Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Quick & Creamy Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Indulgent reeses peanut butter cup cheesecake revolutionizes an ordinary dessert into a spectacular celebration of rich, creamy decadence.

Chocolate and peanut butter create a magical combination that satisfies deep cravings for something truly extraordinary.

Smooth cream cheese provides the perfect canvas for these beloved candy flavors to dance and mingle.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and velvety textures that tantalize the taste buds.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike understand the power of this classic flavor pairing to elevate a simple cheesecake.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert delivers maximum impact with minimal complicated techniques.

Chocolate lovers and peanut butter enthusiasts will find themselves powerless against its irresistible allure.

Expert Tips for Perfect PB Cheesecake

  • Chill Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake base.
  • Prevent Cracking Technique: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to create humid oven conditions and prevent surface cracks.
  • Precise Chopping Trick: Freeze Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for 10 minutes before chopping to get clean, even cuts without crumbling.
  • Ganache Magic Tip: Cool the cheesecake completely before adding chocolate ganache to prevent runny or absorbed toppings.
  • Smooth Cutting Hack: Wipe your knife with a hot, clean cloth between each slice for picture-perfect, clean cheesecake cuts.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Cheesecake

  • Refrigerate: Store cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture.
  • Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds at 50% power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake from becoming rubbery or losing its creamy consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Reese’s Cheesecake

  • Pair with Creamy Chocolate Milk: Indulge in a classic childhood favorite that perfectly complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors of the cheesecake.
  • Match with Bold Espresso Martini: The strong coffee notes cut through the dessert's richness, creating a sophisticated and balanced taste experience.
  • Serve alongside Caramel Bourbon: The smooth, sweet bourbon enhances the nutty peanut butter undertones while providing a warming contrast to the cool cheesecake.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Craft Beer: A smooth, slightly sweet beer with vanilla hints harmonizes beautifully with the dessert's decadent chocolate and peanut butter profile.

Variations on Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

  • No-Bake Reeses Treasure: Skip the oven and create a chilled version by mixing cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Press a chocolate cookie crust into the pan, then pour the no-bake filling and freeze for 4 hours. Top with melted chocolate and crushed Reese's.
  • Mini Chocolate Lovers Edition: Transform the recipe into individual cheesecake cups using a muffin tin. Line with paper liners, create smaller graham cracker bases, and portion the cheesecake mixture. Reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes for perfect personal-sized treats.
  • Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Before baking, create a rich chocolate swirl by mixing melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake batter. Carefully pour and marble the batters together for a visually stunning and intensely chocolatey dessert.
  • Salted Caramel Explosion: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cheesecake layers. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate ganache to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile of the classic Reese's combination.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake with Chocolate Swirl

  • Savor Decadent Dessert Indulgence: This cheesecake combines rich, creamy texture with the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter flavor that transforms an ordinary dessert into a spectacular treat.
  • Impress with Minimal Effort: Despite looking incredibly sophisticated, the recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
  • Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Deliciousness: Packed with beloved Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and featuring a smooth, luxurious filling, this dessert guarantees smiles and second helpings at any gathering, from birthday parties to holiday celebrations.
  • Customize with Easy Adaptations: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting chocolate ganache thickness, adding extra Reese's pieces, or creating mini versions for individual servings that look professionally prepared.

Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Crust:
  • Chocolate Graham Crackers: Crisp base with rich chocolate flavor, providing a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together and adds rich, smooth texture.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that creates the classic cheesecake texture and tangy flavor.
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty taste and creamy consistency to the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the rich cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smooth texture to the filling.
Topping and Decoration:
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Chocolate and peanut butter candies that add crunch, flavor, and visual appeal.
  • Chocolate Ganache: Optional rich chocolate topping for extra decadence.

Baking Guide for Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Melt butter and mix thoroughly with cracker crumbs. Press mixture firmly into bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Set aside in refrigerator.

Step 2: Create Cheesecake Filling

Combine in large mixing bowl:
  • Cream cheese
  • Peanut butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gently stir in heavy cream until well incorporated.

Step 3: Add Chocolate Peanut Butter Candies

Chop Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into small chunks. Fold carefully into cheesecake mixture. Pour entire mixture over prepared crust.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake

Preheat oven to 325°F. Place cheesecake in center of oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes until center appears slightly jiggly but set. Surface should look matte and dull.

Step 5: Cool and Release

Remove from oven. Let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Run sharp knife around pan edges to loosen. Allow cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for one hour.

Step 6: Chill and Finish

Refrigerate cheesecake overnight. Before serving, prepare chocolate ganache. Drizzle ganache over top. Garnish with additional chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

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Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Reese’s peanut butter cup cheesecake delivers chocolate and peanut butter bliss in each luxurious slice. Creamy cheesecake layers mingle with crushed peanut butter cups, creating an irresistible dessert that chocolate and peanut butter enthusiasts will devour with pure joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces / 226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers
  • ½ cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Finishing and Flavor Ingredients:

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • Chocolate ganache (optional for topping)
  • Additional Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for decoration

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform crust mixture that will hold together when pressed into the springform pan.
  2. Gently pack the buttery graham cracker mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan, ensuring a compact and level foundation for the cheesecake.
  3. Whip cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes silky smooth and completely free of lumps.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the cream cheese mixture, carefully mixing each one until fully integrated before adding the next, which helps maintain a consistent, velvety texture.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the mixture, stirring gently to create a luxurious, creamy consistency throughout the cheesecake batter.
  6. Chop Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into small, uneven pieces and delicately fold them into the cheesecake batter, distributing the chocolate and peanut butter morsels evenly.
  7. Transfer the prepared batter onto the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  8. Place the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F and bake until the center appears just set and the surface looks matte, approximately 55-60 minutes.
  9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the pan’s inner edge to prevent potential cracking.
  10. Let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature for an additional hour before refrigerating overnight to allow the texture to set perfectly.
  11. Before serving, prepare a rich chocolate ganache and drizzle it over the chilled cheesecake.
  12. Garnish the top with additional chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a decadent and visually appealing finish.

Notes

  • Crafted with layers of creamy cheesecake and chunks of beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this dessert transforms classic flavors into an indulgent showstopper.
  • Chilling overnight ensures a dense, velvety texture that melts smoothly on your tongue, allowing flavors to blend and intensify.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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