Oh, get ready for a showstopper! Seriously, this Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache is the kind of dessert that makes people gasp. It’s got that perfect symphony of creamy, dreamy peanut butter cheesecake, a crunchy, chocolatey Oreo base, and then that glossy, rich chocolate ganache just dripping down the sides. I’ve made this so many times for parties, and it’s always the first thing gone. It’s a bit of a project, sure, but trust me, the “oohs” and “aahs” are totally worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Honestly, what’s not to love? This dessert is a winner for so many reasons!

The Flavors! That creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate paired with the Oreo crust is just heavenly.
It Looks Amazing! Seriously, the ganache makes it look like it came straight from a fancy bakery.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve it – this cheesecake fits the bill.
Easier Than It Looks: Even though it’s impressive, the steps are totally manageable. You got this!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Okay, let’s get our ducks in a row before we dive into making this amazing Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache. Having everything prepped and ready makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll need about 20 Oreo cookies, crushed up really fine for that perfect crust – I usually just toss them in a Ziploc bag and go at them with a rolling pin! Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft; I usually leave it out on the counter for a couple of hours. Same goes for the eggs; room temperature eggs mix in so much better. And for the chocolate, using good quality semi-sweet chocolate that you chop yourself really makes a difference in the ganache.

The Oreo Crust Base

For our crust, it’s just two simple things: those finely crushed Oreos and some melted butter. The Oreos give us that classic chocolatey crunch, and the butter is what holds it all together, making it press nicely into the pan. It’s the perfect foundation!

The Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

Now for the star of the show – the filling! We’re talking about that super smooth cream cheese, which is the backbone of any good cheesecake, of course. Granulated sugar makes it sweet, while the eggs bind everything together and give it that rich texture. And the peanut butter? Well, that’s the flavor bomb! A little dollop of sour cream adds just the right amount of tang and helps keep it extra creamy.

The Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping

And for the grand finale, the ganache! It’s ridiculously simple: just good quality chocolate and heavy cream. When you heat the cream and pour it over the chocolate, it melts it into this super glossy, decadent topping that just screams “celebration.” It’s the perfect finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this amazing Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache! First things first, crank that oven up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, let’s get that crust ready. You just mix your crushed Oreos with that melted butter until it all looks like damp sand. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan. Get it even, don’t be shy! Pop that into the oven for about 10 minutes, just to set it up. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool down.

Crafting the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

Now for the creamy magic! In a big bowl, beat your softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s super smooth and fluffy. Seriously, no lumps allowed! Then, add your eggs, but do it one at a time, mixing just until each one is incorporated. Overmixing here is a cheesecake killer, so be gentle! Next up, stir in that vanilla extract, the creamy peanut butter, and the sour cream. Mix it all until it’s just combined and looks like a dreamy, peanut-buttery swirl. Pour this glorious filling right over your cooled Oreo crust. Make sure it’s spread evenly!

Baking and Cooling the Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Time to bake! Slide that cheesecake back into the oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the center should still be a little jiggly – kind of like Jell-O. This is crucial for that super creamy texture! Now, here’s the secret to avoiding cracks: turn off the oven, crack the door open just a bit (I usually prop it with a wooden spoon), and let the cheesecake hang out in there for a full hour. This gradual cooling is a game-changer. After that hour, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience, my friends!

Creating and Applying the Chocolate Ganache

While the cheesecake is doing its thing, let’s whip up that simple ganache. Just heat your heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s simmering – don’t let it boil! Pour that hot cream over your chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes without touching it; this lets the chocolate melt all on its own. Then, grab a whisk and stir gently until you have this beautiful, smooth, glossy chocolate sauce. Once your cheesecake is totally cool, pour that luscious ganache over the top. Let it drizzle down the sides; it looks so professional!

Chilling for Perfection

The hardest part is next: waiting! Your incredible Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better. This gives all those flavors time to meld and the cheesecake that perfect, sliceable texture. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!

Tips for the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Want to make sure your cheesecake is absolutely perfect? It’s all about a few little tricks! Make sure your cream cheese is really, really soft before you start. Like, leave it out for a few hours kind of soft. And when you add the eggs? Mix them in just until they disappear. Overmixing after that is a big no-no for a super smooth filling.

Achieving a Smooth Filling

Seriously, super soft cream cheese and gentle mixing after the eggs are key for that lump-free, creamy texture.

Preventing Cracks in Your Peanut Butter Cheesecake

The best way to avoid cracks is that slow cooling process. Let it hang out in the oven with the door ajar, then cool completely on the counter before it even thinks about going into the fridge. It makes all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions about Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Got questions about this glorious Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this Peanut Butter Cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally make the whole cheesecake a day in advance. It actually tastes even better after chilling overnight!

What’s the best way to store leftover Peanut Butter Cheesecake?

Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container or cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Let’s chat about a couple of things to make sure your Peanut Butter Cheesecake turns out just perfectly. Sometimes, the little details really do make a big difference, and I want yours to be amazing!

Peanut Butter Choices

I always go for regular creamy peanut butter, the kind you find in the middle aisle. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate, which might affect the texture, so stick with the classic!

Cream Cheese Quality

For the creamiest, dreamiest cheesecake, please, please use full-fat cream cheese. The lower-fat stuff just doesn’t give you that rich, smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; it’s a game-changer for avoiding lumps!

Serving Suggestions for Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache

Now that you’ve made this masterpiece, how should you serve it? Honestly, it’s so good, it doesn’t need much! But if you want to go the extra mile, a little something extra can make it even more special. Think of it as the cherry on top of an already amazing dessert.

Simple Garnishes

A few chopped peanuts sprinkled on top of the ganache look fantastic, or maybe some extra crushed Oreos. A little drizzle of more chocolate or even just a dollop of whipped cream can elevate it beautifully!

Nutritional Information

Just a friendly heads-up: the numbers you see for calories and other nutrients are estimates. They can totally change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and exactly how you make it. So, think of these as a general guide for this delicious Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Oreo Crust and Chocolate Ganache!

Amazing Peanut Butter Cheesecake: 1 Glorious Treat

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A decadent cheesecake featuring a peanut butter filling, an Oreo cookie crust, and a rich chocolate ganache topping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies
1/4 cup melted butter
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup sour cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine crushed Oreos and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Stir in vanilla extract, peanut butter, and sour cream until just combined.
Pour filling over the cooled crust.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Pour ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs.
Cooling the cheesecake gradually prevents cracking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Oreo Crust, Chocolate Ganache, Dessert, Baking, Cream Cheese, Peanut Butter, Chocolate