Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Indulge in the delightful fusion of peanut butter and creamy cheesecake with this recipe for Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes. Topped with a rich chocolate ganache, these cheesecakes are not only irresistible but also the perfect portion size. Whether you’re looking for a decadent dessert for your next dinner party or just a treat to sweeten your week, these mini cheesecakes are sure to impress. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake:

• 2 packages (16 oz total) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preparing the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 350º F.
• Line a regular-sized muffin pan with paper muffin liners.
• Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until it resembles coarse sand.
• Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the crumbs into each muffin cup and press firmly using a 1/3 cup measure.
• Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

2. Making the Cheesecake Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
• Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until the yolk breaks—this prevents overbeating.
• Evenly divide the cheesecake batter among the muffin cups, filling each one.
• Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly.
• Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

3. Preparing the Chocolate Ganache:

• Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl.
• Heat the heavy cream in a small pot over low heat until it’s just about to boil.
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let stand for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• Allow the ganache to come to room temperature before spooning onto each cheesecake.
• Optionally, top with chocolate shavings for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Calories: 310 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12

These Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are a delightful blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet flavors with a satisfying texture that comes from the crisp crust and the silky-smooth filling. Serve them at your next gathering or indulge in one as a special treat just for yourself – either way, they’re bound to be a hit!