Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200g) Chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
- 5 tbsp (70g) Unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp Fine sea salt
- 32 oz (900g) Full-fat brick cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (260g) Creamy peanut butter (stabilized, not natural)
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120g) Full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs, room temperature
- 4 oz (115g) Semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Wrap the exterior of a 9-inch springform pan in three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent water leakage.
- Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sea salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature cream cheese, peanut butter, and granulated sugar on low speed until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides frequently to avoid lumps.
- Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not whip the batter, as this introduces air bubbles that cause cracking.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on the lowest speed after each addition just until the yellow streaks disappear.
- Pour the batter over the pre-baked crust. Place the springform pan into a large roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cake cool inside the oven for one hour.
- Remove from the water bath and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours. Once chilled, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream and pouring it over the chopped chocolate; let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until glossy and pour over the cake.