This rich and indulgent cheesecake layers creamy peanut butter with silky cream cheese, set over a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. Finished with roasted peanuts and a drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter, it’s a decadent dessert that’s equal parts smooth, crunchy, and irresistible—perfect for peanut butter lovers and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

High-protein dessert made with real cream cheese and peanut butter
Homemade caramel sauce with premium taste
Perfect for celebrations or make-ahead entertaining
Versatile toppings for chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts

Ingredients Breakdown

Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies) – Forms the crunchy base.
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the crust and adds richness.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.

Cheesecake Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened – The creamy base of the cheesecake.
1 cup creamy peanut butter – Adds nutty richness and depth.
¾ cup granulated sugar + ¼ cup brown sugar – Sweetens and adds slight molasses flavor.
3 large eggs – Helps set and structure the filling.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
½ cup heavy cream – Provides silky texture and richness.

Caramel Topping

½ cup granulated sugar + ¼ cup water – For caramelizing into a sauce.
⅓ cup warm heavy cream – Creates a creamy, pourable consistency.
2 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds shine and richness.
¼ tsp salt (optional) – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Finishing Touches

¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts – Adds crunch and salty contrast.
Drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate – Optional garnish for extra decadence.

Tips and Tricks:

Use room temperature ingredients for a lump-free batter.
Wrap the springform pan with foil and bake in a water bath to prevent cracks.
Chill overnight for the best flavor and structure.
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more peanut-forward flavor.

Variations and Customizations:

Swap graham crackers with Oreo crumbs for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Add a layer of banana slices under the cheesecake for a peanut-butter-banana combo.
Use salted caramel sauce for extra contrast and complexity.

Pairing Suggestions:

Serve with iced coffee, espresso, or a glass of milk.
Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate shavings or sea salt flakes on top.

Storage Instructions:

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 6 hours (includes chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy peanut butter cheesecake on a graham crust, drenched in caramel and topped with roasted peanuts & chocolate drizzle—pure decadence

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed chocolate cookies)
⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
⅓ cup warm heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp salt (optional)
¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
Drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
Mix in both granulated and brown sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time.
Stir in vanilla extract and then gently fold in heavy cream.
Pour over the crust and smooth the top.

3. Bake:

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

4. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until golden amber, about 5–7 minutes.
Carefully whisk in warm heavy cream—it will bubble vigorously.
Stir in butter and optional salt, then let cool slightly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Pour cooled caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake.
Sprinkle with roasted peanuts, and drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate.
Slice and serve!

Notes

This rich peanut butter caramel cheesecake is a top-performing dessert for ad monetization, appealing to both foodies and sweet lovers. Its high-value ingredients like cream cheese, caramel, and peanut butter rank well in recipe search queries, making this recipe a smart addition to any food blog or ad-optimized content strategy.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American