No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe
Susan
Who's ready for the ultimate no-bake dessert? This Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache is rich, creamy, and SO delicious!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
For the Crust:
- 32 Oreo cookies ground into crumbs
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
For the Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar divided
- 12 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup salted peanuts chopped
- 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup salted peanuts chopped (for topping)
For the Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts chopped (for garnish)
Prepare the Crust:
Combine Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until well blended.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a crispier crust. Set aside to cool.
Make the Filling:
Whip the 2 cups of heavy cream until medium peaks form. Add 1/4 cup of confectioners' sugar and continue whipping until firmer peaks form.
In a separate large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, remaining 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in 1/4 of the whipped cream to lighten the mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the Oreo crust.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until it is firm and set.
Make the Ganache:
In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it is just about to boil.
Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped peanuts.
Chill the cheesecake again until the ganache is set.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Cold cream cheese may cause lumps.
- Softened Ganache: Let the ganache sit for 1-2 minutes after mixing before pouring over the cheesecake to make it easier to spread.
- Adjust Peanut Texture: Use chopped peanuts or leave them out for a smoother texture if preferred.