If you are a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, this peanut butter cheesecake donut is going to be your new favorite treat. Imagine a soft chocolate-glazed donut, sliced and filled with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake mixture, then topped with chunks of peanut butter cups for extra decadence. It is a mash-up of two classic sweets—donuts and cheesecake—with a peanut butter twist that makes it unforgettable. Best of all, it comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients.
This recipe works beautifully as a no-bake dessert since the donuts serve as the base. The filling is whipped up with cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, making it smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. A sprinkling of chopped peanut butter cups on top adds texture and extra flavor. Whether you are serving this for a party, surprising guests, or just treating yourself, these cheesecake donuts are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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 peanut butter cups (such as Reese’s)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat together with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. The mixture should be fluffy, thick, and spreadable. Taste the filling at this point and adjust sweetness if desired by adding a bit more powdered sugar.
Slice the chocolate-glazed donuts in half horizontally, like you would a bagel.
Spread or pipe a generous layer of the peanut butter cheesecake filling onto the bottom half of each donut. Place the top half back on, pressing gently to sandwich the filling.
Sprinkle the crushed peanut butter cups over the top of each donut. The chocolate coating helps the pieces stick, and the candy adds a crunchy-sweet finish.
Chill the donuts in the refrigerator for about 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to firm up slightly and makes the dessert easier to eat.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference.
Tips and variations
For an even more decadent version, drizzle melted chocolate or warm peanut butter over the top before adding the crushed candy.
If you prefer a lighter filling, fold in a half cup of whipped cream after mixing the peanut butter and cream cheese. This will create a mousse-like texture.
You can swap the chocolate-glazed donuts for plain glazed donuts, cake donuts, or even powdered sugar donuts depending on what you prefer.
Other candies like chopped Snickers, Kit-Kat, or chocolate chips can replace the peanut butter cups for variety.
Serving ideas
These peanut butter cheesecake donuts are indulgent enough to stand on their own, but you can also plate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a full dessert experience. If serving at a party, slice them into halves or quarters to make sharing easier. They are rich, so smaller portions are just right for most people.
Storage
Because of the cream cheese filling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, though they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours when the donuts are freshest.
Why this recipe works
It takes something as simple as a store-bought donut and transforms it into a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort. The filling captures everything people love about peanut butter cheesecake, but without the need for baking or complicated steps. Pair that with the soft, chocolatey donut base and a crunchy candy topping, and you have a dessert that feels creative, fun, and decadent.
The peanut butter cheesecake donut is proof that sometimes the most irresistible desserts are the ones that combine two favorites into one. With creamy filling, chocolate glaze, and candy crunch, this is a dessert worth making whenever you are craving something sweet, indulgent, and a little playful.