Peanut butter, chocolate, and cheesecake, what could be better? This creamy peanut butter cheesecake with a brownie crust will please all the peanut butter lovers in your life!
More cheesecake, more chocolate, more peanut butter.
I’m not even going to pretend to be sorry about this brownie bottom peanut butter cheesecake. Because even considering all the other cheesecake recipes I’ve posted in recent months, this one is special. This one combines my two favorite things (other than my dog).
I’m writing this very quickly on the last day of August, desperately hoping my computer has finished with the hissy fit it’s been throwing allllllll day long. I’ve spent more time on the phone with Apple Care today than I have on the phone with my mother all year. And I’m pretty good about calling mom, so that should tell you something.
How is it that not that long ago “blog” wasn’t even a word, but now those of us for whom blogging is a passion have heart palpitations at the very thought of being without a computer for more than an hour? The thought that I might not be able to get out a post for next week is making me wish this were a Xanax cheesecake rather than a peanut butter one. . .
Even those of us who couldn’t care less about blogging are tethered to our machines like they provide oxygen or something.
Sorry, my frustration has me all digress-y. Let’s talk about cheesecake! Glorious, chocolate-y, peanut butter-y CHEESECAKE!
My two favorite flavors combine in a dessert that’ll make you forget all your problems, even those of the computer variety. The peanut butter in the cheesecake balances the tang from the cream cheese so beautifully! And it’s soooo creamy. It’s easily one of the creamiest cheesecakes I’ve ever made. And without a water bath!
The only part of this recipe that is a little outside the norm is the crust. You mix it up and then spread it into your pan with an offset spatula. (A butter knife would probably work too—you want to use something that gives you more control than a rubber spatula. See photo below the recipe for a visual illustration.)
Initially I was concerned the crust wouldn’t stick when I spread it over the pan’s edges but it was fine! It stayed in place beautifully.
The rest of the cake is pretty much your standard cheesecake, no real explanations required.
All that’s required is a healthy appetite, and maybe a fork. I tell you, this brownie bottom peanut butter cheesecake is one heckuva dessert, even when eaten with your hands.
Creamy peanut butter cheesecake with a brownie crust--this is a delicious dessert for anyone who lobes peanut butter!
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup flour sifted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 ounce semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- 12 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/3 cups creamy peanut butter not natural peanut butter
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter not natural peanut butter
- chocolate sauce for garnish (optional)
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.
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Combine the unsweetened chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until mixture is melted and smooth. Cool for several minutes before proceeding.
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Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Cream the eggs and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer set to medium for 3 or 4 minutes, until the batter forms ribbons when the beaters are lifted. Beat in the melted chocolate, vanilla, and chopped semisweet chocolate. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
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Pour 1 cup of the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 16 to 17 minutes, until firm to the touch. Cool for 10 minutes, then freeze for 15 minutes.
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Spread the remaining brownie batter around the edge of the pan with a small offset spatula. (See photo at the bottom of post for a visual illustration.) Set aside while you make the filling.
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Place the cream cheese and brown sugar in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the eggs and sour cream and pulse until mixture is smooth. Pour into the prepared pan; the filling will not come up as high as the brownie batter. Bake for 30 minutes, until the center is almost set.
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While cheesecake is in the oven, mix the sour cream and sugar in a small bowl. Spread over the top of the hot cheesecake to within 3/4 of an inch of the edge. Bake for 1 minute more. Immediately run a small knife between the cheesecake and the pan, then cool completely on a wire rack. Place the peanut butter in a pastry bag fitted with a small star tip and pipe stars around the perimeter of the cheesecake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until stars are firm. Cover with foil, then chill an additional 8 to 24 hours. Serve drizzled with chocolate sauce, if desired.
Adapted from Savor the Moment
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
I can’t tell you how gorgeous this looks!! Fudgy chocolate brownie crust, peanut butter cheesecake and chocolate sauce drizzle!!I am drooling at those pictures !!
David | Spiced says
I am loving the crust that comes all the way up the back of the cheesecake! More crust to cheesecake ratio is always a good thing…especially when said crust involves brownies. 🙂 So I hear ya on the tethered to a computer thing. Our internet went out about a month ago, and I broke into a cold sweat before gathering everything up and going down the street to a coffee house to work on my laptop. I can’t just sit around and wait on the cable company to figure our their problem! It’s kinda sad, but then again blogging is our thing…and the internet is kinda essential for blogging. Either way, this cheesecake is the stuff of legends. I just need a slice in my mouth right now! I’ll trade you pesto for cheesecake?
thebakingskillet says
I must say that you are a true lover of chocolate, peanut butter and cheesecakes for coming up with such delicacies! Very interesting how you made the brownie crust sides. Have a lovely week dear!
marcie@flavorthemoments says
This is my kind of cheesecake and you’ve done such a beautiful job! Brownies and cheesecake (with peanut butter!) has to be one of the best combinations ever!
lynne hoareau says
This is so beautiful Kelsie, and such awesome flavours. Oh please, never even think about apologizing for your great creations…I mean…brownies, peanut butter and cheesecake….This is a dream come true !
