Description
A decadent chocolate cheesecake with a creamy peanut topping, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup peanuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine crushed cookies with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and continue beating until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in salt and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen. Cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
- Peanut Caramel Topping: In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter and caramel sauce over low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and fold in chopped peanuts. Spread over the top of the cooled ganache.
- Assembly: Drizzle additional caramel sauce or sprinkle more peanuts on top if desired.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overmix the filling to avoid cracks.
- Use a water bath during baking for an even texture.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to prevent collapsing.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 1.5 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice