This Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut recipe is about to flip your dessert world upside-down, combining the best of both sweet spheres: the melt-in-your-mouth richness of a peanut butter cheesecake and the decadent, fluffy delight of a chocolate-glazed donut. With each bite, you’ll get layers of pillowy donut, creamy filling studded with Reese’s cups, and a swirl of warm peanut butter drizzle that ties it all together in the best, most indulgent way. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself, these donuts offer spectacular flavor and simple steps that anyone can tackle.

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut comes from how just a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients can create a seriously show-stopping treat. Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor, texture, or even the striking look of your finished donuts, and using quality versions of each will make a noticeable difference in every bite.

Chocolate-glazed donuts: These are your shortcut base, offering a soft, chocolaty shell that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Creamy or chunky peanut butter: Creamy delivers a smooth texture, but chunky adds those surprise bits of peanut for extra crunch.
Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for ultra-smooth, luscious cheesecake filling every time.
Powdered sugar: This blends seamlessly into the filling, giving you that classic, sweet cheesecake flavor without any grit.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon deepens the flavors and enhances both the peanut butter and chocolate notes.
Crushed Reese’s cups: Folded into the filling and sprinkled on top, they bring bursts of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite.
Milk: Just a little thins and smooths out your peanut butter drizzle for that picture-perfect finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until everything’s silky-smooth and creamy. This is your base for the luscious filling. Gently fold in the crushed Reese’s cups so every spoonful is studded with pockets of peanut butter chocolate goodness. Cover the bowl and chill the filling in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, just long enough to firm it up for the perfect sandwiching texture.

Step 2: Prep the Donuts

Take your chocolate-glazed donuts and, using a serrated knife, carefully slice each one horizontally to create neat top and bottom halves. This is what turns classic donuts into fabulous dessert sandwiches! Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter on each bottom half for that unmistakable nutty flavor and a barrier that helps keep the donut from getting soggy.

Step 3: Assemble the Donut Sandwiches

Once your cheesecake filling has set, it’s time to get creative. Spoon (or, for a bakery-style look, pipe) a thick layer of the chilled, Reese’s-laced cheesecake mix right over the peanut butter on each donut bottom. Gently cap each with its matching donut top, pressing lightly to encourage the filling to just peek out the sides. Your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut sandwiches are taking shape!

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Drizzle

Combine a quarter cup of peanut butter and two tablespoons of milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 15–20 seconds, then stir until smooth and easily pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk and stir again. This drizzle should be silky and warm, ready to cascade over your donut creations.

Step 5: Drizzle and Decorate

Arrange your assembled donuts on a tray or serving plate. Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously drizzle the warm peanut butter sauce over the tops. For the grand finale, sprinkle extra crushed Reese’s cups all over for a beautiful (and delicious) finish. Serve your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut sandwiches right away while the drizzle is still warm and gooey.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut

Garnishes

To really impress, don’t stop at the peanut butter drizzle! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of mini chocolate chips, or even a shower of chopped roasted peanuts over the top for extra crunch and visual drama. A finishing touch of flaky sea salt can also make those sweet and salty flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

For a truly indulgent brunch or dessert spread, serve your Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut alongside bowls of fresh strawberries or raspberries for brightness, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if you want to go all-in. A glass of cold milk or a mug of strong coffee makes the perfect companion to balance out all the delicious richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking mini versions of the donuts on skewers for a playful party display, or pile them on a cake stand and serve with little pitchers of extra peanut butter and chocolate drizzle for DIY decorating. For a crowd, turn the recipe into bite-sized sliders using glazed donut holes for an adorable (and totally irresistible) dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut sandwiches, don’t worry! Cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The filling may firm up a bit more, but the flavors blend beautifully as they chill.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these for a sweet snack anytime. Wrap each assembled donut sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. For best flavor and texture, don’t add the drizzle until you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated donuts back to their glory, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the filling. If you’d like them slightly warmed, zap them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the cheesecake inside! Add the peanut butter drizzle and extra toppings right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other glaze flavors on the donut?

Absolutely! While chocolate-glazed donuts bring a classic combo, you can use vanilla or peanut butter glazed for a fun twist. Just be sure the flavors play nicely with the cheesecake and peanut butter layers.

Can I make the filling ahead?

Yes! The cheesecake filling can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the refrigerator, tightly covered. It actually gets even better as the flavors mingle.

Is chunky or creamy peanut butter better for this recipe?

Either works! Creamy peanut butter makes for a smooth and classic filling, while chunky adds unexpected pops of peanut crunch. Pick your favorite or try both for a mix of textures.

Is there a nut-free substitute for peanut butter?

If you need a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter or cookie butter can both work as flavorful alternatives. Pair them with chocolate or original glazed donuts for a different, but still delicious, treat.

Can I make mini versions for a party?

Definitely! Just use small chocolate-glazed donut holes or mini yeast donuts. Slice, fill, drizzle, and decorate as directed—the result is a platter of adorable, crowd-pleasing peanut butter cheesecake donut bites.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something truly over-the-top, there’s nothing quite like a Peanut Butter Cheesecake Donut to satisfy every sweet tooth at the table. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, these donut sandwiches guarantee smiles and empty plates. Try them once, and they’ll earn a spot in your personal dessert hall of fame!