Introduction :
Craving a dessert that’s both creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory? Look no further than this delectable Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe. Combining the rich flavors of cream cheese, peanut butter, and chocolate, topped with a luscious ganache and fluffy whipped cream, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of heaven, this Butterfinger Cheesecake is sure to delight.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/4 cups Oreo crumbs
- 4 tbsp salted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Butterfingers
For the Ganache:
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Whipped Cream:
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Garnish:
- Chopped Butterfingers
Directions:
1. Crust Preparation:
- Combine Oreo crumbs with melted butter, press into the bottom of the pan, and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. Set up for a water bath to use later.
2. Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and flour until smooth. Blend in sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in chopped Butterfingers. Pour the filling over the crust and place the pan in a water bath. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 25 minutes.
3. Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread the ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
4. Whipped Cream:
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Decorate the top of the cheesecake with the whipped cream and sprinkle additional chopped Butterfingers for garnish.
5. Chill:
- Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving:
- To serve, carefully slice the Butterfinger Cheesecake using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This will help achieve clean slices without sticking.
- Plate each slice on a dessert plate, garnish with additional chopped Butterfingers if desired, and serve chilled for the best taste experience.
- For added indulgence, consider serving each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Storage:
- Store any leftover Butterfinger Cheesecake in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and creamy texture. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent any flavor transfer.
- Alternatively, you can freeze the cheesecake for longer storage. Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake slices, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. Allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Pro Tip: For a quick and easy dessert option, consider making mini Butterfinger Cheesecake cupcakes using a muffin tin and cupcake liners. Simply press the Oreo crust into the bottom of each liner, fill with the cheesecake batter, and bake until set. This allows for convenient portion control and easy serving at parties or gatherings.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes + cooling
Servings: 12-14 slices
Variations of the Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe:
While the classic Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe is undeniably delicious, there are endless possibilities for customizing this decadent dessert to suit your preferences and experiment with new flavors. Here are some variations to consider:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cheesecake:
- Incorporate swirls of melted chocolate and peanut butter into the cheesecake batter before baking for a marbled effect. Drizzle additional chocolate and peanut butter on top for extra indulgence.
2. Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake:
- Replace the chopped Butterfingers with chopped peanut butter cups for a variation that’s packed with peanut butter and chocolate goodness. Garnish with peanut butter cup pieces on top for a visually appealing finish.
3. Caramel Peanut Cheesecake:
- Add a layer of gooey caramel sauce between the crust and cheesecake filling for a delightful caramel peanut flavor. Top the cheesecake with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
4. Nutella Swirl Cheesecake:
- Swirl Nutella into the cheesecake batter for a creamy and indulgent twist. Top the cheesecake with a Nutella ganache and hazelnuts for a decadent Nutella-inspired treat.
5. White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake with Butterfingers:
- Incorporate white chocolate into the cheesecake batter and swirl in raspberry preserves for a fruity and tangy flavor contrast. Sprinkle chopped Butterfingers on top for added texture and crunch.
6. Mocha Butterfinger Cheesecake:
- Add instant espresso powder or brewed coffee to the cheesecake batter for a rich mocha flavor. Top the cheesecake with a layer of chocolate ganache infused with coffee and sprinkle crushed Butterfingers on top for a delightful coffee-chocolate crunch.
7. Oreo Peanut Butter Cheesecake:
- Use crushed Oreo cookies for both the crust and as a topping for a double dose of chocolate goodness. Mix peanut butter into the cheesecake batter for a creamy and nutty flavor profile.
8. Almond Butterfinger Cheesecake:
- Substitute almond butter for peanut butter in the cheesecake filling for a twist on the classic flavor combination. Garnish with sliced almonds on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
9. Coconut Butterfinger Cheesecake:
- Add shredded coconut to the Oreo crust and coconut extract to the cheesecake filling for a tropical twist. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a delightful coconut crunch.
10. Mini Butterfinger Cheesecake Bites:
- Instead of a full-sized cheesecake, make individual cheesecake bites in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties or as a sweet indulgence any time of day.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this irresistible Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe. Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars, this dessert is a true masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet cravings.
From the decadent Oreo crust to the luscious peanut butter-infused filling, every layer of this cheesecake is packed with flavor and texture. Topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and fluffy whipped cream, each slice is a heavenly treat that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of indulgence, this Butterfinger Cheesecake is sure to impress. With its easy-to-follow recipe and customizable variations, you can create a dessert that suits your taste preferences and wows your guests.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that ends with a slice of pure bliss. Enjoy every decadent bite of this Butterfinger Cheesecake and savor the sweet moments it brings to your table.
FAQ’s Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust besides Oreos?
- Absolutely! While Oreos provide a delicious chocolatey base, you can use any cookie of your choice for the crust. Graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers, or even shortbread cookies work well as alternatives.
2. Can I substitute creamy peanut butter for chunky peanut butter in the filling?
- Yes, you can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your preference. Creamy peanut butter will give a smoother texture, while chunky peanut butter will add extra crunch to the cheesecake.
3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time and freeze it?
- Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake for up to 1-2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
4. Can I omit the sour cream from the filling?
- While sour cream adds a tangy flavor and helps create a creamy texture, you can omit it if necessary. However, the cheesecake may have a slightly denser texture without the sour cream.
5. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache?
- Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter ganache. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly to balance the sweetness.
6. How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
- To prevent cracking, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Additionally, cool the cheesecake slowly by turning off the oven and letting it cool gradually.
7. Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a time-saving alternative. However, freshly whipped cream adds a homemade touch and allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.
8. Can I use a different type of candy bar instead of Butterfingers?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite candy bars such as Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or Heath bars for a unique twist on the recipe.
9. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this cheesecake gluten-free by using gluten-free Oreo-style cookies for the crust and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
10. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cheesecake?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger cheesecake. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly and use a larger pan to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.