Name: Buckeye Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 40 Oreo cookies; 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted); 24 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1½ cups creamy peanut butter; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream (room temperature); ½ cup heavy whipping cream (plus more for topping); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream; 6 buckeye balls

Buckeye Cheesecake combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate for a decadent dessert everyone will love. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings!

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Buckeye Cheesecake
Why You'll Love This Buckeye Cheesecake Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
JUMP TO RECIPE

Table of Contents

Buckeye Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! This creamy cheesecake features a rich peanut butter layer topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving, this indulgent treat is sure to impress, so you can it at home for an easy, show-stopping dessert everyone will love!

This Buckeye Cheesecake is easy to make, with step-by-step photos and detailed directions below. We also share pro tips, tricks, and answer the most frequently asked questions to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly!

More Recipes ⭐ Mini Apple Cheesecakes | Salted Nut Roll Bars | Red Velvet Brownies

Buckeye Cheesecake is a dessert that combines rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate for a deliciously indulgent treat. It only takes about 30 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy bakers. This cheesecake is ideal for parties, potlucks, or any special occasion, with its creamy texture and bold flavor that always stands out. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe:

For The Oreo Crust:

40 Oreo cookies
6 tablespoons of salted butter, melted

To Make The Cheesecake Layer:

3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1½ cups of creamy peanut butter
1½ cups of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
½ cup of sour cream, room temperature
½ cup of heavy whipping cream, plus more for topping
3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, room temperature

For The Ganache:

1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

For The Frosting:

½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
½ cup of creamy peanut butter
2 cups of powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons of heavy cream
6 buckeye balls

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Buckeye Cheesecake recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your cheesecake uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions.

Add Sea Salt: Add a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate ganache for a sweet and salty contrast. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this Peanut Butter Buckeye Brownie Cheesecake.

Substitute Peanut Butter: Use almond butter or hazelnut spread for a new twist on your Buckeye Cheesecake.

Substitute Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor combination.

Add Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or almonds on top for added texture and crunch in your Buckeye Cheesecake.

How to Make Buckeye Cheesecake

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, instructions, and tips and tricks listed below for the perfect Buckeye Cheesecake. Let’s get started and create this delicious peanut butter and chocolate dessert together!

FIRST STEP: Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

SECOND STEP: Preheat the oven to 325°F.

THIRD STEP: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until small crumbs form. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is evenly combined.

FOURTH STEP: Press the cookie crumbs into the prepared springform pan and set aside.

FIFTH STEP: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Pro Tip

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, as you don’t want lumps in the cheesecake batter.

SIXTH STEP: Add the vanilla, sour cream, heavy cream, and flour and beat again until well combined.

Vanilla, sour cream, Heavy cream and flour added in a bowl

SEVENTH STEP: Mix in the eggs one at a time by hand. However, stir gently to prevent extra air from getting into the mixture.

Pro Tip

Do not mix in the eggs with an electric mixer. The eggs will hold too much air, resulting in your cheesecake puffing during cooking, and the cheesecake will crack.

EIGHTH STEP: Pour the cheesecake mixture into the prepared Oreo cookie crust, then smooth it to level it off.

NINTH STEP: Wrap the springform pan with at least two layers of aluminum foil to ensure it is fully sealed and no water will get in.

TENTH STEP: Place the wrapped pan in a larger pan, then fill it halfway with boiling or hot water.

ELEVENTH STEP: Bake for 65 to 75 minutes. The cheesecake should appear matte across the top surface, and the center should be slightly jiggly.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cheesecake at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

TWELFTH STEP: Turn off the oven, keeping the door closed for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, crack the oven door and leave the cheesecake in place for another 20 minutes.

THIRTEENTH STEP: Remove the peanut butter buckeye cheesecake from the oven. Allow it to cool the rest of the way, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 additional hours.

To Make Ganache Topping:

FIRST STEP: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until simmering. Pour over the chocolate chips, placing a plate or lid over the mixture to trap the heat. Let the chocolate mixture sit for several minutes, then whisk together vigorously until a silky, thick chocolate ganache comes together.

Pro Tip

f your ganache does not whisk into a silky, smooth mixture, and you still have lumps of chocolate in it, you can microwave the mixture in 30-second increments until the chocolate has melted enough to whisk everything smooth.

