Mini Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecakes
These mini peanut butter caramel cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and indulgent, featuring a crunchy nutty crust, a luscious peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a smooth caramel drizzle. Perfect for parties or a special treat, these bite-sized desserts combine sweet and salty flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuit crumbs
- ½ cup chopped nuts peanuts, pecans, or a mix
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup peanut butter smooth or chunky
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup peanut butter for frosting
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- Chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, chopped nuts, and sugar.
- Pour in melted butter and stir until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottoms of mini springform pans or ramekins.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until well combined.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let cheesecakes cool for 30 minutes inside the oven.
- Remove from oven, cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Warm caramel sauce slightly for easier drizzling.
- In a small bowl, mix peanut butter with milk or cream until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each cheesecake.
- Pipe or dollop peanut butter frosting on top.
- Garnish with chopped nuts.