Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and classic cheesecake tang. It’s perfect for peanut butter lovers looking to impress with a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (optional)
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, then mix to combine. Beat in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cheesecake smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Step 5: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
- Step 6: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Step 7: Heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth to create a ganache. Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Step 8: Top the cheesecake with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier crust, add a tablespoon of sugar to the cookie crumbs before mixing with butter.
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture inside the cheesecake.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer ganache.
- If you prefer a lighter ganache, reduce the chocolate chips to ¾ cup and increase heavy cream to ⅔ cup.
Storage
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Reheat ganache topping slightly if it firms too much in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?
A springform pan is best for cheesecakes since it allows easy removal without damaging the sides. If using a regular pan, line it with parchment paper and be very careful when removing the cheesecake.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake the cheesecake gently at a low temperature. Letting the cheesecake cool in the turned-off oven with the door cracked helps prevent rapid temperature changes, reducing cracking.
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, combining a chocolate cookie crust with a smooth peanut butter cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and optional caramel drizzle. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Ganache and Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (optional)
- 12 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Beat in the creamy peanut butter until smooth and fully integrated.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent overmixing and ensure a creamy texture.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Spread this chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Finish and serve: Top the ganache with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled for a decadent treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overmix the eggs to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Using a water bath is optional but can help prevent cracking.
- For best results, chill the cheesecake overnight.
- The caramel drizzle is optional but adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
- Make sure to cool the crust before adding the filling to maintain a firm base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, peanut butter dessert, no bake cheesecake, chocolate ganache, Reese’s dessert
