Dreamy Buckeye Cheesecake Recipe: Sweet Chocolate-Peanut Magic

Some desserts capture the essence of nostalgia, and this delightful buckeye cheesecake bridges beloved midwest memories with creamy indulgence.

Sweet ohio traditions blend seamlessly into a rich, decadent experience.

Chocolate and peanut butter create a mesmerizing dance of flavors that whispers comfort.

Silky smooth textures melt across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Layers of ganache and cream cheese promise an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Simple ingredients come together in a masterpiece that celebrates classic midwest confectionery magic.

Let this dessert transport you to a world of pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

What Makes Buckeye Cheesecake So Addictive

• Indulge Effortlessly: Creamy cheesecake meets classic buckeye candy in this show-stopping dessert that requires minimal baking skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe comes together in under 2 hours, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or weekend celebrations with friends and family.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match personal preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent peanut butter and chocolate treat.
• No-Bake Brilliance: Most of the preparation involves simple mixing and chilling, eliminating complex baking techniques and reducing overall kitchen stress.

Buckeye Cheesecake Sweet Components

• Chocolate Sandwich Cookies: Classic base for a rich, chocolatey foundation, look for fresh, crisp cookies.
• Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and create a sturdy crust, unsalted preferred.

• Peanut Butter, Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that creates the signature buckeye flavor, choose full-fat varieties for best texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling, sifted for smooth consistency.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides light, airy texture to the cheesecake, cold cream whips best.

• Powdered Sugar, Peanut Butter, Butter: Creates classic buckeye candy centers, soft butter works best.
• Chocolate Almond Bark: Provides smooth chocolate coating for buckeyes, break into pieces for easier melting.
• Peanut Butter, Powdered Sugar, Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes a creamy frosting for final decoration, room temperature ingredients blend smoothly.

Prepare Buckeye Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Crush Cookie Base

Grab your food processor and transform chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs.

Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they stick together perfectly.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator while you craft the filling.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and cream cheese until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and blend thoroughly.

Pour in heavy whipping cream and continue beating until the mixture forms beautiful stiff peaks.

Spread this luscious filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.

Return to the refrigerator.

Step 3: Create Buckeye Candy Balls

Combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter in a medium bowl.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Roll the dough into 10-12 perfect little balls.

Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Coating

Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt chocolate almond bark.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Assemble Cheesecake Layers

Drizzle and spread half of the melted chocolate across the top of the cheesecake, leaving a small border around the edges.

Dip each frozen buckeye ball into the remaining melted chocolate.

Return the chocolate-covered balls to the parchment paper.

Step 6: Pipe Peanut Butter Frosting

Blend peanut butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer.

Add heavy whipping cream and mix until the frosting becomes silky smooth.

Use a piping bag to create 8 elegant frosting dollops around the cheesecake’s edge.

Gently place a chocolate-covered buckeye on top of each dollop.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for an additional 10 minutes to set the frosting and toppings.

Slice this showstopping dessert and serve to delighted guests!

Cheesecake Prep Tips For Buckeye Sweetness

• Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even, gentle heat distribution and reduce the risk of surface cracks.
• Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling.
• Chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping in chocolate helps them maintain shape and creates a cleaner chocolate coating.
• Use low power in the microwave and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing during the melting process.
• Use a star-tipped piping bag for elegant, uniform frosting dollops that add a professional touch to the cheesecake presentation.

Buckeye Cheesecake Keeps Silky and Sweet

• Store leftover Buckeye Cheesecake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheesecake texture grainy. Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor preservation of the creamy cheesecake and chocolate buckeye topping.

Rich Flavors For Buckeye Cheesecake

• Pair with Bold Coffee Flavors: Dark roast or espresso-based drinks complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate notes, cutting through the creamy cheesecake with a robust intensity.
• Match with Nutty Liqueurs: Amaretto or hazelnut-infused spirits enhance the dessert's peanut butter undertones, creating a luxurious after-dinner experience that elevates each bite.
• Serve with Chocolate Milk Variations: Cold, creamy chocolate milk or a smooth chocolate stout beer provides a delightful counterpoint to the cheesecake's sweetness, balancing the dessert's complex flavors.
• Complement with Caramel Beverages: Salted caramel lattes or caramel-infused whiskey add depth and warmth, echoing the dessert's indulgent chocolate and peanut butter profile.

Different Ways to Make Buckeye Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace chocolate sandwich cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for all components to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based friendly dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor profile. Select dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage for lower sugar content.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Ensure all ingredients are processed in a nut-free facility to prevent cross-contamination for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• What are buckeyes in this recipe?

Buckeyes are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, resembling the nut from a buckeye tree, traditionally a popular candy in Ohio.

• Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate sandwich cookies with graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers for a similar base texture and flavor.

• Is this cheesecake very sweet?

The recipe contains multiple sweet components like powdered sugar and chocolate, so it’s definitely a rich and sweet dessert best enjoyed in smaller portions.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cheesecake?

You’ll need a food processor, springform pan, electric mixer, and microwave-safe bowl to successfully create this dessert.

Buckeye Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Ohio magic meets creamy cheesecake in this irresistible Buckeye Cheesecake, blending peanut butter’s rich charm with chocolate’s silky embrace. Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will discover pure indulgence in each luxurious slice of this Ohio-inspired treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 pound chocolate almond bark, divided

Crust and Cheesecake Base:

• 30 chocolate sandwich cookies
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

Frosting and Topping:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pulverize chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor. Combine with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom and sides of a springform pan. Chill the crust while preparing subsequent components.
2. Whip cream cheese and peanut butter until silky smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, then gently fold in heavy whipping cream until achieving a light, airy texture. Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the chilled crust.
3. Craft peanut butter balls by blending powdered sugar, peanut butter, and softened butter into a cohesive dough. Shape into uniform spheres and freeze for quick solidification.
4. Gently melt chocolate almond bark in microwave, stirring periodically to ensure uniform consistency. Work in short intervals to prevent scorching.
5. Drizzle melted chocolate across cheesecake surface, creating an even layer. Delicately dip frozen peanut butter spheres into remaining chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Construct decorative frosting by whipping peanut butter with powdered sugar and heavy cream until achieving a luxurious, pipeable consistency. Create elegant rosettes around cheesecake perimeter, nestling a chocolate-covered peanut butter ball atop each swirl.
7. Allow cheesecake to set completely in refrigerator, enabling flavors to meld and structure to stabilize. Slice with a heated knife for pristine presentation.

Notes

• Use room temperature cream cheese and peanut butter to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
• Crush cookies finely for a compact, even crust that holds together beautifully when slicing the cheesecake.
• Freeze buckeye balls before dipping in chocolate to prevent them from falling apart and create a clean, professional coating.
• For a gluten-free version, swap chocolate sandwich cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookie alternatives or ground almond meal with cocoa powder.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg