White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

If you’re searching for a decadent dessert that manages to wow at every level, look no further than this White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. This treat layers lush clouds of white chocolate cheesecake over a fudgy peanut butter blondie crust, with a hidden surprise of creamy white chocolate Reese’s cups and a crown of drizzles and candies on top. It’s a celebration-worthy dessert designed for peanut butter lovers and white chocolate devotees alike, perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want your sweet tooth to sing. Every bite delivers creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly nutty satisfaction!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake is crafted from pantry-friendly classics and a few indulgent add-ins. Each element serves a distinct purpose: from the rich, chewy crust to the fluffy filling and those decadent toppings. Gather these ingredients for a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat.

• Peanut Butter (creamy): The hero of both the crust and the cheesecake filling, its rich, smooth flavor gives every bite a nutty punch.
• Granulated Sugar: Ensures the crust has just the right sweetness and contributes to a delightful chewy texture.
• Eggs: Two eggs bind the blondie crust, helping it set perfectly for slicing.
• Reduced Fat Cream Cheese, softened: Brings tangy richness and creaminess to the filling without making it overly heavy.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly and blends easily with the other creamy elements.
• Whipped Topping, thawed: Adds lightness and volume, creating a luscious, airy cheesecake layer.
• White Baking Chocolate, melted and cooled: Infuses the cheesecake with creamy sweetness and smoothness.
• Miniature Reese’s White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (whole and chopped): These add playful bites of peanut butter and white chocolate throughout the layers and as a showstopping topping.
• Creamy Peanut Butter (for drizzling): A drizzle over the top gives a glossy, rich finish and amps up the peanut butter punch.
• Extra White Baking Chocolate (for drizzling): Another drizzle on top for gorgeous visual contrast and a touch more sweetness.

How to Make White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Blondie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously greasing an 8-inch springform pan. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and eggs until thick and smooth. Spread this dough evenly into your pan, smoothing the top. This crust bakes up chewy, rich, and perfectly sets the stage for your cheesecake layers. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and a tester inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Let the crust cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before releasing the springform sides.

Step 2: Mix the White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

While your crust is cooling, beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s creamy and free of lumps. Add in the peanut butter, then the powdered sugar and whipped topping, mixing until the filling is fluffy and well combined. Gently beat in the melted and cooled white chocolate until everything is silky-smooth. This mixture forms the luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake layer that makes this dessert shine.

Step 3: Layer the White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake with Reese’s Mini Cups

Once the crust is cool, spread about half a cup of your cheesecake mixture in a thin layer over the base. Now, arrange whole mini Reese’s white chocolate peanut butter cups in a single layer, pressing them just slightly into the filling. This creates a delightful surprise in the middle of every slice! Refrigerate both the crust (topped with Reese’s) and the rest of the cheesecake mixture for 20 minutes until slightly firmed up.

Step 4: Assemble and Smooth the Cheesecake

Take everything out of the fridge. Spoon the rest of your cheesecake filling over the layered crust and cups, and smooth it out to the edges with a spatula or knife. Aim for an even, fluffy layer that fully covers the candy. Now, the anticipation builds as you ready the final flurry of toppings!

Step 5: Add Toppings and Chill

Scatter chopped mini Reese’s cups all over the top of the cheesecake, letting them fall where they may for that tempting patchwork of white chocolate and peanut butter. Drizzle melted peanut butter and then melted white chocolate over the top in swoopy zigzags. This step is as fun as it is beautiful! Chill your White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake for at least two hours, or until set and easily sliceable.

How to Serve White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with extra chopped white chocolate peanut butter cups, a scattering of white chocolate curls, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a dramatic finish, drizzle a little extra melted peanut butter or white chocolate right before serving. Fresh berries can also add a pop of color and gentle tartness to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair your White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake with simple sides that refresh the palate. Glasses of ice-cold milk or steaming coffee make classic companions, while fresh strawberries or sliced bananas offer a burst of brightness. For an extra-indulgent presentation, consider a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside each slice.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your cheesecake into a party showstopper by slicing it into mini bars or squares for easy sharing. Layer slices alongside a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries for a dessert board that’s both chic and playful. Or, garnish each slice individually; try piping whipped topping in a rosette, then perching a single mini Reese’s cup on each one for an eye-catching look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to five days, holding its texture and flavor beautifully. Be sure to use a sharp, hot knife when slicing for clean edges every time.

Freezing

To freeze, chill the cheesecake completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. You can freeze the entire cheesecake or individual slices. It keeps for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and add any fresh garnishes only after thawing.

Reheating

No reheating is needed—this is a chilled dessert! If you prefer a slightly softer, silkier texture, let individual slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This enhances the creamy feel and makes the flavors melt together on your tongue.

FAQs

Can I use natural or crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Creamy peanut butter is essential for the proper texture in both the crust and filling. Using natural or crunchy may cause the layers to separate or feel gritty. For best results, stick with classic creamy peanut butter brands.

Can I make White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake a day in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from an overnight chill, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly. Simply keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to garnish and serve.

How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

Be generous with greasing your springform pan, paying special attention to the corners and sides. Lining the bottom with a round of parchment paper can also make unmolding easier and ensures every slice comes out clean.

What if I can’t find white chocolate peanut butter cups?

Regular milk chocolate peanut butter cups can be swapped in a pinch, though the overall sweetness and look will change. For a more authentic White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake, try to use the white chocolate variety if possible.

Can I substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream—just be sure it’s whipped until stiff peaks form for best structure in the cheesecake layer. Aim for about the same volume as one 8-ounce container of whipped topping.

Final Thoughts

Let yourself fall in love with this White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake—it’s one of those desserts that turns every gathering into a celebration. Layered, luscious, and always an attention-grabber, it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and see why everyone who tastes it always comes back for seconds!

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