Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Dessert dreams come alive with this irresistible peanut butter butterfinger cheesecake that blends creamy textures and decadent flavors.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over every rich, indulgent bite of this spectacular treat.

The smooth cream cheese base perfectly complements crushed butterfinger bars scattered throughout the dessert.

Layers of sweet and salty goodness create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each slice promises a delightful crunch from butterfinger pieces nestled within the silky filling.

The graham cracker crust adds a delectable foundation that elevates this cheesecake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ways to Change Up Butterfinger Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free Butterfinger alternatives or crushed gluten-free chocolate bars.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free candy or chopped nuts for topping to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Replace eggs with silken tofu or commercial egg replacer. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap peanut butter with melted dark chocolate. Replace Butterfinger with chocolate-covered peanut butter chips or chocolate cookie crumbles for added richness.

Presenting Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake

  • Sweet Candy Crunch: Sprinkle extra Butterfinger pieces on top for a delightful textural contrast that adds crunch and highlights the candy's rich flavor.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt chocolate chips and create elegant zigzag patterns across the cheesecake surface for a gourmet touch that elevates visual appeal.
  • Whipped Cream Elegance: Use a piping bag to create decorative rosettes around the cheesecake edges, filling spaces between Butterfinger crumbles for a professional presentation.
  • Caramel Companion: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual slices just before serving to introduce a luxurious sweet complement to the peanut butter and chocolate notes.

Storing Cheesecake for Later Enjoyment

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the wrap touches the surface to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container for easy single-serving access.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of candy instead of Butterfinger?

Yes, you can substitute Butterfinger with other chocolate or peanut butter candies like Reese’s, Kit Kat, or Crunch bars for a similar crunchy texture.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this cheesecake?

You’ll need a 9-inch springform pan, electric mixer, and mixing bowls. A springform pan helps easily remove the cheesecake without breaking it.

  • What makes the cheesecake texture creamy and smooth?

The combination of cream cheese, peanut butter, heavy cream, and careful mixing technique ensures a rich, smooth texture. Beating ingredients gradually and not overmixing is key to achieving the perfect consistency.

Peanut Butter Meets Butterfinger: A Cheesecake Adventure

  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines beloved flavors of peanut butter and Butterfinger into one decadent cheesecake that will wow family and friends at any gathering.
  • Perfect for Sweet Tooth Lovers: Delivers rich, creamy texture with crunchy candy pieces, offering a perfect balance of smooth cheesecake and crispy Butterfinger bits in every delightful bite.
  • Impress Without Complicated Techniques: Requires basic baking skills with straightforward steps, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels while producing a professional-looking dessert that seems much more complex than it actually is.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Works wonderfully for birthdays, potlucks, holiday parties, or as a special weekend indulgence that transforms an ordinary day into something extraordinary.

Everything You Need for Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese and adds sweetness.
  • Peanut Butter: Introduces a rich, nutty flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the classic cheesecake structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Butterfinger Candy: Adds a crunchy, sweet, and nutty element to the cheesecake.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides a light and airy topping that complements the rich cheesecake.

How to Craft a Butterfinger Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to a cozy 325°F.

Grab your 9-inch springform pan and give it a light greasing to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Combine your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.

Pop it in the oven for a quick 10-minute toast, then set aside to cool down completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until they become silky smooth.

Introduce the peanut butter and blend until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Filling

Gradually add eggs one by one, giving each a thorough beating between additions.

Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until the filling becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Incorporate Butterfinger Magic

Gently fold in the crushed Butterfinger pieces, creating pockets of crunchy caramel goodness throughout the cheesecake.

Step 6: Fill and Prepare for Baking

Carefully pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Send the cheesecake into the oven for 55-65 minutes.

You’re looking for a slightly wobbly center with set edges – the hallmark of a perfect cheesecake.

Step 8: Gentle Cooling Process

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly.

Let the cheesecake rest inside for a full hour, allowing it to cool down gradually.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.

This helps it set to creamy perfection.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Just before serving, crown your masterpiece with a cloud of whipped cream and sprinkle the remaining Butterfinger pieces on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

Handy Tips for Peanut Butter Cheesecake Fans

  • Break candy bars in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin for even, fine crumbs without messy shattering.
  • Create a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure smooth, crack-free cheesecake surface.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky, creamy texture.
  • Use a spatula to fold Butterfinger pieces softly into the batter, maintaining air pockets for a lighter cheesecake consistency.
  • Allow eggs, cream cheese, and heavy cream to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to guarantee better ingredient integration.
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Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe

Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cheesecake Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich layers of creamy peanut butter butterfinger cheesecake beckon dessert enthusiasts with irresistible crunch and smooth indulgence. Chocolate cookie crust and crushed candy bars create a decadent experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Crust and Sweet Components:

  • 1.5 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1.25 cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) powdered sugar

Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) crushed Butterfinger candy bars
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Create the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom. Bake for 10 minutes and allow to cool completely.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Incorporate peanut butter and blend thoroughly.
  4. Introduce eggs individually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Blend in vanilla extract and heavy cream until the mixture reaches a smooth, velvety texture.
  5. Delicately fold chopped Butterfinger pieces into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
  6. Transfer the cheesecake filling onto the cooled crust, spreading it uniformly to create an even surface.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, watching for a slightly wobbly center while the edges become firm and set.
  8. Switch off the oven, leaving the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for one hour to prevent cracking.
  9. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow complete chilling and setting.
  10. Prior to serving, adorn with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle remaining Butterfinger fragments across the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Enhance crust crunchiness by freezing the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, which helps prevent sogginess and maintains a crisp texture.
  • Prevent cheesecake cracking by using room temperature ingredients and avoiding overmixing, which introduces excess air and can cause surface breaks.
  • Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for an equally delicious base.
  • Control sweetness levels by reducing sugar or using sugar substitutes like stevia for a more balanced dessert that caters to health-conscious individuals.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 443 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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