Name: Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 240 min
Ingredients: 45 cookies OREO cookies; 8 tablespoons salted butter (melted); 1/2 cup heavy cream (very cold); 24 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 3/4 cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (coarsely chopped); 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; Reese’s peanut butter cups (chopped); chopped peanuts; peanut butter drizzle

Jump to Recipe

If you adore creamy, luscious desserts that blend the best of smooth peanut butter and velvety cheesecake, this Peanut Butter Cheesecake is about to become your new favorite treat! Every bite is rich, decadent, and sure to bring a smile to your face—whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering, impressing friends at a potluck, or just sneaking a slice late at night. Here’s a little secret: my love affair with cheesecake started with classic New York style, but this peanut butter version is the one I crave on tough days when only comfort food will do. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is with no water bath to fuss over and quick prep. It’s as effortless as my popular Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet recipe—if you loved that, you’re in for a real treat here. Let’s get baking and make your kitchen smell divine!

What is Peanut Butter Cheesecake?

Curious about the name? Well, Peanut Butter Cheesecake is exactly what it sounds like: a marriage between your favorite cheesecake and all things peanut buttery! Isn’t it funny how sometimes the most delicious inventions have the plainest names—why complicate perfection, right? Legend has it, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I happen to think this dessert nails it. When my friend asked, “Is that really peanut butter in cheesecake form?” I just smiled and handed her a fork. If you’re ready for a showstopper dessert, invite your sweet tooth and give this recipe a whirl!

Why You’ll Love This

First, let’s talk about the star of the show: that ultra-creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling with the slight tang from cream cheese and sour cream, perfectly balanced atop a crunchy OREO crust—what could be better? Making this dessert at home not only saves you a trip to the bakery, but also gives you big flavor for a fraction of the cost. The recipe uses everyday pantry staples and transforms them into something special with a simple ganache topping and lots of playful add-ons. You can deck it out with chopped Reese’s, crushed peanuts, or an extra drizzle of peanut butter. Love this? Check out my classic No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake for another mouthwatering adventure! Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and give this crowd-pleaser a try.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Quick Overview

This Peanut Butter Cheesecake is the definition of easy yet impressive. No tricky water baths or finicky steps here: just pulse, mix, whip, and chill! Each layer is packed with flavor—crunchy OREO crust, smooth peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache on top. The whole process takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus a few hours of chill time, so you can focus on enjoying the results.

Ingredients

45 OREO cookies
8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy cream, very cold
24 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Optional toppings: Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, peanut butter drizzle

Directions

Prep the OREO Crust:

Place the OREO cookies in a food processor (or in a large ziplock bag, then crush with a rolling pin) and pulse until you have fine crumbs.
Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure to go up the sides about 1 inch for that classic cheesecake look.
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and set it in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.

Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
Add in the powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, full-fat sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Carefully fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter mixture, mixing gently until no white streaks remain.
Pour the filling into your prepared OREO crust, smoothing the top with a spatula, and pop the pan back in the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or until the center is firm.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

Pour the coarsely chopped chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl.
Microwave the 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream until hot (just simmering), about 45 seconds. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips.
Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir gently until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Assemble & Serve:

Remove the chilled cheesecake from the fridge and pour the slightly cooled ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for another 30 minutes to set the ganache.
Just before serving, garnish with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, or a generous drizzle of more peanut butter.
Run a small knife around the inside edge of the springform pan to loosen, remove the outer ring, and slice up your showstopping dessert!

What to Serve With

Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a superstar on its own, but you can complement it with some great sidekicks! Try serving fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a burst of tartness, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. For a seasonal twist, pair it with a mug of hot cocoa in the winter or a tall, frosty iced coffee in the summer. If you’re planning a dessert spread, include Chocolate Dipped Pretzels or Salted Caramel Brownies for variety.

Top Tips for Perfecting Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Make sure your cream cheese is softened, not cold, for the smoothest filling.
Use full-fat ingredients for the best texture—low-fat substitutions can make the cheesecake less velvety.
If you don’t have OREOs on hand, swap with graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for the crust.
Be patient with chilling! Rushing this step can lead to a softer, messier cheesecake.
When making the ganache, let it cool slightly so it’s easy to spread but not so warm that it melts the cheesecake filling.
For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts for those Instagram-worthy presentations.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your Peanut Butter Cheesecake tasting fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake (before adding ganache or toppings). Wrap it well in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and add chocolate ganache plus toppings right before enjoying.

No reheating necessary—this dessert is meant to be savored cold!

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better after chilling overnight, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a deep-dish pie pan or an 8×8 inch pan, but it may be slightly harder to get neat slices out.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
I recommend using creamy processed peanut butter (like JIF or Skippy) for the best texture. Natural peanut butter can separate or make the filling too oily.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes! Just replace the OREO crust with gluten-free cookies of your choice.

How do I achieve clean cheesecake slices?
Use a sharp knife, dip it in hot water, and wipe it clean between each cut to get picture-perfect slices.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Cheesecake brings that unmistakable combo of nutty, chocolatey, and creamy flavors—all in one jaw-dropping dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this no-bake wonder is sure to earn rave reviews from everyone lucky enough to grab a fork. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings, and try pairing it with other favorites from the blog. Happy baking, and be sure to let me know in the comments how your cheesecake turns out!