Get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake. Imagine the rich and creamy texture of a classic cheesecake merging seamlessly with the comforting taste of your childhood favorite, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey combined with the sophistication of a cheesecake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding in results. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cheesecake offers layers of flavor — from the buttery graham cracker crust to the luscious peanut butter filling, topped with swirls of strawberry preserves. Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert creation that’s guaranteed to leave your taste buds dancing!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy and rich peanut butter pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy jelly swirls.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.
- Showstopper Dessert: Perfect for impressing guests at any event, be it a party or holiday celebration.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Combines the beloved flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the elegance of cheesecake.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: Can be made a day in advance, making it convenient for hosting.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before embarking on our cheesecake adventure, let’s prep your kitchen for success. As you gather your ingredients, make sure to have all the necessary tools on hand. A springform pan is essential for this recipe, as it will allow you to release the delicate cheesecake with ease. A food processor will help you achieve fine graham cracker crumbs for the perfect crust, while a stand mixer or electric hand mixer will ensure a smooth and creamy filling. Additionally, have your oven preheated to 350°F for the crust baking, and make sure to have a toothpick or skewer handy for swirling the jelly into the filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups strawberry topping or preserves (warmed up)
Instructions
Step 1: Craft the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulverize the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and a bit up the sides of a springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Whip Up the Filling
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until you achieve a uniform, creamy texture. Add in the sugar and flour, mixing well to incorporate them fully. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract while continuing to mix on low speed until well combined. Once smooth, increase the speed and mix for an additional minute. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is mixed before adding the next.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour half of the peanut butter cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Drizzle half of the warm strawberry preserves over the batter. Use a toothpick to create swirls, gently incorporating the preserve into the creamy batter. Add the rest of the cheesecake mixture, smoothing it out before adding the final drizzle and swirl with the remaining preserves.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled cheesecake into the preheated oven, baking at 350°F for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 50-55 minutes. The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle at the center. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Set Overnight
After removing from the oven, let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Once cooled, move it to the refrigerator to set overnight, ensuring the perfect texture and flavor melding.
Variations
- Protein: For a salty twist, sprinkle bacon bits on top before serving.
- Vegetables: While unconventional, adding a layer of whipped avocado cream can offer a unique contrast.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crust can introduce warming flavors.
Cooking Notes
- For the creamiest texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Avoid overbaking; the residual heat will continue to set the cheesecake after it’s removed from the oven.
- To prevent cracks, do not overmix the batter, especially once the eggs are added.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, bake it for 15 minutes initially.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh berries for a vibrant and fresh garnish.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips
- Use a hot knife to slice through the cheesecake for cleaner cuts.
- To ensure the best flavor, allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~450 per slice
- Protein: 8g per slice
- Sodium: 250 mg per slice
FAQs
What type of peanut butter works best?
Smooth, creamy peanut butter is ideal for blending seamlessly into the cheesecake batter.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
For texture, you can, but expect a slightly different mouthfeel in your cheesecake.
How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overworking the batter, especially after adding eggs, and maintain a gentle baking process.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s best to prepare it the day before serving to allow flavors to meld and set fully.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake is the perfect blend of rich flavors and nostalgic elements, sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its ease of preparation and impressive results make it a worthy endeavor for any home baker. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting dessert, this recipe delivers in spades. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different preserves or even nut butters to tailor the cheesecake to your liking. We hope you enjoy this dessert as much as we do! Do share your experiences and let us know how your version turned out. Happy baking!
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
The perfect blend of rich flavors and nostalgic elements; a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups strawberry topping or preserves (warmed up)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulverize the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom and sides of a springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes and let it cool completely.
- In a stand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Add sugar and flour. Slowly add heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Incorporate the eggs one at a time. Mix until smooth.
- Pour half of the peanut butter cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Drizzle half of the warm strawberry preserves over the batter and swirl. Add the rest of the cheesecake mixture and swirl with the remaining preserves.
- Bake the cheesecake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 50-55 minutes. Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool for 15 minutes.
- Let the cheesecake cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Move it to the refrigerator to set overnight.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 8 g