To Make The Frosting:

FIRST STEP: In a medium bowl with a hand mixer, beat together the butter and peanut butter until smooth.

SECOND STEP: Beat in the powdered sugar. The mixture will be crumbly and very thick.

THIRD STEP: While beating, add in the heavy cream, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, until a fluffy frosting forms.

Heavy cream added into the bowl with a mixer

FOURTH STEP: Place the frosting in a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Assemble The Cheesecake:

FIRST STEP: Run a knife around the edges of the chilled cheesecake to loosen it from the springform pan. Then, remove the ring from the pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter, if desired.

SECOND STEP: Pour the chocolate ganache over the center of the cheesecake, spreading it with an offset spatula and allowing some of the ganache to drip down the sides of the cheesecake.

Chocolate ganache poured over the cheesecake

THIRD STEP: Allow the ganache to set for 10 to 15 minutes.

FOURTH STEP: Pipe swirls around the top edge of the cheesecake with the peanut butter frosting.

FIFTH STEP: Decorate with buckeye peanut butter balls on top of the frosting.

How To Serve Buckeye Cheesecake

Buckeye Cheesecake is versatile and works for many occasions. Serve it year-round for special events or casual get-togethers. Here are three fun ways to enjoy this decadent dessert:

Birthday Parties: Kids and adults love the mix of peanut butter and chocolate. Pair it with ice cream or Boston cream cupcakes for the ultimate treat!

Holiday Gatherings: This rich cheesecake is perfect for holiday feasts. Serve it alongside pumpkin pie or yogurt bark for a festive dessert spread.

Summer BBQs: Cool, creamy cheesecake is refreshing after a summer meal. Pair it with fruit salad or lemon bars for a light and balanced finish.

Why You'll Love This Buckeye Cheesecake Recipe

Peanut Butter Buckeye Cheesecake is a beloved favorite among our readers for many delicious reasons:

A Perfect Blend of Flavors: This recipe combines the rich, creamy peanut butter with the smooth sweetness of chocolate ganache. The balance of flavors makes each bite irresistible and satisfying.

Memories of Comfort and Joy: For many, Buckeye Pie brings back memories of family gatherings or special celebrations. The comforting combination of peanut butter and chocolate always feels like home.

More Than Just Dessert: Buckeye Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it's an indulgent treat that everyone looks forward to enjoying. Its creamy texture and chocolate topping create a truly delightful experience.

With every bite, this Buckeye Cheesecake is sure to become a new favorite for any occasion!

A piece of Buckeye Cheesecake with a whole cake at the back

Recipe FAQ

Can I make Buckeye Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Buckeye Cheesecake up to two days in advance. Keep it refrigerated until serving.

Why does my cheesecake crack while baking?
Cheesecakes often crack due to overbaking or cooling too quickly. Be sure to bake at the right temperature and cool gradually.

How do I know when Buckeye Cheesecake is fully baked?
Your cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center jiggles slightly. It will firm as it cools.

Can I use a water bath for Buckeye Cheesecake?
Yes, using a water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking for a smooth, creamy texture.

a slice of cheesecake beside a whole cake

Serving FAQ

How should I serve Buckeye Cheesecake for the best presentation?
Slice the cheesecake with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for smooth, even slices every time.

Do I need to let the cheesecake come to room temperature before serving?
Serve Buckeye Cheesecake chilled for the best texture and flavor. It doesn’t need to sit at room temperature.

Can I garnish Buckeye Cheesecake before serving?
Yes, garnish with extra chocolate drizzle or crushed peanuts before serving for an eye-catching and delicious presentation.

What size should I cut the cheesecake slices?
Cut smaller slices, as Buckeye Cheesecake is rich. Typically, one cheesecake can serve 12 to 16 people.

a buckeye cheesecake on a serving platter with a piece cut out of it.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your Oreo Peanut Butter Cheesecake. From making it ahead to reheating, we've got you covered to ensure it stays fresh and delicious!

Can I prepare Buckeye Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Buckeye Cheesecake up to two days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What's the best way to store leftover Buckeye Cheesecake?
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to five days.

Can I freeze Buckeye Cheesecake?
Yes, freeze your Buckeye Cheesecake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to three months.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen Buckeye Cheesecake?
Thaw frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight. Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating isn't necessary.