Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is about to become your new favorite. With its buttery Oreo crust, ultra-creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy milk chocolate ganache dripping down the sides, this cheesecake is pure dessert luxury.

It’s the kind of show-stopping treat that feels right at home on a holiday table, at birthday celebrations, or whenever a cozy night calls for something extra special. Every bite is smooth, chocolatey, nutty, and completely satisfying — the perfect balance of sweet comfort and bakery-style decadence.

Whether you’re looking for an impressive homemade chocolate peanut butter cheesecake, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, or simply a reason to turn on the oven, this recipe delivers big flavor with approachable steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra creamy texture with bold peanut butter flavor
• Decadent chocolate ganache topping that looks bakery-perfect
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and special occasions
• Classic flavor combo everyone loves: chocolate + peanut butter
• Great for celebrations — slices beautifully and serves a crowd

Ingredients

For the Oreo Crust

• Oreo crumbs – create a deep, chocolatey, crunchy base
• Unsalted butter, melted – binds the crumbs and adds richness

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

• Full-fat cream cheese, softened – the foundation of a smooth, creamy cheesecake
• Granulated sugar – sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese
• Large eggs – give structure and a silky texture
• Smooth peanut butter – adds bold nutty flavor and creaminess
• Vanilla extract – enhances and rounds out the flavors
• Heavy cream – makes the filling extra luxurious
• Mini chocolate chips – add bursts of chocolate throughout

For the Milk Chocolate Ganache

• Heavy cream – creates a glossy, smooth ganache
• Milk chocolate (chips or finely chopped) – melts into a rich, pourable topping

For Garnish

• Chopped peanut butter cups – extra indulgence and visual appeal
• Crushed roasted peanuts – add crunch and contrast

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan tightly with two layers of foil, bringing it up the sides to protect against water from the bath.

Make the Oreo Crust

Finely crush whole Oreo cookies (with filling) in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until evenly moistened.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Place in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and lump-free.

Mix in the peanut butter, heavy cream, and vanilla until fully combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Avoid overmixing — this keeps the cheesecake dense and creamy.

Fold in the miniature chocolate chips.

Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top.

Place the springform pan inside a large roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it comes about a quarter of the way up the sides.

Bake for 55–70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Remove from the water bath and let cool on a rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Make the Milk Chocolate Ganache

When the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the pan and place on a serving plate.

Heat the heavy cream until just boiling. Place half of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Stir until melted, then add the remaining chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.

Let cool slightly until pourable but not runny.

Spread the ganache over the top, guiding it to the edges so it drips naturally down the sides. For better control, apply in two layers.

Once slightly set, sprinkle with crushed peanuts and generously top with chopped peanut butter cups.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
• Choose full-fat, block-style cream cheese for best texture.
• Do not overmix — too much air can cause cracking.
• Always judge doneness by the gentle wobble in the center.
• Chill thoroughly before adding ganache for a clean finish.

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Food processor (or rolling pin and bag)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
• Roasting pan (for water bath)
• Saucepan
• Offset spatula or spoon

Recipe Variations

• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Use dark chocolate in the ganache for a deeper, less sweet flavor.
• No-Bake Style Twist: Skip the eggs and bake, and instead set the filling with whipped cream and chilling (texture will be lighter).
• Crunchy Peanut Butter Version: Swap smooth peanut butter for crunchy for added texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
• Extra Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the crust before the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled with extra chocolate drizzle on the plate.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a few peanut butter cups on the side.
• Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert moment.
• For parties, cut into small slices — it’s rich and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes. This chocolate peanut butter cheesecake is perfect for making a day in advance.

How long does it keep?
Stored covered in the refrigerator, it keeps well for 4–5 days.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze without garnishes for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Why use a water bath?
It creates gentle, even heat, preventing cracks and ensuring a creamy texture.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely. It will add texture, but the cheesecake will still be creamy.

Print

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is everything a dessert should be: rich, creamy, deeply flavorful, and completely irresistible. From the Oreo crust to the silky ganache and crunchy toppings, every layer brings something special to the table.