#32 Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

It was love at first sight when I first saw this cheesecake on the cover of the Taste of Home December/January 2006 issue. I mean really...chocolate....peanut butter...cheesecake...who can resist? This recipe along with a picture can be found online at http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Peanut-Butter-Cup-Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• CRUST:
• 1-¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup crushed cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• FILLING:
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1-½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, divided
• 6 peanut butter cups, cut into small wedges

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, sugar, cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 7-9 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.

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

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

4. In a microwave, heat 1/4 cup fudge topping on high for 30 seconds or until thin; fold into reserved cream cheese mixture. Carefully pour over filling; cut through with a knife to swirl.

5. Return pan to baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

6. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.

7. Microwave remaining fudge topping for 30 seconds or until warmed; spread over cheesecake. Garnish with peanut butter cups. Refrigerate overnight. Refrigerate leftovers.

(Serves 14)