Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cheesecake

For all the peanut butter enthusiasts out there, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake with a delectable chocolate crackle base is a slice of heaven waiting to be savored. The rich and creamy flavors of peanut butter combine with the delightful crunch of the chocolate crackle base, creating a dessert that will undoubtedly satisfy your sweet cravings. This cheesecake is a show-stopping treat that is perfect for special occasions or simply as a delightful indulgence any day of the week. Prepare to be transported to a realm of irresistible flavors and textures with this exquisite Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake!

INGREDIENTS:

• CHOCOLATE CRACKLE BASE
  • 90g Copha, chopped
  • 90g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 3⁄4 cup icing sugar mixture, sifted
  • 1⁄2 cup cocoa
  • 2 1⁄2 cups Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles
  • 1⁄2 cup desiccated coconut
• WHITE AND DARK CHEESECAKE FILLINGS
  • 500g cream cheese, softened
  • 1⁄2 cup caster sugar
  • 2 teaspoons gelatine dissolved in 1⁄4 cup boiling water
  • 125g dark chocolate melts, melted, and cooled slightly
  • 125g white chocolate melts, melted and cooled
  • 1⁄4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 300ml thickened cream, whipped
  • 4 egg whites, beaten to soft peaks
  • 2 tablespoons caster sugar, extra
• PEANUT BRITTLE
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup water
  • 2⁄3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts

PREPARATIONS:

• Combine the Copha and chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stir until melted or melt in the microwave on High. Remove from heat.
• Combine the icing sugar, cocoa, rice bubbles, and coconut in a bowl, add the melted Copha mixture and mix to combine. Spoon into the base of a greased and based-lined 22cm springform pan. Chill until firm.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• CHOCOLATE CRACKLE BASE
  1. Combine the Copha and chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stir until melted or melt in the microwave on High. Remove from heat.
  2. Combine the icing sugar, cocoa, rice bubbles, and coconut in a bowl, add the melted Copha mixture and mix to combine. Spoon into the base of a greased and based-lined 22cm springform pan. Chill until firm.
• WHITE AND DARK CHEESECAKE FILLINGS
  1. Beat the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in the gelatine then divide the mixture evenly between 2 bowls. Add the melted dark chocolate to one bowl and stir well. Add the melted white chocolate and peanut butter to the other bowl and mix well. Fold half the whipped cream into each mixture.
  2. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks, then add the extra sugar and beat until dissolved. Fold half the beaten egg whites into each of the chocolate mixtures.
  3. Spread the dark chocolate mixture over the prepared chocolate crackle base then spoon and spread the white chocolate peanut butter mixture over the top. Chill for 3 hours or until set.
• PEANUT BRITTLE
  1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until it turns a pale golden color. Pour the hot toffee onto a baking paper-lined tray and scatter with peanuts. Set aside to cool and harden. Break the toffee into shards and use to decorate the cheesecake before serving.

YIELD:

• Serves 12

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving as this makes it easier to cut.
• For a simpler topping, use chocolate shavings made with a vegetable peeler.

In the realm of delectable cheesecakes, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake reigns supreme, captivating the hearts of peanut butter enthusiasts and dessert aficionados alike. The marriage of the rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling with the delightful crunch of the chocolate crackle base creates a dessert masterpiece that is simply irresistible.

The journey begins with the preparation of the Chocolate Crackle Base, where the combination of Copha, dark chocolate, rice bubbles, and coconut results in a delectable crunch that serves as the foundation for this delightful dessert. The mixture is carefully pressed into the base of a springform pan, creating the perfect canvas for the cheesecake layers to come.

Next, the White and Dark Cheesecake Fillings are crafted to perfection. Cream cheese and sugar are whipped into a smooth and creamy consistency, while gelatine ensures the desired firmness. The cheesecake filling is then divided into two bowls, and the magic of flavors unfolds. Melted dark chocolate is added to one bowl, resulting in a rich and velvety chocolate layer. In the other bowl, melted white chocolate and smooth peanut butter blend harmoniously, creating a heavenly peanut butter-infused layer.

The whipped cream adds a luxurious smoothness to each mixture, making every bite a delight for the senses. Beaten egg whites are gently folded in, adding a light and airy texture to the cheesecake layers. The dark chocolate mixture is spread gracefully over the chocolate crackle base, creating the first layer of this cheesecake masterpiece. The white chocolate peanut butter mixture is then spooned and spread over the top, forming a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.

Chilling the cheesecake for at least 3 hours allows the layers to set perfectly, bringing the dessert to its full potential. As the flavors meld and the cheesecake sets, the anticipation of savoring this extraordinary creation heightens.

To elevate this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake to a new level of elegance, a delightful Peanut Brittle is prepared. Sugar and water are transformed into a golden toffee, which is adorned with roasted unsalted peanuts. The hardened toffee is then broken into shards, creating a stunning decoration for the cheesecake.

As you indulge in each luscious slice of this cake, the velvety smoothness of the cheesecake filling pairs beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the chocolate crackle base. The nutty undertones of peanut butter dance on your taste buds, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Whether served at a celebration or enjoyed as a decadent treat, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on every dessert lover. Its allure lies not only in its captivating flavors but also in the artistry of its presentation. It is truly a masterpiece that deserves a place at your next gathering or special occasion.