No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake

📖 Description:

This no-bake peanut butter cheesecake is smooth, rich, and packed with nutty flavor. It features a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a fluffy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a whipped topping—no oven required! Perfect for warm days or quick prep when you need an impressive dessert with minimal effort.

🌍 Origin:

Inspired by American cheesecake traditions and the enduring love for peanut butter, this no-bake version simplifies the process while retaining all the indulgent creaminess. Popular in the U.S. since the rise of no-bake desserts in the mid-20th century.

🧾 Ingredients:

Crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo or chocolate graham crackers)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural style)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

Topping:

½ cup heavy cream (whipped) or whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups (optional)
Melted chocolate drizzle (optional)

🧂 Optional Ingredients:

Pinch of salt (enhances peanut butter flavor)
2 tbsp sour cream (for added tang in the filling)
1–2 tbsp melted chocolate in the batter for a chocolate swirl effect

🥣 Instructions:

1. Make the Crust:

Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
Chill in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Filling:

Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
Gently fold whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.

3. Assemble:

Spread filling evenly over the crust and smooth the top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best texture.

4. Garnish & Serve:

Top with whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and/or chocolate drizzle.
Slice and serve cold.

✅ Tips for Success:

Use block-style cream cheese for structure—not spreadable or whipped.
Do not overwhip the filling once the whipped cream is added; it should be light and fluffy.
Chill thoroughly to ensure the cheesecake sets properly—overnight is ideal.
Use natural peanut butter only if stabilized, or the texture may be runny.

🌟 Recommendations:

Serve with cold milk, iced coffee, or dark chocolate stout.
Want more texture? Add a layer of crushed pretzels or chopped Reese’s between the crust and filling.
Freeze slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.