Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Monster Cookie Cheesecake combines the best of two worlds: cookie and cheesecake! With a monster cookie crust made of oats, peanut butter, and M&Ms, followed by a creamy cheesecake filling dotted with mini M&Ms, and topped with chocolate ganache and crushed cookies, this dessert is indulgent and irresistible. Perfect for cookie lovers, cheesecake fans, or anyone looking for a fun, delicious treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress at any party or gathering.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
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1 ½ cups oats
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1 cup flour
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup butter, melted
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2 tablespoons peanut butter
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1 egg
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1 cup mini M&Ms
For the Cheesecake:
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3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese
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¾ cup sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup mini M&Ms
For the Ganache:
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½ cup heavy cream
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4 ounces semisweet chocolate
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Make the crust: In a bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter, peanut butter, and egg, mixing until a dough forms. Press dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
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Prepare the cheesecake: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla and fold in mini M&Ms.
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Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.
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Make the ganache: Heat the cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cheesecake and sprinkle with crushed monster cookies.
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Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-14
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Bake time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Total time: 5 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Variations
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Flavored Ganache: Add a splash of vanilla or coffee to the ganache for extra flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual mini cheesecakes in a muffin tin for portion control.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: This cheesecake is best enjoyed cold. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use regular M&Ms instead of mini ones?
Yes, regular-sized M&Ms work fine, though mini ones are preferred for their even distribution in the cheesecake.
How do I know when my cheesecake is done?
The cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. An internal temperature of 160-165°F indicates it’s done.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted for peanut butter in the crust.
Can I make this cheesecake without the ganache?
Yes, you can skip the ganache, but it adds a nice touch of richness to the cheesecake.
Is this cheesecake freezer-friendly?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Monster Cookie Cheesecake is a showstopper dessert that combines a chewy cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, and a decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or when you just want a truly indulgent treat, this recipe is easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Monster Cookie Cheesecake
Monster Cookie Cheesecake combines two beloved desserts—monster cookies and cheesecake—into one indulgent treat! Featuring a chewy oats and peanut butter cookie crust, a creamy cheesecake filling with mini M&Ms, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a fun family treat, it’s sure to impress anyone who loves cookies and cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12-14 servings
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake, Indulgent Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Dessert, Fun Treat
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
1 ½ cups oats
1 cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup mini M&Ms
For the Cheesecake:
3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup mini M&Ms
For the Ganache:
½ cup heavy cream
4 ounces semisweet chocolate
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter, peanut butter, and egg, mixing until a dough forms. Press dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in mini M&Ms.
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Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie crust. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let cool completely.
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Make the ganache: In a saucepan, heat the cream until simmering. Pour over chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and sprinkle with crushed monster cookies.
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Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours to set before serving.
Notes
Flavored Ganache: Add vanilla extract or a splash of coffee to the ganache for an extra depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version of this cheesecake.
Mini Cheesecakes: For smaller portions, make mini cheesecakes by baking in a muffin tin.