Computer problems, I feel your pain…trust me !!! Hope it all comes right Kelsie. 🙂
Milena | Craft Beering says
Computer problems are a blessing in disguise:) They help us pause and take the time to fully enjoy each slice of cake. Or go to a few extra Pilates classes (in my case Barre:) Thiscake is perfect! I am such a sucker for brownies. I wouldn’t complain if most cheesecakes had brownie bottoms, not one bit!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
Pure cheesecake heaven with this recipe Kelsie!! I don’t think any other cheesecake could beat this!! Xoxo 🙂
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Im guessing this cheesecake helped you survive your computer issues 😉 . This cheesecake answers all my cravings and then some!! Don’t even need a plate, just give me a fork. Love the photos! Take care.
Katherine | Love In My Ovenk says
Gaaah technology problems are the WORST. I totally understand! I hope everything gets worked out for you. Sometimes it seems life would be much easier if we weren’t tethered to a blog, right?! But luckily for us, you are one dedicated blogger and we can keep looking forward to these fantastic desserts!! This pretty much combines all of my favourite things in one. Cheesecake? Check. Brownie? Check. Peanut butter and chocolate? Check!!
cakespy says
Oh dear sweet heavens. I love everything about this recipe.
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
This totally disguises as a Xanex Cheesecake as far as I can see! It might even solve world problems in my book! The whole world needs a piece! 😀 Lovely Kelsie!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
I know few folks who are sceptical about the combo of chocolate and peanut butter. We cannot judge people with a weird taste though, can we?:) Peanut butter, chocolate, brownies, and cheesecake – you’ve combined pretty much the best things in one fabulous dessert, Kelsie!
kitchenriffs says
Brownie? Peanut Butter? Cheesecake? All combined in one dish? Swoon! This looks wonderful — thanks.
Kankana says
I may just finish the crust before the filling! Sounds so good and it’s brownie crust .. yummmy.
In Good Flavor says
I hope Apple Care got your computer to behave itself, Kelsie! They got mine working great (after 2 drop offs for servicing in one week). This cheesecake is luscious!! It looks so smooth and silky that I just want to run my finger through it and lick it off. Yum!!
heather (delicious not gorgeous) says
brownies and peanut butter and cheesecake already sounds decadent and amazing, and then with chocolate sauc on top?! my heart might be puddling at your feet (;
evolvewithmary says
You will be so proud of me Kelsie, I made your peanut butter chance brownies for my boyfriend and he loved it, my Dad loved them too, then I showed everyone your website and they freaked lol. This brownie bottom peanut butter cheesecake looks amazing. there is nothing better and brownies, peanut butter and cheesecake. Yummy.
Carlee says
Computer troubles are the worst! This cheesecake looks like it can melt all those worries away though. This is one my husband would help eat too, so that’s a real win!
Karl Cooks says
Oh my gosh.. your recipes are always incredible, but this one takes the cake (hehe). Can’t wait to try it!!
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
Computers can be so frustrating, I had my good share of issues this year as well! What an incredible flavour combination – love peanut butter & chocolate and that crust looks amazing! Have a lovely weekend!
Miriam xx
annie@ciaochowbambina says
You do this to me every time! My stomach growls, my brow perspires, my mouth waters….. This looks TOO good, my friend! Pinned!
Maria Doss says
This is way, way beyond perfection, Kelsie!!!!! I’d be a happy camper with that pan and a fork:)
grace says
at some point during my pregnancy i became obsessed with peanut butter, and that obsession is lingering! this is a work of art. 🙂
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Oh. My. This looks so amazingly yummy and decadent!!
3scoopsofsugar says
Oh My Goodness! This looks absolutely like I need a piece right now! Love the flavors in this cheesecake and the pictures are gorgeous! Hope your internet is back up soon! The whole blog thing has changed my way of thinking about social media that’s for sure!
Ashika | Gardening Foodie says
OH YUM…what a gorgeous combination of flavours.I love all your cheesecake recipes, they are so unique and perfect and this is just as great. I hope everything goes well with your computer, I have been there and gone through computer woes as well….just too frustrating.
Have a great week!
Teesh Osita says
I don’t think you need a Xanax cake, because I feel like one bite of this cake and I’d be in paradise! Hope your computer gets fixed soon, Kelsie!
hummingbirdthyme says
Ok, my mouth is watering. (And I just ate breakfast.). You said it yourself: Cheesecake, chocolate, peanut butter! I agree, no 3 better flavors, so why not combine them? Hope your computer gets back on track. That is so dang frustrating!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Who doesn’t love a good cheesecake recipe?! This one rocks! Can’t wait to give ti a try!
Emma says
Wow this is a dream dessert sent directly from heaven. There is nothing I don’t love and want here. Good luck with getting your computer fixed I completely sympathise with you it’s a total stressful nightmare when your computer starts to play up!!!!
Christina says
Whelp, it’s time to bid farewell to my diet. My willpower be damned, I need a piece of this crazy awesome sounding and looking cheesecake!
Kelsie says
Thank you Christina!
alsothecrumbsplease says
Kelsie, this recipe is blowing my mind! I love love love it. This is going to be my next baking project.
Kelsie says
Thank you so much, Sabine! You’ll have to let me know what you think!