Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

Why You'll Love My Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

You're going to love these Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups for a couple of key reasons. First, the irresistible combination of flavors – the rich, creamy peanut butter paired with the luxurious taste of chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven. It's a classic duo that never disappoints, satisfying both your peanut butter cravings and chocolate desires in one go.

Secondly, the convenience and presentation are unbeatable. These cheesecakes are served in individual cups, making them not only adorable and easy to serve but also perfect for portion control. Plus, the fact that you can prepare them up to three days in advance means you'll have one less thing to worry about when planning for gatherings or special occasions. They're a hassle-free, visually appealing treat that's sure to impress.

If you're looking for more delicious mini dessert cup recipes, you're in luck! Be sure to check out our other tempting options like the Mini Toblerone Dessert Cups and the Caramel Coffee Latte Parfait Cups. They're just as delicious and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients In Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

The list of ingredients for these Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups includes:

• Tim Tams: These are Australian chocolate biscuits used to create a unique and flavorful base for the cheesecakes. They add a delightful chocolatey crunch. These can be swapped out for any chocolate coated cookie.
• Cream Cheese: This is the main component of the cheesecake layer, providing a rich and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cheesecake mixture, it blends smoothly without any grittiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
• Peanut Butter: This gives the cheesecake its distinct peanut butter flavor, adding a creamy and nutty element.
• Heavy Cream: Used to give the cheesecake a light and fluffy texture.
• Dark Chocolate: This is used for making the chocolate sauce and chocolate shards. The type of dark chocolate can vary depending on personal preference.
• Crushed Nuts: These are used as a garnish, adding an extra crunch and nutty flavor to complement the peanut butter.

How To Make Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

Begin by processing Tim Tams until they turn into a fine crumb. A food processor or stick blender works perfectly for this.

Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a bowl. Mix with a hand mixer making sure they're well combined and smooth.

Next, add the vanilla extract and peanut butter. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Finally, add heavy cream to the mix. You're aiming for a thick and creamy consistency. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Take dark chocolate and heavy cream, and combine them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on full power for 20 seconds, then stir, and repeat this process until the mixture is smooth. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before using.

Melt some more dark chocolate and spread it thinly between two sheets of parchment paper.

Roll this up and chill it in the fridge until it's set. Once it's hard, you can unroll it and break it into shards.

Take your mini dessert cups and start by layering the bottom with your Tim Tam crumbs. Next, pipe in a layer of the peanut butter cheesecake mixture.

Drizzle your cooled chocolate sauce over this layer. Repeat these layers, finishing with a layer of chocolate sauce on top.

Sprinkle crushed nuts over the top for an extra crunch. Add a few of your homemade chocolate shards for a decorative touch.

Let the cheesecakes set in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving. This helps the layers firm up and the flavors meld together.

My Top Tip For This Recipe

Firstly, when you're mixing your cream cheese and powdered sugar, it's important that you combine them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This step is key for achieving a silky, consistent texture in your cheesecake layer.

Next, and equally important, is the addition of heavy cream. As you mix it into the cream cheese mixture, be careful to stop once it becomes thick and holds its shape. Remember, moderation is key here; overmixing can lead to a mixture that's too loose and might not set properly in your dessert cups.

So, focus on these steps to ensure your cheesecakes turn out rich, creamy, and perfectly structured. These are the little details that will make a big difference in the final outcome of your delightful dessert.

Alternate Serving Suggestions

Cheesecake Parfaits: Layer the crushed Tim Tam base, peanut butter cheesecake mixture, and chocolate sauce in clear glasses or mason jars. This will create a visually appealing parfait that's perfect for a more casual or individual serving.

Mini Tarts: Use mini tart shells as the base instead of Tim Tams. Fill these with the peanut butter cheesecake mixture and top with chocolate sauce. This variation adds a bit of a crunchy pastry texture.

Layered Cheesecake Bowl: For a family-style serving, layer the ingredients in a large glass bowl. This trifle-like presentation allows everyone to scoop as much as they want.

Deconstructed Cheesecake: Serve the components separately and allow guests to assemble their own dessert. This interactive approach can be especially fun at more casual or family-oriented events.

Video Tutorials For More Dessert Cups

• Vanilla Cheesecake Shot Glass Dessert
• Kinder Bueno Dessert Cups
• Triple Chocolate Dessert Cups