) How to Make Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake Perfectly
Welcome, fellow dessert lovers! Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, decadent treat that combines two of the most beloved flavors in the South? Look no further than my Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe.
This dessert is a unique twist on the traditional New York-style cheesecake, with a creamy peanut butter filling that perfectly complements the buttery graham cracker crust. Every bite is like a warm hug from your favorite aunt – comforting, nostalgic and familiar.
If you’re like me, you might be skeptical about adding peanut butter to your cheesecake. But trust me, it’s a game-changer. The sweet and slightly salty flavor of the peanut butter perfectly balances out the tangy cream cheese, resulting in a harmonious melding of flavors.
This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to potlucks or even just as a special indulgence for yourself. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up a southern-style storm with this delicious and unique peanut butter cheesecake recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of cheesecake? Do you love peanut butter? If the answer is yes, then you are in for an absolute treat with this southern-style peanut butter cheesecake recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will never be the same again.
Picture this – a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a creamy mix of low-fat cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, we add a generous serving of creamy peanut butter into the mix. The smooth and velvety texture of the cheesecake is perfectly complemented with a nutty twist that will leave you wanting more after every bite.
But what sets this recipe apart is that it’s made with low-fat ingredients. Yes, that’s right – you can indulge in this decadent dessert without worrying about your waistline. The use of light cream cheese, fat-free sour cream, and low-fat cottage cheese means that each slice of cheesecake is rich and flavorful without being overly heavy.
Moreover, this recipe offers versatility like no other. Want to switch things up? No problem! You can always experiment with different types of nut butters such as almond or cashew butter to suit your taste preferences.
So go on and give this southern-style peanut butter cheesecake recipe a try – trust me, you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Before starting to bake, it’s important to gather all the required ingredients in one place. Here is a list of ingredients needed to make this mouth-watering Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed low-fat graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
For the filling:
- 8 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (drained)
- 1/2 cup Fat-Free sour cream
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
For the topping:
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
- Cream cheese peanut butter (recipe below)
For the Cream Cheese Peanut Butter topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get started with making the delicious Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe. This recipe will take you through the process of making a creamy, peanut buttery cheesecake that will have your taste buds singing. Make sure to read through all the instructions ahead of time so you can be prepared and confident during the process.
Ingredient List
Before beginning, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Be sure to check that you have low fat cottage cheese, fat-free sour cream, light cream cheese, and peanut butter readily available as they are crucial to this recipe’s success.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While waiting for your oven to reach the desired temperature, prepare a cookie crust peanut butter. Mix together 1 1/2 cups crushed low-fat graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press firmly onto the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan or pie dish.
Step 2: Making the Filling
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine room-temperature light cream cheese, peanut butter, and softened fat-free cream cheese until well mixed. Gradually add in one cup of sugar and mix until smooth. Then add two large eggs and one tablespoon vanilla extract while still mixing. Pour in one can of sweetened condensed milk and mix thoroughly before adding in some low-fat cottage cheese and fat-free sour cream.
Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, then pour into your prepared crust.
Step 3: Baking The Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake in a preheated oven for about 1 hour or until set around the edges but still a bit wiggly in the center. Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and set aside to cool for 10 minutes before leaving it to cool down at room temperature.
Step 4: Toppings and Serving
After it has thoroughly chilled for atleast 2 hours or overnight, you can add toppings such as melted chocolate or chopped peanuts. Be creative and top with anything you prefer! This cheesecake goes great on its own, with whipped cream, Vanilla ice cream or any other topping of your choice!
Enjoy your delicious and rich Peanut Butter Cheesecake!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this southern peanut butter cheesecake recipe, there are several ways you can get creative and make it your own. From swapping ingredients to adding new flavors, the possibilities are endless! Here are some substitutions and variations that you might want to try:
1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake: If you’re a fan of the chocolate-peanut butter combo, why not give this variation a try? Simply add ½ cup of melted chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter along with the peanut butter, and bake as directed.
2. Banana Peanut Butter Cheesecake: For a fruity twist on this classic dessert, add two ripe mashed bananas to the cheesecake batter before baking. The result is a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for banana lovers.
3. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake: Love those classic Reese’s cups? Why not incorporate them into your cheesecake? Simply chop up about 12 mini Reese’s cups and sprinkle them over the crust before pouring the cheesecake mixture on top.
4. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake: If you don’t feel like turning on the oven, you can still enjoy a delicious peanut butter cheesecake! For this no-bake version, combine 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until creamy. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream until well combined. Pour into a prepared graham cracker crust and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. Low-Fat Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Want to lighten things up a bit? You can easily make this recipe lower in fat by using low-fat or fat-free versions of the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and sweetened condensed milk. Use a low-fat graham cracker crust and skip the butter in the crust to save even more calories.
No matter what variation you choose, this southern peanut butter cheesecake recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve managed to bake this southern-style peanut butter cheesecake, the possibilities in terms of serving and pairing are endless.
