Looking to wow your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth? Try this delicious chocolate peanut butter cheesecake recipe! This decadent dessert is perfect for any special occasion or just a quick treat at home. Follow these detailed steps and enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (12 oz box)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for extra chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Topping: Whipped cream and crushed graham crackers
#### Equipment:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper or baking spray
- Mixing spoons and spatulas
- Electric mixer
### Detailed Steps for Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare Crust**:
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add melted butter and stir until mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
3. **Prepare Cheesecake Filling**:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and peanut butter powder (or peanut butter), mixing well after each addition. Stir in cooled coffee or cocoa powder if using.
4. **Add Eggs**:
- With the mixer still running on low speed, gently fold in eggs one at a time until just combined.
- Be careful not to overmix as this can result in a curdled texture.
5. **Assemble and Bake**:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared crust.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water (bain-marie method) to ensure even baking without cracks.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid opening the oven door during baking.
6. **Cool and Chill**:
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the hot oven with the door closed for about an hour.
- Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
7. **Serve**:
- Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen; remove the sides and garnish with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers.
- Slice and serve your delicious chocolate peanut butter cheesecake!
### SEO Tips:
- Use keywords such as "chocolate peanut butter cheesecake," "baked goods recipe," and "homemade dessert" in your content.
- Include meta tags like `<title>`: "Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe | Baked Goods"
- Optimize headers with H1, H2, and H3 tags for better readability and SEO.
Enjoy crafting this rich, creamy cheesecake and sharing it with friends or family!