Of the many things I’ve learned I realize the bulk of those lessons have come in the last couple of years. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and be OK with the unconventional. I’ve learned the importance of doing what I love even if it feels silly. I’ve grown to love food photography even more than I did when we first started this blog. I’ve learned that running a food blog with your spouse can not only be fun but also ridiculously fulfilling. I’ve learned I still love cake and pancakes and simplicity and saying “hubba, hubba,” and probably always will. Enough about me. This space is about you guys, really. I love to cook and take photos of the things I make and then share them with you all. That is what makes me supremely happy – the best birthday gift ever. To celebrate all of these wonderful things, I made you cheesecakes. Peanut Butter Cup 9-ingredient vegan cheesecakes that scream simplicity: No springform pans, no water baths, no baking (besides the 5-minute crust). Just pure chocolate-peanut butter goodness that even the amateur cook can master. If you have the ability to blend and pour, you can make these little bites of heaven. All you need is 30 minutes and a muffin tin and you’re golden. Yes, oreo cookies are vegan! I think it was the universe’s way of saying “vegans can have fun, too.” This crust is the only part of the recipe that requires baking (5 minutes) and it’s optional. I just prefer a bit more firm crust. But if you’re OK with more crumbly, leave the oven off for today. The filling? Simple. Soaked cashewsSalted peanut butterLemonMaple syrupCoconut milk (or another non-dairy milk)Coconut oil The 2-ingredient chocolate ganache? That’s optional (but oh so recommended). Swirly McTwirly and you have a masterpiece on your hands. The only thing left to do is top these beauties with a chopped mini dark chocolate peanut butter cup. Hubba, hubba. These cheesecakes are near perfection. They’re CreamySexyPeanut butteryPerfectly sweetInfused with dark chocolateSealed with an oreo crustLoaded with PB Cup flavorSeriously satisfying& Perfect for parties and celebrations While I do keep health in mind most days, birthdays are my excuse to go all out (hence these cheesecakes). These may not be health food but they are a smarter dessert with (mostly) healthy fats, lots of protein, and portion control built in. Happy birthday to me. If you make these cheesecakes, do me a favor? Take your ooey-est, gooey-est photo and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! It literally makes my day to see what you guys are cooking up. Virtual hugs from me to you. Cheers!
