Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

This just might be my favorite dessert....but I say that all the time =) But seriously, if you like cheesecake, chocolate and peanut butter - which are all pretty high on my list, then you will love this dessert. It looks so pretty and tastes even better. It really is not hard to make at all, the worst part is adding the chocolate and peanut butter topping, but you could just drizzle instead of trying to make a grid. This is one of my mom's recipes and I make it quite frequently when we have guests come over. It is extra good with a dollop of whipped cream on top!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Crust:

1 package chocolate graham crackers, crushed

1/4 cup sugar

5 Tbsp. butter, melted

Crush crackers with rolling pin. Add the sugar, then the melted butter. Mix together and press mixture into a buttered 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Cool crust. Turn oven down to 325 degrees.

Filling:

1 lb. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat the eggs one at a time, then blend in sour cream. Add vanilla and beat gently. Stir in chocolate chips if desired. (My favorite part!!)

Pour the filling into the prepared crust, then bake at 325 degrees for 60 minutes (mine only takes 45 minutes). When done, the center should be a little wobbly but not wet. Move to a cooling rack for one hour. Refrigerate overnight or put in freezer until ready to use.

Topping:

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup fudge topping

Heat peanut butter over low heat until very runny. Pour evenly over cheesecake (or in a grid like I did =) Heat hot fudge and drizzle over top of cheesecake. Serve with a peanut butter cup and a dollop of whipped cream on the side.