The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake is a rich and satisfying dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of childhood with a gourmet twist. This cheesecake is not just a treat; it’s an experience that transports you to sunlit afternoons spent enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with friends and family. Each bite reveals a luscious creamy filling set on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a layer of fruity jelly that brings it all together. In this article, you’ll find a simple, step-by-step recipe to create this delightful dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for numerous reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. With simple equipment and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this decadent cheesecake in no time. It’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. The rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake mingles beautifully with the sweetness of the jelly and the crunch of the peanuts, creating a crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore. Plus, who can resist that playful peanut butter and jelly combination?

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: These provide a crisp and buttery base that wonderfully complements the creamy filling.
• 1/4 cup sugar: A touch of sweetness that enhances the flavors in the crust and filling.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened: The star of the show, offering a rich, velvety texture.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that iconic peanut butter taste that makes this cheesecake special.
• 4 large eggs: These help with the structure, making the cheesecake set beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy dimension that balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup strawberry or grape jelly: This fruity topping brings a nostalgic touch to the dessert.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the jelly flavor and adds a refreshing zest.
• Whipped cream for garnish: Light and airy, it adds a lovely presentation.
• Chopped peanuts for garnish: A crunchy topping that adds texture and a lovely nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure easy removal once the cheesecake is baked.

2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid crust.

3. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the creamy peanut butter and beat until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is evenly blended.

4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly for a consistent bake.

5. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. A slight jiggle in the center is okay. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it. Let it cool completely before removing the sides of the pan.

6. For the jelly topping, heat the jelly and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Once it’s slightly cooled, spread it gently over the surface of the cooled cheesecake.

7. Garnish with whipped cream and chopped peanuts just before serving. This adds a festive flair and makes each slice visually appealing.

Tips & Tricks

To maximize the creaminess of your cheesecake, ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. This prevents any lumps and helps achieve a smooth texture. If you want a firmer cheesecake, feel free to extend the baking time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different jelly flavors to personalize your cheesecake to your taste.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake is best served chilled. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and perhaps a glass of cold milk. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or any celebration where you want to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. It’s also fabulous on its own, making it a great treat to enjoy while curling up with a book or watching a movie.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake contains approximately 400-450 calories, with generous amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein coming from the ingredients. While it’s a rich dessert, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The cheesecake offers not only indulgence but also satisfaction, ensuring that a little goes a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your cheesecake, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to a month. Just allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Variations of this cheesecake can include adding chocolate chips for a chocolate-peanut butter twist or incorporating crushed cookies into the crust for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

You definitely don’t want to miss out on making The Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake! With its sweet and savory flavors combined into a creamy dessert, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy. We encourage you to try out this recipe and share your experience—your friends and family will thank you, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of jelly?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the strawberry or grape jelly for your favorite fruit spread, such as raspberry or blueberry.

2. Is it necessary to use sour cream?
While it adds a delightful tanginess to the cheesecake, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar consistency and flavor.

3. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake can be made a day in advance, making it an excellent choice for parties or gatherings. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.

4. Why did my cheesecake crack?
Cracking can occur due to rapid temperature changes or overmixing the filling. To avoid this, make sure to bake it in a water bath or at a lower temperature for more gentle cooking.

5. How can I tell if my cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, while the center remains a bit jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Print Recipe

Ultimate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cheesecake

A creamy and rich cheesecake that combines the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly, set on a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fruity jelly.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesecake, Dessert Recipe, Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 425kcal

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs Provides a crisp and buttery base.
• 1/4 cup sugar Enhances the flavors in the crust.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted Adds richness to the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 4 packages cream cheese, softened The star of the show, offering a rich texture.
• 1 cup sugar Sweetens the filling.
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter Provides the iconic peanut butter taste.
• 4 large eggs Helps with the structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor profile.
• 1 cup sour cream Adds tanginess to balance sweetness.

For the Topping

• 1 cup strawberry or grape jelly Fruity topping for nostalgia.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the jelly flavor.
• whipped cream for garnish Adds presentation.
• chopped peanuts for garnish Provides crunch and texture.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly coated and press into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.

Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix well.
• Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the springform pan, spreading evenly.

Baking

• Bake for 60-65 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before loosening the edges and cooling completely.

Topping

• Heat the jelly and lemon juice in a saucepan until melted. Spread over the cooled cheesecake.
• Garnish with whipped cream and chopped peanuts just before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. You can extend baking time for a firmer cheesecake and experiment with different jelly flavors.