No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Creamy, Decadent & Easy to Make

Craving something rich, creamy, and indulgent without turning on the oven? This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is your answer. With its silky peanut butter filling resting on a crunchy graham cracker crust (or keto-friendly alternative), this dessert hits all the right notes—sweet, salty, smooth, and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping healthy snacks, or just need a sweet fix, this no-bake cheesecake comes together in minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s easily customizable for different dietary needs like keto, vegan, or gluten-free.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to make this irresistible dessert, offer variations, share expert tips, and explain why this recipe is a must-have in your kitchen.

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🥛 Why You’ll Love No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake

This cheesecake isn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it’s also incredibly practical:

• No baking required : Perfect for summer or when you want a quick dessert.
• Rich flavor : Peanut butter and cream cheese combine for a deep, nutty sweetness.
• Make-ahead friendly : Prep it the day before and let it chill overnight.
• Customizable : Adjust sweetness, texture, and toppings to suit your taste.
• Great for any occasion : Birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or as a late-night treat.

And with simple ingredients, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a dessert that looks fancy but takes minimal effort.

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🧾 Ingredients Needed (Makes 8–10 Servings)

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 crackers)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or low-carb sweetener (like erythritol or monk fruit) – optional

For a keto/gluten-free version : Use almond flour or crushed keto cookies instead of graham crackers.

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For the Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered erythritol or confectioners’ sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipping the cream)

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Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate ganache or drizzle
• Sliced bananas or strawberries
• Crushed peanuts or chopped chocolate
• Whipped cream dollops
• A sprinkle of sea salt

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a mixing bowl and springform pan.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sweetener until combined.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spoon or measuring cup.
3. Place the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add peanut butter, powdered erythritol (or sugar), and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

1. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and light in texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
2. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Step 5: Chill the Cheesecake

1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Before serving, add your favorite toppings like chocolate ganache, fresh berries, or crushed nuts.
2. Slice and enjoy chilled!

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🌰 The Magic of Peanut Butter in Desserts

Peanut butter brings more than just flavor—it adds a luxurious, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the tanginess of cream cheese. When selecting peanut butter for this recipe:

• Opt for creamy, natural varieties without added sugars or oils for the best flavor.
• Avoid reduced-fat versions , which can make the filling too soft or oily.

Natural peanut butter gives a richer, more authentic peanut flavor that elevates the entire dessert.

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🧀 Why Cream Cheese Is the Perfect Base

Cream cheese is the backbone of any great cheesecake. It provides:

• A smooth, dense texture
• Tangy depth of flavor
• The ability to hold shape when chilled

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing—it blends more smoothly and avoids lumps.

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🍫 Optional Chocolate Layer or Ganache

Want to take this cheesecake to the next level? Add a layer of chocolate by doing one of the following:

• Chocolate swirl : Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into part of the filling before spreading.
• Ganache topping : Heat equal parts heavy cream and dark chocolate until melted, then pour over the top before chilling.

Dark chocolate complements peanut butter beautifully and adds a gourmet touch.

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🧁 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~400
Protein	~8g
Fat	~30g
Carbs	~20g
Fiber	~2g
Net Carbs	~18g
Sugar	~12g
Sodium	~200mg

Note: Values will vary slightly depending on toppings and substitutions used.

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🥣 How to Store No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Because this cheesecake contains dairy, it should be stored properly to maintain freshness and texture.

Refrigeration:

• Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Slice only what you plan to eat to prevent drying out

Freezing:

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge or for 1–2 hours at room temperature

Meal Prep Tips:

• Make ahead for birthdays, gatherings, or weekly snacks
• Layer in mason jars for grab-and-go portions
• Store toppings separately and add before serving

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💡 Expert Tips for the Best Texture

1. Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold cream cheese leads to lumps.
2. Don’t overmix – Once everything is combined, stop mixing to avoid deflating the whipped cream.
3. Chill thoroughly – Rushing the setting time can result in a soft, messy slice.
4. Press the crust firmly – This prevents crumbling when slicing.
5. Slice with a warm knife – Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean slices.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this cheesecake keto-friendly?

A: Yes! Use a keto crust made from almond flour or crushed keto cookies, and choose a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.

Q: Is there a vegan version?

A: Yes! Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or cashew-based cheese, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese?

A: You can replace some of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, but the texture will be lighter and less dense.

Q: What if my filling is too soft?

A: Return the cheesecake to the fridge for a few more hours. If still too soft, add a bit more powdered sweetener or a spoonful of mascarpone.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

A: Yes! It adds a nice textural contrast, though the final texture won’t be as smooth.

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🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion

This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is ideal for:

• Birthday parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Potlucks and family dinners
• After-school snacks
• Late-night cravings

Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a standout dessert that everyone will love—even those who don’t usually go for peanut butter desserts.

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🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a must-try. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or customizing it for keto, vegan, or gluten-free diets, this recipe delivers every time.

With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you can have a restaurant-quality dessert ready in no time. So go ahead—treat yourself to something deliciously decadent without the hassle.

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