Dreamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake (No Bake Recipe)

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My mouthwatering Peanut Butter Cheesecake is an incredible combination of creamy, velvety peanut butter and a crunchy graham cracker crust. Topped with a homemade peanut butter ganache, this peanut butter cheesecake recipe comes together so easily. You’ll just need to have a bit of patience as it sets! So tasty!!

Titled Image: Peanut Butter Cheesecake


 

If you’re a peanut butter lover, you have to make this cheesecake! It’s a peanut butter dessert that is loaded with flavor, with that creamy filling that we all love and crave.

This is not only a great recipe to share with family and friends, but it’s literally what peanut butter dreams are made of.

Compared to other dessert recipes, this is literally one of my top favorites.

It’s safe to say that this just might be the ultimate peanut butter cheesecake – and I love how perfectly the cheesecake mixture pairs with the deliciousness on the top of the cheesecake.

I also think that you could add some Reese’s peanut butter cups or peanut butter chips to the top or sides of this dessert, but save that for the next time that you make it. 

For now, enjoy the peanut butter flavor of this creamy cheesecake and make it just like the recipe card shows. You’ll get the best results – and the best flavor! 

peanut butter cheesecake ingredients

Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Indulge in the magic of peanut butter cheesecake! 

Those who love me, know just how much I love peanut butter. I have TONS of recipes up on the blog to explore! 

It works wonderfully with Oreo cookies in this pie recipe, updates air fryer s’mores in a flash, and you can’t forget about the always classic peanut butter cookies.

Well, I think you get it by now! I wanted to add another nutty recipe to my long list of PB desserts and I settled on this easy peanut butter cheesecake no bake recipe. 

Yes, you read that right! You don’t even need to turn on your oven to make this. Score!!

graham cracker crust in springform pan

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Graham Cracker Crumbs  Nowadays, you can easily find pre-crushed graham crackers at the supermarket. Buying an already prepared crust can be a way to save time. 

    Opt for those, or simply crush full-sized crackers yourself. 

  • Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream – These form the base of our peanut butter cheesecake filling. Use whatever brand you like, just make sure that both are cold!

  • Peanut Butter – I’m using creamy PB for both the cheesecake filling and the peanut butter ganache. 

    I love the smooth texture, but you could use crunchy varieties instead if you’d like. I also like to use natural peanut butter as well. 

  • White Chocolate Chips – Use along with even more PB to make the ganache.

Don’t forget that you can also alter this best cheesecake recipe by using an Oreo crust, nutter butter crust, Reese’s cups, chocolate ganache, whipped cream on top, drizzled milk chocolate, and more.

Any of these options will still give you a 5-star rating of flavor without changing that creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling. 

cheesecake mixture in a large glass measuring cup

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Create a solid foundation.

Making cheesecake crust from scratch requires a bit of extra attention, but it’s totally worth it!

Ensure that the graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter are thoroughly mixed, then press down with the back of a spoon. 

Allow it to all come together in the fridge for about 30 minutes and you’ll end up with the perfect base for your peanut butter cheesecake recipe!

  • Tap on the counter.

While this step may seem unimportant, it’s a must if if you want to avoid air bubbles when making this peanut butter cheesecake no bake recipe.

Once you’ve poured the filling into the pan, gently tap it on the countertop a few times for a smooth and even texture throughout the cheesecake.

  • Be patient as it chills!

I know, I know. You’re going to want to dig into your peanut butter cheesecake as soon as humanely possible — but it’s essential to let it chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours. 

Anything less and it will fall apart. Overnight is always better!

cheesecake layer in springform pan

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining cheesecake to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

If you want to freeze your peanut butter cheesecake, I suggest holding off on the ganache and any other extra garnishes you use.

Flash freeze it on a baking sheet so that it firms up, then tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. 

It will keep for 2-3 months! Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before adding your ganache.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

  • Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
  • Kitchenaid Mixer – A good stand mixer makes mixing your cheesecake batter so easy! Grab the scraping paddle too, to ensure no lumps from the cream cheese.
  • Springform Pan – This is basically required for cheesecake. The ring sides pop off and make removing the cake easy and clean.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake No Bake FAQ

What’s the difference between cheesecake and baked cheesecake? 

Other than the obvious (one is baked and one is chilled), baked cheesecake tends to have a denser consistency than no bake options. 

They also use different ingredients. For example, many baked cheesecake recipes feature eggs!

How to make a runny cheesecake set? 

If you run into a super runny cheesecake, you likely added too much heavy cream. The best way to fix it is to incorporate a bit of gelatin into the batter.

Remember that you want the filling to be a bit on the thicker side before you add it to the pan!

How do you keep the bottom of a cheesecake from getting soggy?

You may want to consider baking the crust a bit. I know this is a peanut butter cheesecake no bake recipe, but 10 minutes in the oven before adding the filling is a game changer!

unsliced peanut butter cheesecake on a plate

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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slice of peanut butter cheesecake

slice of peanut butter cheesecake

Dreamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake (No Bake Recipe)

Donna Elick
Peanut Butter Cheesecake is creamy, dreamy, and so indulgent!! Topped with peanut butter ganache, it’s a heavenly dessert you can’t resist!
5 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 40 minutes
chill time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method No Bake
Servings 10 – 12

Ingredients
 

for the cheesecake

  • 10 ounces graham cracker crumbs, (2 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 18 ounces cream cheese (cold), (2 1/4 cups )
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream, cold

for the peanut butter ganache-

  • 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips

To decorate (optional)

  • Chopped peanuts

Instructions
 

for the cheesecake

  • Mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Add to the base of an 8” springform baking pan, pushing the mixture down into a compact even layer with the back of a spoon. Place this in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes whilst you make the filling.
  • Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and peanut butter to the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Beat with the paddle attachment on a medium speed until combined.
  • Pour in the cream and switch to the whisk attachment. Beat on a medium speed until the mixture is thick and holding its shape.
  • Spoon the mixture on top of the chilled cheesecake base and spread out in an even layer. Gently tap the pan down on the counter top to help get rid of any bubbles that may be in the mixture.
  • Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the pan-
  • To remove the cheesecake from the pan, first run a sharp knife all around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the sides of the cheesecake.
  • Unclip the springform pan and gently lift it away. Use a cake lifter or two spatulas to lift the cheesecake from the base of the pan and transfer to your serving plate of choice.

Peanut Butter Ganache

  • Add the peanut butter to one bowl and the white chocolate chips to another. Microwave each in 30 seconds bursts until melted.
  • Stir together the runny peanut butter and melted white chocolate. Leave to cool for 5 minutes.
  • Pour the ganache over the top of the cheesecake. Spread it right up to the edges with an offset spatula or knife, then use a small spoon to gently push small amounts of the ganache over the side of the cheesecake at roughly 1 ½” intervals, allowing it to drip down.
  • Decorate the top of the cheesecake with some chopped peanuts if desired.
  • Chill in the fridge for another 30 minutes before slicing.

Donna’s Notes

Storage: This cheesecake should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and will keep well for up to 4 days.
Notes: Feel free to switch up the peanut butter ganache for a chocolate ganache if preferred.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 797cal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 602mg | Sugar: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 2mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Peanut Butter Cheesecake - PIN

Originally published September 2023, updated and republished September 2024

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love anything peanut butter and this was the perfect dessert. I also drizzled chocolate syrup on top to add some chocolate flavor, i love peanut butter and chocolate 🙂 So yummy!

  2. Tweaked the recipe just a touch. I used Peanut Butter Oreos for the crust instead of graham crackers. Also, chunky peanut butter instead of creamy, and garnished with crushed peanuts and miniature chocolate chips. YUM.

  3. 5 stars
    This peanut butter cheesecake from The Slow Roasted Italian is an absolute masterpiece! So creamy and delicious. A definite 5-star dessert.

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