Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the White Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

  • White chocolate curls or shavings

Directions:

For the Crust:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened.
  3. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while preparing the filling.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add peanut butter and mix until combined.
  3. Stir in melted white chocolate until fully incorporated.
  4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake the Cheesecake:

  1. Place the springform pan on a large baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
  2. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly cracked for 1 hour.
  3. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

For the White Chocolate Ganache:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat heavy cream until just simmering (about 1 minute in the microwave).
  2. Add white chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Let ganache cool slightly, then pour over the chilled cheesecake, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  4. Chill cheesecake for another 30 minutes to allow ganache to set.

Optional Garnish:

  1. Before serving, garnish with white chocolate curls or shavings if desired.
  2. Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
  3. Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: Makes one 9-inch cheesecake

FAQs:

  • What is Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake? Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a luxurious dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the rich flavors of white chocolate and peanut butter. It typically features a graham cracker or cookie crust, a smooth filling made from cream cheese, white chocolate, and peanut butter, and is often topped with additional chocolate or peanut butter accents.
  • How do you make Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake? To make this cheesecake, start by preparing a crust with crushed graham crackers or cookies mixed with melted butter, and press it into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake the crust briefly to set it. For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth, then blend in sugar, melted white chocolate, peanut butter, and eggs. Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set. Let the cheesecake cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Optionally, top with melted chocolate, peanut butter drizzle, or whipped cream.
  • Can I substitute white chocolate with another type of chocolate? Yes, you can substitute white chocolate with milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Using different types of chocolate will alter the flavor profile, making it less sweet and more intense if you opt for dark chocolate. Adjust the amount of sugar if necessary to balance the sweetness.
  • How should I store Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake? Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to keep it fresh for up to 5 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cheesecake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and then placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • What toppings go well with Decadent White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake? Toppings that pair well with this cheesecake include a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter, a layer of chocolate ganache, chopped peanuts, and whipped cream. You can also garnish with peanut butter cups, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries to add a complementary flavor and texture.

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