Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe

Craving a dessert that's the perfect mix of rich creaminess, nutty peanut butter, and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars? This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake recipe will quickly become a favorite among your friends and family. With a smooth peanut butter base, chunks of Butterfinger candy mixed in, and a buttery graham cracker crust, this dessert is a decadent showstopper. Stick around as we guide you through the detailed recipe, complete with tips, tricks, and variations to make it your own.

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What is a Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake?

A Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake is a creamy and decadent cheesecake that combines the flavors of peanut butter and Butterfinger candy bars. The cheesecake base is infused with smooth peanut butter, and it’s generously studded with crunchy pieces of Butterfinger for added texture and flavor. The crust is typically made from graham crackers or Oreo cookies, complementing the sweet, salty, and buttery richness of the cheesecake filling. Whether you're a cheesecake lover or a Butterfinger fan, this dessert brings out the best of both worlds.

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Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake

To make this Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake, you'll need to gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Oreo cookies)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz (3 packages) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped Butterfinger candy bars

For the Topping:

• 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
• ½ cup chopped Butterfinger candy bars

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Substitutions and Variations

While the classic Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake is delightful on its own, you can easily adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

1. Crust Variations:

• Swap graham crackers for Oreo cookies for a chocolatey base.
• Use pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast to the cheesecake filling.

2. Peanut Butter Substitutes:

• Almond butter or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
• For those with nut allergies, consider using sunflower seed butter.

3. Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies to make the crust gluten-free.

4. Candy Bar Variations:

• Try using other candy bars like Reese’s, Snickers, or KitKat for a twist on the Butterfinger crunch.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to how to make this mouthwatering Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake.

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How to Cook Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Crust In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Oreos) with sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the springform pan to create an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add peanut butter and sugar, and continue beating until fully combined. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing on low speed after each addition. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Add the Creams Slowly add in the sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Add the Butterfinger Gently fold in the chopped Butterfinger candy bars, making sure the pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cheesecake Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60–70 minutes or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for an hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.

Step 7: Chill the Cheesecake Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the cheesecake firm up and develop its rich flavors.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cheesecake may seem intimidating, but it’s easy if you avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overbeating the Batter:
Overmixing introduces too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.

2. Skipping the Water Bath:
While not required, a water bath helps prevent cracks by creating a more even, gentle heat. Simply wrap your springform pan in aluminum foil and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water before baking.

3. Rushing the Cooling Process:
Letting the cheesecake cool in the oven, then slowly in the fridge, prevents cracking and keeps the texture creamy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving this indulgent cheesecake. Here are some tips to ensure it looks as delicious as it tastes:

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How to Serve Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake

Before serving, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. You can add a few finishing touches to take your presentation up a notch:

1. Add Toppings:
Top the cheesecake with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Sprinkle more chopped Butterfinger candy bars on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

2. Drizzle with Sauce:
A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top adds an extra layer of flavor and decadence.

3. Slice Neatly:
Use a clean, sharp knife for slicing, wiping it with a damp towel between each cut to ensure smooth, even slices.

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Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake

When it comes to presenting your cheesecake, consider the following ideas:

1. Individual Mini Cheesecakes:
Instead of one large cheesecake, try making mini cheesecakes in muffin tins for individual servings.

2. Garnished Plates:
Serve each slice on a plate garnished with a sprinkle of crushed Butterfinger and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.

3. Layered Glasses:
For a unique twist, create deconstructed cheesecake parfaits in clear glasses. Layer the cheesecake filling, Butterfinger pieces, and whipped cream for a beautiful, no-bake option.

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Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your cheesecake comes out perfect every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to become lumpy, so make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and peanut butter are at room temperature.
• Don't overbake. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if the center still jiggles slightly when you remove it from the oven.
• Chill thoroughly. Allowing the cheesecake to chill for several hours or overnight ensures that it sets properly and develops its rich flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the cheesecake cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: How long will the cheesecake last in the fridge?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, the cheesecake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: While creamy peanut butter is preferred for a smoother texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if desired.

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Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake is the ultimate treat for any dessert lover, combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty goodness of peanut butter and the crispy sweetness of Butterfinger candy bars. Whether you're making it for a holiday, birthday, or just a sweet indulgence, it's sure to impress. Try out this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors in every bite!

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