Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

If you’re a peanut butter and jelly fan (who isn’t, right?), get ready for a dessert that takes this classic combo to a whole new level. Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake is the indulgent treat you never knew you needed. Imagine a creamy, rich cheesecake with a smooth peanut butter filling, all sitting on a crunchy graham cracker crust, and then topped with a luscious swirl of sweet jelly. It’s like biting into a comforting PB&J sandwich, but way fancier and 100% more indulgent. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just someone with a sweet tooth, this cheesecake is sure to wow everyone at the table. Trust me, you’ll want to make this for every occasion from family dinners to celebrations!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

Here’s why this cheesecake is going to be your new favorite dessert:

• Ultimate Flavor Combo: Peanut butter and jelly are an iconic pair, and they make the most decadent filling for a cheesecake. The sweet and salty balance is perfection!
• Rich and Creamy: The peanut butter cheesecake filling is velvety smooth and super rich, making each bite feel like an indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that will melt in your mouth.
• Impressive and Fun: You’ll wow your friends and family when you bring this cheesecake to the table. The jelly swirl gives it a fun pop of color, and the peanut butter adds that familiar, comforting flavor.
• A Dessert to Remember: This is not your typical cheesecake—it’s a playful, sweet take on a classic childhood favorite, so it’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, this cheesecake is a showstopper. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Ready to dive into making this mouthwatering Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers make the perfect base for this cheesecake, adding crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• Butter: Butter binds the crumbs together and gives the crust a rich flavor.

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The smooth and creamy base for the cheesecake filling. It gives the dessert that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peanut Butter: The star of the show. You want smooth, creamy peanut butter to mix seamlessly into the filling.
• Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance out the peanut butter’s richness.
• Eggs: Eggs help set the filling and give it that creamy, smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and smoothness to the filling.

For the Jelly Topping:

• Fruit Jam (any flavor you like): Grape, strawberry, or raspberry jam works great! This will swirl into the top of the cheesecake for a beautiful color and fruity sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this heavenly dessert? Here’s how to bring it all together:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture sticks together. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan, making sure it’s even and compact. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, fold in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cheesecake:

Pour the peanut butter filling onto the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Now, spoon small dollops of fruit jam onto the top of the cheesecake. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the jam into the filling, creating a marbled effect.

Bake the Cheesecake:

Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. After that, remove the cheesecake and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Serve and Enjoy:

Once chilled, slice up your gorgeous Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake and enjoy every creamy, peanut-buttery, jam-filled bite. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrate: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

This Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake is rich and decadent enough to serve on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve it with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the cheesecake.
• Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a peanut butter cup-inspired twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
• Coffee or Milk: This cheesecake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate dessert experience.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This cheesecake needs to chill for several hours, so it’s perfect to make ahead of time. You can prepare it a day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
• No Springform Pan?: If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular pie pan. Just be sure to grease the sides to make it easier to slice.
• Texture Tip: If you want a firmer cheesecake, let it bake for a few extra minutes. The center should be mostly set, but still slightly wobbly.
• Jam Swirl: Feel free to use any flavor of jam you love—grape, strawberry, or even mixed berries. The jam gives a beautiful pop of color and a fruity contrast to the creamy filling.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A1: Yes, you can! But it will give the cheesecake a bit more texture. If you prefer a super smooth filling, stick with creamy peanut butter.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This cheesecake needs time to chill and set, so making it the day before is actually ideal.

Q3: What if I don’t have a springform pan?
A3: No worries! You can use a regular pie pan or even a square baking dish. Just be sure to grease it well to help with slicing.

Q4: Can I freeze this cheesecake?
A4: Yes! Freeze the cheesecake after it’s completely chilled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will last up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q6: Can I use a different type of jam?
A6: Definitely! Feel free to use any fruit jam or preserve you like. Strawberry, raspberry, or even blueberry would work wonderfully.

Q7: What can I serve this with?
A7: Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of hot fudge would all be perfect accompaniments.

Q8: How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
A8: The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Q9: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and make sure your peanut butter and jam are gluten-free.

Q10: How can I make the cheesecake even richer?
A10: For a richer flavor, you could add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter filling before baking. A chocolate-peanut butter combo is always a win!

Conclusion

There you have it—Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake, the ultimate dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of a classic PB&J with the indulgence of a creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re serving it at a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert is guaranteed to make everyone smile. With its rich peanut butter filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and sweet jelly swirl, it’s a slice of nostalgia with a sophisticated twist. So go ahead, give it a try, and let this decadent cheesecake take center stage at your next gathering. I promise, it’ll be a hit every time!

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