No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake

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If you’re a fan of cheesecake and crave something that requires no baking and minimal effort, the No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for you. Combining the classic flavors of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and candy-coated M&Ms, this cheesecake offers a fun twist on a traditional favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to please any crowd.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• No Bake Convenience: As the name suggests, you don’t need to turn on the oven. This makes it an ideal choice for those warm days when you want a delicious treat without heating up the kitchen.
• Fun Ingredients: Loaded with mini chocolate chips and M&Ms, it’s like having a monster cookie in cheesecake form!
• Creamy Texture: Thanks to the combination of cream cheese and sour cream, this cheesecake has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This colorful, candy-filled dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with something fun and tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 9 graham crackers (one whole sleeve)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup full-fat sour cream
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
• ¾ cup M&Ms, divided
• ¼ cup chilled fudge topping

How to Make No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Process the Graham Crackers: Begin by placing the graham crackers in a food processor. Pulse them until you get fine crumbs.
2. Add Sugar and Butter: Once the crackers are crumbs, add in the granulated sugar and melted butter. Pulse the mixture again until the crumbs resemble wet sand.
3. Press the Crust: Dump the graham cracker crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie plate. Firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate to form an even crust.
4. Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to set while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Cream the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the room temperature cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the cream cheese mixture, add the sour cream, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in Chocolate and M&Ms: Stir in ½ cup of the M&Ms and ¾ cup of the mini chocolate chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

1. Fill the Crust: Scrape the prepared cheesecake filling into the graham cracker crust. Spread the filling evenly over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This will allow the cheesecake to set properly, giving it the perfect texture.

Step 4: Decorate the Cheesecake

1. Prepare the Fudge Topping: Once the cheesecake has chilled overnight, place the chilled fudge topping in a sandwich bag. Cut a small hole in one corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag.
2. Drizzle the Fudge: Drizzle the fudge over the top of the cheesecake in any design you prefer.
3. Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of M&Ms and ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips on top for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake

1. Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This ensures that the cheesecake filling will be smooth and lump-free.
2. Chill Time: Be patient and allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 12 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
3. Customize Your Toppings: While M&Ms and chocolate chips are a fun combination, you can easily swap them out for other candy or nuts based on your preference. Crushed Reese’s cups or chopped Snickers bars would be a delicious alternative.
4. Use Full-Fat Ingredients: Full-fat cream cheese and sour cream give the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture. While you could use lower-fat versions, the results won’t be as indulgent.
5. Serve Chilled: Make sure to keep the cheesecake chilled until it’s time to serve. This ensures the dessert holds its shape and retains its creamy texture.

Variations of the Recipe

One of the best things about this No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake is how easy it is to customize! Below are a few fun variations to try:

1. Peanut Butter Lovers’ Cheesecake

To make this cheesecake even more peanut buttery, you can swirl in a few tablespoons of melted peanut butter into the top before chilling. Alternatively, top the cheesecake with chopped peanut butter cups.

2. Oreo Monster Cheesecake

Substitute the graham cracker crust with an Oreo cookie crust. This will add a rich chocolate layer to the base of the cheesecake, making it a true indulgence for chocolate lovers.

3. Nut-Free Version

If you need to make this dessert nut-free, simply replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative. You can also swap the M&Ms for a nut-free candy or omit them entirely.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate your dessert table by pairing it with other treats or beverages:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on each slice adds an airy, light contrast to the rich cheesecake.
• Fruit Garnish: Balance the sweetness by serving the cheesecake with fresh strawberries or raspberries.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: The richness of this cheesecake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bitter notes from the coffee help cut through the sweetness, creating a delightful balance.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle extra chocolate sauce over each slice for an extra chocolatey experience.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating

• This cheesecake needs to be stored in the refrigerator at all times. It can be covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and kept for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing

• If you’d like to store it for a longer period, the cheesecake freezes well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight.

Why This Cheesecake is Perfect for Any Occasion

• Easy to Make: With no baking required, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress experienced bakers.
• Colorful and Fun: The M&Ms and chocolate chips give this cheesecake a fun, colorful appearance that kids and adults alike will love.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Since it requires chilling overnight, this is a perfect dessert to prepare in advance for parties, holidays, or any special gathering.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Cheesecake is an easy, no-fuss dessert that delivers on both flavor and presentation. With its creamy peanut butter filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and colorful candy toppings, it’s the perfect combination of indulgence and fun. Whether you’re a fan of cheesecake, monster cookies, or both, this dessert is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.