Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake

Whether you're a cheesecake lover, a chocolate-and-peanut-butter lover, or both, this marvelous recipe is sure to please. With chocolate and peanut butter throughout the recipe, and peanut butter cups on top, you can't go wrong if you're looking for a rich, fancy dessert.


Ingredients:


- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted


- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter


- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, divided
- 6 peanut butter cups, cut into small wedges


Directions:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 inch springform pan.


Combine cracker crumbs, cookie crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press onto the bottom and at least 1 inch up the sides of the prepared springform pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.


In a microwave-safe bowl, heat peanut butter on high for 30 seconds or until softened. Spread over crust to within 1 inch of edges.


In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed until just combined. Stir in vanilla. Pour 1 cup into a bowl and set aside. Pour remaining filling over peanut butter layer.


In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1/4 cup fudge topping on high for 30 seconds or until thin. Fold hot fudge into reserved cream cheese mixture. Carefully spoon over filling in pan, then cut through filling with a knife to swirl.


Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 55-65 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen, then cool 1 hour longer.


Microwave remaining 3/4 cup hot fudge topping for 30 seconds or until warmed, then spread over cheesecake. Garnish with peanut butter cups. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan before serving. Refrigerate leftovers, covered.