust release after baking.
  • Create Smooth Cookie Base: Mix peanut butter, sugar, and egg thoroughly to develop uniform crust consistency without lumps.
  • Master Cream Cheese Technique: Beat cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth, preventing any lumpy texture in the filling.
  • Whip Cream with Precision: Gradually add confectioners’ sugar while whipping cream, creating stiff peaks that maintain volume when folded into cheesecake mixture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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