Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Process the Graham Crackers: Begin by placing the graham crackers in a food processor. Pulse them until you get fine crumbs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Drizzle the Fudge: Drizzle the fudge over the top of the cheesecake in any design you prefer.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.
- Chill Time: Be patient and allow the cheesecake to chill for at least 12 hours. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 682 kcal