Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients

  • For the crust:
  • 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs (7-9 graham crackers pulsed to crumbs in food processor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • For the filling:
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 large egg
  • For chocolate topping:
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli 60% chocolate chips
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 12-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick spray.

Combine graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon and sugar in a food processor. Pulse to combine. With food processor running, drizzle in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Divide evenly among muffin cups (about 1 tablespoon each). Press crust down firmly. (I used the bottom of a shot glass to get them nice and flat and compact!)

In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, peanut butter and egg. (If needed, microwave cream cheese and peanut butter for 10-15 seconds to help combine.) Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about 1 tablespoon each).

Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until puffed (tops may crack) and no longer shiny. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature.

In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 20 seconds at a time, stirring between, until chocolate is melted and a smooth ganache forms. (If your ganache turns out oily and gloppy, no biggie. Just add a little bit more cold heavy cream and stir until smooth.) Top cheesecake bites with a dollop of ganache. Eat any leftover ganache with a spoon (optional, but you know you want to.)

Store bites in fridge until ready to serve, or freeze. If frozen, thaw at room temperature.