Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut

One afternoon, while cleaning out the kitchen pantry, I noticed a box of chocolate-glazed donuts sitting next to a jar of peanut butter and a lonely pack of cream cheese nearing its expiration date. I paused, stared at them for a moment, and couldn’t help but imagine all three teaming up into something wildly indulgent.

The idea of a cheesecake-filled donut sandwich hit me like a lightning bolt. I scribbled some notes, raided the fridge, and within an hour, the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut was born.

It turned into one of those unexpected, joy-sparking creations that make you feel like a dessert genius. The creamy filling laced with crushed Reese’s cups, the soft chocolate-drenched donut acting as the “bun,” and that final drizzle of warm peanut butter—it’s rich, unapologetic, and downright fun. This dessert doesn’t whisper; it shouts in bold, sweet harmony.

I brought a few over to my neighbor’s backyard get-together that same evening. People thought I’d picked them up from a fancy bakery. That’s the magic: they look elaborate, but they’re ridiculously simple to make. No baking, no fuss, just a little assembly and a lot of flavor. It’s a playful mashup of comfort food and creamy indulgence that makes everyone pause between bites to say, “Wait—what is this?!”

Short Description

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donuts are rich, no-bake dessert sandwiches made with chocolate-glazed donuts filled with creamy peanut butter cheesecake and crushed Reese’s cups, then drizzled with warm peanut butter for an over-the-top finish.

Key Ingredients

For the Donut Sandwiches:

• 4 chocolate-glazed donuts
• ½ cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed Reese’s cups

For the Peanut Butter Drizzle:

• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons milk

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Serrated knife
• Spatula
• Small microwave-safe bowl
• Spoon or piping bag
• Parchment paper (optional, for a clean work surface)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Gently fold in crushed Reese’s cups. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until it firms slightly and is easy to scoop.

Step 2: Slice the Donuts
Using a serrated knife, slice each chocolate-glazed donut horizontally to create a top and bottom half. Set aside on a parchment-lined surface.

Step 3: Spread Peanut Butter
Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter over the cut side of each donut bottom. This adds flavor and helps anchor the filling.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts
Spoon or pipe a generous amount of chilled cheesecake filling onto each peanut butter-coated donut bottom. Don’t be shy—it’s the star.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich
Carefully place the top donut half back on, pressing down gently to hold it all together. The filling should peek out slightly but not ooze out.

Step 6: Make the Drizzle
Combine ¼ cup peanut butter and 2 tablespoons milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 15–20 seconds until warm, then stir until smooth and drizzle-friendly. Add a splash more milk if needed.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle warm peanut butter over the assembled donuts. Sprinkle with extra crushed Reese’s cups for garnish. Serve immediately, or chill slightly for a firmer bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– No baking required

– Easy to assemble for any skill level

– Great for parties, potlucks, or a personal treat

– Fun for kids and adults alike

– Customizable with your favorite toppings

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Filling Too Runny
If your cheesecake filling feels too loose, refrigerate it longer or add 1-2 tablespoons more powdered sugar to help it firm up.

2. Donuts Falling Apart When Slicing
Use a serrated knife and slice gently. If the glaze is sticky, refrigerate donuts for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Overfilling
While generous filling is part of the charm, overloading can cause the sandwich to slide apart. Keep it thick but balanced.

4. Peanut Butter Too Thick to Drizzle
If the peanut butter drizzle seizes, microwave again in 5-second bursts and add a splash more milk until smooth.

5. Cheesecake Not Mixing Smoothly
Always use softened cream cheese and mix well before folding in candy pieces to avoid lumps.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve these donut sandwiches as a fun dessert centerpiece or as part of a dessert buffet. They also work great cut into halves or quarters for smaller bites. Pair with:

– Cold brew or iced coffee

– A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

– Chocolate milk or peanut butter milkshake

– Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas on the side

– A little sea salt on top for contrast

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Avoid Freezing: Freezing affects the texture of donuts and cheesecake—best eaten fresh.

Reheating Drizzle: If needed, gently reheat leftover peanut butter drizzle in the microwave and reapply before serving.

Keep Cool: On hot days, keep them chilled until ready to serve to prevent the filling from softening too much.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add drizzle just before serving.

2. Can I use other types of donuts?
Absolutely. Glazed, cake-style, or even filled donuts work—just avoid ones that are overly messy or crumbly.

3. Is chunky peanut butter okay?
Definitely! Chunky adds extra texture and crunch if you like a more rustic bite.

4. What if I don’t have Reese’s cups?
Use any peanut butter-based candy like Butterfingers, peanut M&Ms, or chocolate chips mixed with crushed peanuts.

5. How can I lighten it up a bit?
Use low-fat cream cheese, natural peanut butter, and mini donuts for portion control without compromising flavor.

Tips & Tricks

– Use a piping bag for neater cheesecake filling.

– Chill donuts for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

– Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a Reese’s-inspired double topping.

– Add a pinch of sea salt to the drizzle for a sweet-salty punch.

– Try whipped cream cheese for an extra light filling texture.

Recipe Variations

1. Banana-Peanut Twist
Swap Reese’s cups with sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon inside the cheesecake mixture. Skip chocolate glaze and use plain donuts.

2. Mocha Cheesecake Donut
Add 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder to the cream cheese mix and top with a dark chocolate drizzle. Use chocolate cake donuts.

3. Nut-Free Version
Use cookie butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and swap Reese’s with mini chocolate chips or Oreos.

4. Strawberry Swirl
Add 2 tablespoons strawberry jam to the cheesecake mixture and use strawberry-glazed donuts. Drizzle with white chocolate for a fruity finish.

5. Caramel Pretzel Crunch
Fold crushed pretzels and caramel bits into the filling, drizzle with melted caramel, and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.

Final Thoughts

Peanut butter cheesecake donuts turn any casual get-together into a buzzworthy event and make your kitchen smell like a dream you didn’t know you had. Every time I serve these, there’s a pause—that wide-eyed moment where everyone realizes they’re about to bite into something outrageously indulgent.

You can taste the contrast: that creamy filling against the soft donut, that crackle of chocolate glaze balanced with warm peanut butter drizzle. It’s familiar and wild at once. Recipes like this don’t ask for perfection; they’re about pure joy, bold flavor, and making people smile.

I say lean into it—smear that filling generously, drizzle with flair, and don’t hold back on the crushed candy. It’s messy, it’s rich, and it’s 100% worth it.