This delightful Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a decadent treat featuring a rich and creamy filling layered with chocolate and peanut butter, all on a crunchy Oreo base. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, it's perfect for any occasion!
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F, and prepare a cookie sheet with water on the bottom shelf.
For Crust:
Cover the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
In a food processor, grind the Oreo cookies, including the cream, until they become fine crumbs.
Combine the cookie crumbs with the melted butter, mix well, and firmly press into the bottom of the springform pan.
For Filling:
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Blend in peanut butter, one egg, and vanilla until fully mixed.
Melt the milk chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in another package of cream cheese until well combined.
Stir in milk and a touch of vanilla extract.
Crack the eggs into a bowl and temper by whisking in a bit of the chocolate mixture, then add the rest of the chocolate and whisk until smooth.
Pour half of the chocolate batter over the prepared crust.
Gently layer the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate batter and smooth the top carefully.
Top with the remaining chocolate cheesecake mixture. Bake for about 50-60 minutes until the center is set. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
After cooling for 5 minutes, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheesecake, let it cool for an hour before refrigerating until completely set.
For Topping:
Warm the heavy cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
Once the cheesecake is chilled, carefully remove the springform pan and pour the chocolate topping over the cheesecake, smoothing it out.
Using a piping bag, create decorative swirls using Cool Whip around the edges and place a mini peanut butter cup on each swirl right before serving. Slice into 14 pieces and enjoy!