Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake Recipe

If you’re dreaming of the ultimate dessert mash-up, look no further than this Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake. This luscious cheesecake combines the creamy, salty decadence of peanut butter with a sweet berry jam swirl, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s rich, vibrant, and full of nostalgic flavors that remind you of your favorite childhood sandwich, but all grown up and perfect for sharing at celebrations or casual get-togethers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this showstopper actually requires just a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a starring role in creating the dreamy flavors and textures that set this cheesecake apart. Don’t skip or substitute lightly—each ingredient is carefully chosen for delicious impact!

• Graham crackers: The classic choice for a crunchy, buttery base that anchors the cake and adds a bit of honeyed flavor.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the crust’s sweetness with a hint of caramel, making every bite crave-worthy.
• Unsalted butter: Binds the crust together while lending that irresistible richness.
• Cream cheese: The heart of every great cheesecake, bringing creaminess and tangy balance.
• Creamy peanut butter: Delivers a smooth, nutty punch that harmonizes perfectly with the berries.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dissolves seamlessly for a silky texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
• Heavy whipping cream: Fluffs up the filling to sheer, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
• Berry jam or jelly: The “jam” in our Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake—choose raspberry or blackberry for bold color and tang!
• Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, etc.): Offer a burst of tart freshness and make the final presentation irresistible.
• Crushed graham crackers or chopped roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and a finishing touch of flavor.
• Chocolate fudge sauce: A rich, chocolatey drizzle for extra decadence—because why not?
• Caramel sauce: Sweet and buttery, a little goes a long way to elevate every creamy slice.

How to Make Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake

Step 1: Build the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

Start by mixing your crushed graham crackers and brown sugar in a medium bowl, then pour in the melted butter. Stir until every crumb is coated and looks like beach sand—slightly damp and ready to pack. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s even and reaches all the edges. Pop the crust into the freezer. While it chills, it gets delightfully crisp and ready to support the rich cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter with an electric mixer until everything is ultraluxurious and smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar and add the vanilla extract, beating just until everything is homogenous. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form—a key step for that airy, mousse-like texture! Gently fold the whipped cream into your peanut butter base. Don’t rush or overmix; you want this mixture light but fully blended, with no visible streaks.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Scoop half the peanut butter cheesecake filling onto your chilled crust and spread it out evenly. Dot spoonfuls of your favorite berry jam or jelly across the surface, leaving space in between for that signature swirl. Cover gently with the remaining cheesecake filling, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now the fun part: use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the jam into the top layer, creating gorgeous marbled ribbons. It doesn’t have to be perfect—think “artistic and homemade.”

Step 4: Freeze Until Set

Slide your assembled Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake into the freezer. It needs at least 6-8 hours (but overnight is ideal) to become perfectly set and sliceable. Freezing gives the texture a creamy firmness, which makes it easy to achieve sharp, beautiful slices every time.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Once completely frozen, unclip the springform pan and gently remove the ring. Just before serving, pile on fresh raspberries, blackberries, and any other favorite berries. Sprinkle with more crushed graham cracker crumbs or a handful of chopped roasted peanuts. For the final flourish, drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce and caramel sauce. Each slice is now bursting with eye-catching color, crunch, and irresistible flavor.

How to Serve Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake

Garnishes

Fresh fruit is more than just a pretty face here—it adds a juicy brightness to each bite. A scatter of crushed graham crackers or roasted peanuts brings a playful crunch, while the glossy chocolate fudge and caramel sauce drizzles promise extra layers of decadence. Don’t be shy with those toppers; they make every forkful feel like pure celebration.

Side Dishes

Since Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake is rich and satisfying on its own, keep sides simple. A small bowl of fresh berries or sliced bananas can be lovely, or try pouring hot coffee to contrast the cold, creamy cheesecake. If you’re hosting brunch or a dessert party, it pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of milk or even a dreamy affogato for the adults.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a centerpiece by placing the cheesecake atop a white cake stand and letting colorful berries spill over the top. For parties, slice into squares and nestle each piece in cupcake liners for grab-and-go fun. Alternatively, build mini Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecakes in mason jars for a picnic or potluck—just swirl, stash, and top when you’re ready to serve!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the cheesecake or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to five days. You’ll find that flavors intensify nicely after a day, so sneaking a midnight slice is highly recommended.

Freezing

If you want to make the cheesecake well in advance, freezing is your best friend. Slice what you need, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then foil, and slide into a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for perfect, creamy results that taste as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

This is a no-bake, frozen style dessert, so reheating isn’t necessary (and isn’t recommended). Instead, let the slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to take the chill off before serving; this brings out the smooth texture and dynamic flavors in every bite.

FAQs

What kind of jam works best for Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake?

Choose a berry jam with bright, tangy flavor like raspberry or blackberry. These create bold marbled swirls and contrast beautifully with the rich peanut butter filling, but strawberry or grape will work in a pinch if you prefer a classic vibe.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Creamy peanut butter gives the filling its signature silky texture, but if you love extra crunch, swap in half crunchy peanut butter for an added textural twist. Just be sure your cream cheese is extra smooth to avoid a lumpy filling.

How far ahead can I make this cheesecake?

You can make this Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake up to three days in advance if kept refrigerated, or freeze for longer storage. It’s the perfect stress-free dessert for parties and holidays.

Do I need a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes removing the cheesecake much easier and helps with that perfect round presentation, you can also use a deep pie plate or square pan lined with parchment for easy lifting and slicing.

Is this cheesecake gluten free?

As written, the graham cracker crust contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with gluten-free graham crackers or oat biscuits. Be sure to double-check all your ingredients for hidden gluten if you’re serving someone with allergies.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re reminiscing about after-school snacks or just in the mood for a truly joyful dessert, this Peanut Butter & Jam Cheesecake brings comfort, fun, and a burst of nostalgia in every creamy bite. Try it for your next special occasion—or any time you want to make a regular day feel like something to celebrate!