Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake with this delectable recipe. The combination of smooth cream cheese, sweet sugar, and decadent peanut butter chips creates a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Cheesecake has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dessert dating back to ancient Greece. The addition of peanut butter chips and a chocolate drizzle adds a modern twist to this classic treat, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients

3 packages (8 oz or 227 g each) of softened cream cheese
0.75 cup of sugar
1.67 cups (10 oz or 283 g) of REESE'S peanut butter chips
0.25 cup of milk
4 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
graham cracker crust (see recipe below)
chocolate Drizzle (see recipe below)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Place the peanut butter chips and milk in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute, then stir.
If needed, microwave for an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until the chips are melted when stirred.
Add the melted peanut butter chips mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well blended.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla.
Pour the mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (121°C) and continue baking for 40 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Using a knife, loosen the cake from the side of the pan.
Allow it to cool completely, then remove the side of the pan.
Prepare the chocolate drizzle by placing the HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread, or oil) in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds, then stir.
If needed, microwave for an additional 20 seconds or until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth when stirred.
Drizzle the chocolate over the cheesecake.
Refrigerate before serving.
Cover and refrigerate any leftover cheesecake.

Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp of sugar, and 3 tbsp of melted butter or margarine.
Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven.

Chocolate Drizzle

Place 0.5 cup of HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tbsp of shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread, or oil) in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 30 seconds, then stir.
If needed, microwave for an additional 20 seconds or until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth when stirred.

Variations

Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to create unique flavor combinations. You can also add a swirl of raspberry or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in your cheesecake.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and heavy cheesecake.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the chocolate drizzle to prevent it from melting too quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the baking instructions carefully to achieve the perfect texture in your cheesecake. The initial high temperature helps to set the cheesecake, while the lower temperature ensures a creamy and smooth filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of nut butter, such as almond or cashew butter, feel free to substitute it for the peanut butter chips in this recipe. You can also use a gluten-free graham cracker crust for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cheesecake up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add the chocolate drizzle just before serving to prevent it from hardening too quickly.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each slice of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake with a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich and decadent dessert with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a deliciously satisfying treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Indulge in the rich flavors of this dessert, which contains approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Enjoy a boost of protein with each slice of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake, which contains approximately 8 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

While this dessert is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals, it is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese), peanuts (peanut butter chips), and soy (chocolate chips), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Indulge in moderation, as this dessert is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and calories. Enjoy as an occasional treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Summary

Indulge in the creamy and decadent flavors of Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Cheesecake with this delicious recipe. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich combination of cream cheese, peanut butter chips, and a chocolate drizzle for a dessert that is truly irresistible.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a warm summer day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and the binding was starting to fall apart, but the recipes within were a treasure trove of delicious dishes that had been enjoyed by my family for generations.

As I flipped through the pages, a picture caught my eye. A decadent cheesecake topped with a rich chocolate drizzle and a sprinkling of peanuts. My mouth watered just looking at it. I knew I had to try making it.

I read through the recipe, taking note of the ingredients and instructions. It seemed like a daunting task, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen.

The first step was to make the crust. I crushed up some graham crackers and mixed them with melted butter and sugar. I pressed the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan and popped it into the oven to bake.

Next, I started on the filling. Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract were beaten together until smooth and creamy. I added a generous dollop of creamy peanut butter to the mixture, giving it a rich and nutty flavor.

Once the crust was baked and cooled, I poured the filling over the top and smoothed it out with a spatula. The cheesecake went back into the oven to bake until it was set, with just a slight jiggle in the center.

While the cheesecake baked, I melted some chocolate in a double boiler until it was smooth and glossy. I drizzled the melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake, creating a beautiful swirl pattern that would make any chocolate lover's mouth water.

To finish off the cheesecake, I sprinkled some chopped peanuts over the top for a crunchy texture and a burst of nutty flavor. The final result was a masterpiece of a dessert that looked almost too pretty to eat.

As I took my first bite of the chocolate drizzled peanut butter cheesecake, I knew that this recipe was a keeper. The creamy cheesecake was perfectly balanced by the rich chocolate and the crunchy peanuts added just the right amount of texture.

I brought the cheesecake to a family gathering later that week and it was a huge hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was and begged me for the recipe. I was happy to share it with them, knowing that this recipe would now be passed down to future generations just like the cookbook had been passed down to me.

Since that day, the chocolate drizzled peanut butter cheesecake has become a staple at family gatherings and special occasions. It's a recipe that never fails to impress and always leaves everyone craving just one more bite.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned this recipe and to be able to share it with my loved ones. Cooking has always been a passion of mine and being able to create delicious dishes that bring joy to others is a true pleasure. I look forward to continuing to experiment with new recipes and techniques, always on the lookout for the next culinary masterpiece to add to my collection.