These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies blend the tangy taste of cheesecake with rich peanut butter in a chewy dessert that’s worth every calorie. They are easy to make and perfect for anyone who loves peanut butter with a creamy twist!
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My absolute favorite dessert flavor combination has to be peanut butter and chocolate. If the sweet treat we’re making is up to me, I can be found in the kitchen making Chocolate Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, or Chocolate Peanut Butter Dirt Cake for me and the kids. This recipe still uses peanut butter but has a bit of a unique twist when paired with creamy, tangy cheesecake!
I decided to tackle these brownies last weekend as a special dessert for the family to enjoy. At the end of the weekend, we still had over half the tray left, so I sent them to work with my hubby. Not only did my entire family love these, but my hubby said several of his coworkers commented on how delicious they were!
Jump to:
- Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need to make this Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- How To Make Cheesecake Brownies with Peanut Butter
- Helpful Baking Tips for Reeses Cheesecake Brownies
- Brownie Peanut Butter Cheesecake Toppings & Mix-Ins
- Storing & Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- FAQ’s
- More Decadent Brownie Recipes
- Layered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies
What’s the best way to add the flavor of peanut butter and chocolate to cheesecake? Reese’s, of course! Not only does peanut butter get mixed into the cheesecake layer, but the brownie layer is full of chopped peanut butter cups. This not only adds that classic flavor but also adds texture and a layer of excitement when sprinkled on top!
These brownies are SUPER rich but totally worth it, especially since they are so easy to make! Just melt butter and chocolate mix in sugars, vanilla, eggs, flour, and Reese’s for the brownie layer. Then, blend cream cheese, butter, sugar, and peanut butter for the cheesecake layer, and layer it on top of the brownie mix. Bake, cool, add the melted chocolate and Reese’s on top and they’re ready to enjoy.
Peanut butter cream cheese brownies go well with coffee, milk, or as part of a dessert spread. Enjoy them for holidays, potlucks, or when you need a rich and indulgent dessert with the comforting taste of peanut butter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: The recipe uses simple baking instructions and comes together quickly, making it easy for anyone to make.
- Iconic taste: Who doesn’t love the taste of creamy peanut butter paired with a rich brownie? Both kids and adults will appreciate the taste.
- Make ahead: These brownies hold up well in the fridge, so they can be made ahead of time for parties or events.
- Customizable: You can add nuts, swirls of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt to tweak the recipe to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need to make this Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact recipe ingredient amounts and step by step instructions.
- Softened Butter – Acts as the oil base for both layers, adding moisture and richness along with a buttery flavor.
- Dark Chocolate – Gives the brownies their classic deep chocolate flavor and brown color.
- Sugar (brown and white) – White sugar sweetens the brownie and cheesecake layers, while brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth and moisture. Both are needed to create the best taste and texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, adding a subtle warmth to both layers.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together, giving structure to the brownies and cheesecake.
- All-Purpose Flour – Helps combine all the ingredients while giving the brownies their classic chewy texture.
- Mini Reese’s Cups – Adds a peanut butter and chocolate hit in every bite, creating pockets of flavor throughout the brownies.
- Milk Chocolate Chips – Melted chocolate chips are poured on top for a delicious chocolatey finish.
Cheesecake:
- Softened Cream Cheese and Butter – Creates the creamy, tangy base of the cheesecake layer, giving it a smooth and rich texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
- Egg – Acts as a binder in the cheesecake, helping it set into a firm yet creamy consistency.
- Salt – Balances the flavor of all the ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract – Just like in the brownie layer, vanilla adds a hint of floral warmth.
- Peanut Butter – Infuses the cheesecake with a nutty, peanut butter taste that connects all the layers together.
How To Make Cheesecake Brownies with Peanut Butter
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate in 30-second increments to avoid burning. Fold in the sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and large eggs until combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Gently stir in the flour until fully mixed in without overworking. Fold in ½ of the chopped Reese’s mixture. Pour the brownie layer into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Make the cheesecake layer: To a stand mixer or using an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, then fold in the peanut butter. Spread this cream cheese layer over the brownie layer in the baking pan.
- Bake and cool: Bake in a preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the center is set and not wet. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to the fridge for at least one hour.
- Add the toppings: Once chilled, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in short intervals until smooth and creamy. Spread the chocolate over the top of the brownies, then sprinkle the rest of the chopped Reese’s on top. Let the chocolate harden in the fridge. Slice with a sharp knife, serve, and enjoy!
Helpful Baking Tips for Reeses Cheesecake Brownies
- Bring butter, cream cheese, and eggs to room temperature before mixing to make sure the batter mixes smoothly.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for maximum creamy texture and flavor.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent brownie layer.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to prevent the brownies from becoming tough; mix just until the ingredients are combined with no dry patches.
- Grease the baking pan well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking, as the cheesecake layer can get sticky.
- Test the brownies with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the chocolate topping to prevent it from melting into the cheesecake layer.
Brownie Peanut Butter Cheesecake Toppings & Mix-Ins
- Swirl caramel sauce on top of the brownie batter before baking to add a gooey, sweet layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate topping for a salty contrast that enhances the sweetness.
- Mix chopped walnuts, peanuts, or pecans into the brownie batter for an even more crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Stir white chocolate chips into the brownie mix to introduce a creamy, vanilla taste.
- Add a layer of marshmallow fluff over the brownie layer before baking for a s’mores-like finish.
- Blend in raspberry preserves with the cheesecake mixture for a fruity twist.
- Fold crushed pretzels into the brownie batter for a salty crunch that complements the sweet chocolate.
- Spread a layer of Nutella over the top of the cooled brownies before topping with peanut butter cups for a unique chocolate hazelnut flavor.
Storing & Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
- Storing: Keep the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Let them thaw out on the counter or in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQ’s
Can I make these peanut butter brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free peanut butter cheesecake brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite flour blend that does not contain gluten. Make sure you check the chocolate, peanut butter, and other ingredients, too!
What’s the best type of peanut butter to use?
The best type of peanut butter for these brownies is a creamy, processed brand because it has a stable blend that mixes well into the cheesecake mixture without separating.
More Decadent Brownie Recipes
- Lunch Lady Brownies
- Salted Caramel Brownies
- All In One Brownie Cups
- Chunky Monkey Brownies
- Pecan Pie Brownies
These Cheesecake Peanut Butter Brownies are a delicious and decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake, peanut butter, and chocolate into one irresistible dessert. Whether enjoyed as a special indulgence or shared with friends and family, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their fudgy texture and creamy cheesecake topping, they are perfect for satisfying even the most intense sweet cravings. So why not whip up a batch today and treat yourself to this delightful combination of flavors? You won’t be disappointed!
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Layered Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies
Equipment
Ingredients
Brownies
- ¾ cup butter *softened
- 6 oz dark chocolate *chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup flour *All-purpose
- 12 oz Mini Reese’s cups *Chopped, divided in ½
Cheesecake
- 8 oz cream cheese *softened
- ¼ cup butter *softened
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanut butter *creamy
Chocolate Topping
- 12 oz milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.
- In a microwavable safe bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate in 30 second increments to avoid burning.
- Fold in the sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs.
- Stir in the flour until fully combined.
- Add in ½ the chopped Reese’s.
- Pour the mixture into the greased pan and spread evenly.
- To make the cheesecake layer, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla until combined.
- Fold in the peanut butter.
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over brownie batter.
- Place pan in oven for about 40 minutes, or until center is set.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Place pan in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Melt milk chocolate chips in microwavable bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Spread chocolate evenly on top of cheesecake layer.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ of chopped Reese’s oven pan.
- Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve!!
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