First, when it comes to serving, you can either cut it into 8-10 slices or create bite-size portions by using a mini cupcake pan. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or some chopped peanuts on top to enhance the presentation.
In terms of pairing, this cheesecake pairs well with strong flavored coffees, hot teas or a tall glass of cold milk. The flavors blend perfectly together creating a decadent but not overpowering dessert that can be enjoyed either as an afternoon snack or post-dinner delight.
If you want to add some excitement to the pairing, you could also complement the cheesecake with some fresh fruit such as raspberries or strawberries which nicely balance out the sweetness of the peanut butter cheesecake.
Don’t hold back and get creative with this delicious peanut butter cheesecake. You never know what daring flavor combinations you may discover!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the things I love about this Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. If you are hosting a dinner party or simply want to get some prep work done, you can make this cheesecake up to two days in advance. Once the cheesecake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Storing this cheesecake is a breeze! With proper storage, it will last up to four days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it covered tightly to prevent any air from getting in and drying out the cheesecake.
When it comes to reheating this delicious dessert, there are a couple of options. If you prefer your cheesecake slightly warm, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each. This will soften the cream cheese and give your slice just enough warmth to make it extra decadent.
No matter how you choose to store or reheat this Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake, I guarantee it will taste just as delicious as when you first made it!
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the perfect Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake, there are a few tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind. Here are some expert tips to help you perfect this delicious dessert every time.
First, when making the cookie crust, be sure to use cold butter. Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture that will hold together when baked. Also, make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are evenly combined.
Secondly, when preparing the cheesecake batter, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure that everything combines smoothly and evenly. Additionally, take care not to overmix the batter as it can result in a dense and tough cheesecake.
Thirdly, when baking, make sure to use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Simply wrap the bottom of the springform pan with aluminum foil and place it in a larger baking dish filled with hot water. This will help regulate the temperature and ensure even baking.
Fourthly, let the cheesecake cool slowly after baking by turning off the oven but leaving it inside for about an hour or so. This helps in achieving an evenly cooked and smooth cheesecake without any cracks on top.
Finally, once the cheesecake is fully cooled down, chill it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours or overnight before serving. The longer it chills, the firmer and creamier it becomes which enhances its smooth taste.
By following these simple tips and tricks, you will be able to create the perfect Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake every time, sure to impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess.
FAQ
Before we call it a wrap, let me share with you some frequently asked questions and my quick answers. These queries will help you tailor the recipe to your preferences, fine-tune your cooking process, and address any concerns you might have so that your final product comes out as flawlessly as possible.
What’s the difference between New York style cheesecake and just regular cheesecake?
When it comes to cheesecake, there are two popular types: regular cheesecake and New York cheesecake. Regular cheesecake uses heavy cream and sour cream to make the batter thinner and smoother. However, New York cheesecake stands out with its dense and indulgent texture, thanks to its heavy reliance on cream cheese. But there’s more to New York cheesecake than just extra cream cheese.
What’s the difference between Philadelphia cheesecake and New York cheesecake?
The term “Philadelphia-style cheesecake” is often misconstrued to mean a cheesecake originating from Philadelphia. However, this actually refers to a type of cheesecake that is made without sour cream or heavy cream, unlike its counterpart, the New York-style cheesecake. The Philadelphia-style cheesecake is commonly associated with the cream cheese brand.
Is sour cream or yogurt better for cheesecake?
When making cheesecake, many individuals opt for sour cream as a means to include a creamy and light texture. By using sour cream, the thick consistency of cream cheese is reduced. But, did you know that there is a substitute for sour cream that is healthier and just as effective, such as yogurt?
What is the difference between baked cheesecake and continental cheesecake?
The process of setting baked cheesecake relies on the inclusion of eggs and flour while unbaked versions may use gelatine as a thickening agent to achieve the same effect.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique twist on a classic dessert, then try out this Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe. Its smooth and creamy texture, combined with the sweet and savory flavors of peanut butter and graham cracker crust, make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking with various substitutions and variations. And with some helpful tips on storing and reheating, you can enjoy this mouthwatering cheesecake all week long.
So why not impress your family and friends with a delicious dessert that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat? Give this Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe a try today!
Southern Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low fat graham cracker crumbs
- 8 ounces light cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 8 ounces fat free cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup fat free sour cream
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 egg whites
Instructions
- Coat a 9-inch spring form pan with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the bottom of pan. Set aside. Process the cream cheese, sour cream and cream cheese in a food processor until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and mix.
- Slowly add the sugar and vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour the eggs through the food chute with the processor running.
- Blend until combined.
- Spoon the mixture over the graham cracker crumbs.
- Bake in a 300F oven for 50 minutes. Center will be soft, but will firm when chilled.
- Turn the oven off and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 30 more minutes.
- Remove from oven; let cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
- Cover and chill 8 hours.