- Dark chocolate (10 oz, chopped into small pieces)
- Unsalted peanuts (1 cup, chopped)
- Graham cracker crust:
- Graham crackers (1 1/4 cups crushed)
- Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp melted)
- Optional: Salt to taste
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Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
If you're looking for an indulgent dessert that's both rich and creamy, our chocolate peanut butter cheesecake is perfect! This recipe combines the smooth texture of cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Follow these detailed steps to create this decadent treat at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
#### Equipment:
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch springform pan
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Electric mixer
- Aluminum foil
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Mix Crust Ingredients:** In a food processor, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar until well mixed.
3. **Add Butter:** While the machine is running, slowly add in the melted butter.
4. **Press into Pan:** Transfer mixture to a 9-inch springform pan and press down firmly with your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to form an even layer.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
1. **Mix Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. **Add Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
3. **Add Eggs:** One by one, gently fold in eggs until they are fully incorporated but not overmixed.
4. **Stir in Peanut Butter and Salt:** Mix in peanut butter and salt until just combined.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
1. **Pour Mixture:** Carefully pour the filling mixture into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. **Whipped Cream Layer (Optional):** In another bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in chocolate chips and spread over the cheesecake surface for an extra layer of texture.
#### Step 4: Bake
1. **Bake:** Place aluminum foil around the edges of the springform pan to prevent water from seeping into the cheesecake during baking.
2. **Water Bath (Optional):** For a smoother finish, place the filled pan inside another larger pan and fill with hot water halfway up the side of the springform pan.
3. **Baking Time:** Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour or until edges are set but center is still slightly jiggly.
#### Step 5: Cooling
1. **Cool on Wire Rack:** Once done, turn off the oven and leave the door open a crack to let the cheesecake cool inside for at least an hour.
2. **Chill Overnight:** Remove from the oven completely and allow it to chill in the refrigerator overnight.
### Serving Suggestions:
Serve your chocolate peanut butter cheesecake chilled with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder. This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added indulgence!
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a rich and creamy chocolate peanut butter cheesecake that's sure to impress any guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!