Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut

Posted on August 15, 2025

Few desserts strike the perfect balance between indulgence, nostalgia, and pure decadence quite like the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut. This over-the-top treat combines three dessert favorites—donuts, cheesecake, and peanut butter—into one heavenly creation. Imagine biting through a soft, chocolate-glazed donut only to discover a rich, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, topped with a warm drizzle of peanut butter and crunchy pieces of Reese’s cups.

Whether you’re crafting this recipe for a weekend brunch, a birthday celebration, or a self-care indulgence, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the table. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, with no baking required—just a few steps to assemble the perfect dessert sandwich.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, presentation ideas, and expert tips to make your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts a bakery-worthy masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbeatable Flavor Combination – The pairing of rich peanut butter, tangy cream cheese, and chocolate glaze is a match made in dessert heaven.
No-Bake Simplicity – No oven time required; perfect for quick prep or warm days.
Customizable – Swap in your favorite donuts, fillings, or toppings to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser – This dessert impresses guests before they even take the first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Donut Sandwiches

4 chocolate-glazed donuts – Soft, fluffy, and sweet, they serve as the “bread” for your cheesecake sandwich.
½ cup creamy or chunky peanut butter – Choose your texture preference; creamy for smoothness, chunky for extra crunch.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Essential for the cheesecake filling.
½ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without adding graininess.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the cheesecake mixture.
½ cup crushed Reese’s cups (or similar peanut butter cups) – Provides bursts of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.

For the Peanut Butter Drizzle

¼ cup peanut butter – Melts into a silky drizzle.
2 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the consistency for drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the crushed Reese’s cups using a spatula.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the filling firm up slightly, making it easier to pipe or spread.

Step 2: Prepare the Donuts

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each chocolate-glazed donut in half horizontally.
Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on the cut side of the bottom half of each donut. This layer not only enhances flavor but also helps anchor the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the cheesecake filling has chilled, either spoon it directly onto the peanut butter layer or pipe it using a piping bag for a cleaner presentation.
Use a generous portion of filling—this is the star of the dessert.
Gently place the top half of the donut back on, aligning it neatly for an appealing look.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Drizzle

In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and milk.
Microwave for 15–20 seconds, then stir until smooth.
If the mixture is too thick for drizzling, add a few extra drops of milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the warm peanut butter mixture over the top of each donut sandwich.
For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional crushed Reese’s cups over the top.
Serve immediately while the drizzle is still slightly warm for the ultimate texture contrast.

Tips for Success

Soften the Cream Cheese Properly – Cold cream cheese can lead to a lumpy filling. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.
Use Fresh Donuts – Day-old donuts may be dry and crumbly. Fresh ones provide the best texture.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Filling – This prevents the cheesecake mixture from squishing out when you bite into the donut.
Control the Drizzle Temperature – If the peanut butter drizzle cools too much, it can stiffen. Microwave briefly before serving.
Knife Skills Matter – A serrated knife works best to slice through the donuts without tearing the glaze.

Variations

Nutella Twist – Swap peanut butter with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate spin.
White Chocolate Drizzle – Replace the peanut butter drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier topping.
Berry Bliss – Add chopped strawberries or raspberries to the cheesecake filling for a fruity contrast.
Oreo Crunch – Substitute Reese’s cups with crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version.
Mini Versions – Use mini donuts for bite-sized party treats.

Presentation Ideas

Dessert Platter – Arrange multiple donuts on a platter, with extra drizzle served in a small dipping bowl.
Layered Stack – Stack two donuts high for an epic dessert tower, securing with a skewer for stability.
Boxed Gift – Place each donut in a cupcake box with a clear window for gifting.
Themed Garnishes – Use holiday sprinkles or seasonal candy for festive occasions.

Pairing Suggestions

The Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut is rich, so pairing it with the right drink or side can create balance:

Coffee – A strong black coffee or cold brew cuts through the sweetness.
Milk – Classic pairing for peanut butter desserts.
Salted Caramel Latte – Enhances the nutty and chocolate flavors.
Fresh Fruit – Strawberries or bananas add freshness and acidity.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead – You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled until assembly.
Storage – Once assembled, store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating Drizzle – Store the drizzle separately and warm it just before serving.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 580
Protein: 9g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 380mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use homemade donuts instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade donuts will make this recipe even more special. Just ensure they’re completely cooled before assembly.

Q: Can I make a lighter version of this dessert?
A: You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, a sugar substitute for powdered sugar, and whole wheat donuts, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture.

Q: How do I keep the filling from spilling out?
A: Chilling the filling thoroughly and not overstuffing the donut will help keep everything in place.

Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Freezing is not recommended because the glaze and filling texture will change after thawing.

Conclusion

The Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut isn’t just a dessert—it’s a decadent experience. With layers of rich flavors and contrasting textures, every bite delivers creamy cheesecake filling, nutty peanut butter, soft chocolate-glazed donut, and a touch of crunch from candy pieces.

It’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into a celebration and makes special occasions even more memorable. Whether you’re enjoying it as a mid-morning indulgence, a show-stopping brunch centerpiece, or a late-night sweet fix, this dessert is destined to impress.

Now that you have the recipe and all the pro tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients, whip up that luscious filling, and create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.