Elegant White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Here’s a recipe for an elegant White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake:

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 8 oz white chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup sour cream

White Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping:

• 1/4 cup peanut butter, melted
• White chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated with butter.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the melted white chocolate and sour cream until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

Baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
3. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for about 1 hour.
4. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

White Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped white chocolate and heavy cream.
2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.

Topping:

1. Drizzle the melted peanut butter over the ganache.
2. If desired, garnish with white chocolate shavings.
3. Refrigerate the cheesecake for another 30 minutes to set the ganache and topping.

Serving:

• Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
• Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy your elegant White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake!