Mouth-watering Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of creamy cheesecake and love the indulgent, sweet taste of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for you. This rich and decadent cheesecake combines the creaminess of traditional cheesecake with the bold flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache, peanut butter chips, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each bite is a perfect mix of creamy texture and crunchy chocolatey goodness, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Filling

  • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 15-20 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
  • Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Form Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it forms an even layer.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition to ensure the filling is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Mix in Peanut Butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the batter is completely smooth and even.
  5. Add Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in half of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the filling mixture.

Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake

  1. Pour Filling: Pour the prepared cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. The center should have a slight jiggle but should not be runny.
  3. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, leave the oven door slightly open, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  4. Cool Further: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.

Step 4: Making the Ganache

  1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
  2. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the cream from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the ganache is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 5: Decorating the Cheesecake

  1. Add Ganache: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the refrigerator and drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
  2. Top with Reese’s and Chips: Sprinkle the remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and peanut butter chips on top of the ganache.
  3. Drizzle Caramel: Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness.
  4. Whipped Cream (Optional): Pipe whipped cream around the edges or in the center for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Note

  • Be sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before starting; this prevents lumps in the batter.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the eggs. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake.
  • Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to help prevent cracking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve each slice with an extra drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
  • For a festive touch, top each slice with a mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness.

Tips

  1. Use a Water Bath: For a smooth, crack-free cheesecake, place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and add hot water to the dish to create a water bath. This helps bake the cheesecake evenly.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This will make the batter smooth and creamy.
  3. Storage: Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it without the toppings and ganache for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  4. Reese’s Alternatives: Substitute Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with your favorite peanut butter chocolate candies if you like a different flavor or texture.
  5. Peanut Butter Choice: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling, but if you like a bit of crunch, you can opt for chunky peanut butter instead.

Prep Time

  • 30 minutes

Cooking Time

  • 60 minutes

Total Time

  • 1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice, assuming 12 slices per cheesecake.

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 10g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Sugars: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a decadent and mouth-watering dessert that will satisfy any chocolate and peanut butter lover. With a creamy filling, rich chocolate ganache, and an indulgent peanut butter flavor, it’s the perfect treat for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. The combination of textures and flavors will leave your guests asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to cheesecake perfection!

Print
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Mouth-watering Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Filling

  • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 15–20 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped

Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
  • Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Form Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it forms an even layer.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Filling

  1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Ingredients: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition to ensure the filling is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Mix in Peanut Butter: Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the batter is completely smooth and even.
  5. Add Reese’s Pieces: Gently fold in half of the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the filling mixture.

Step 3: Baking the Cheesecake

  1. Pour Filling: Pour the prepared cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. The center should have a slight jiggle but should not be runny.
  3. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, leave the oven door slightly open, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
  4. Cool Further: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.

Step 4: Making the Ganache

  1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
  2. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the cream from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted and the ganache is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.

Step 5: Decorating the Cheesecake

  1. Add Ganache: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the refrigerator and drizzle the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
  2. Top with Reese’s and Chips: Sprinkle the remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and peanut butter chips on top of the ganache.
  3. Drizzle Caramel: Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness.
  4. Whipped Cream (Optional): Pipe whipped cream around the edges or in the center for a beautiful presentation.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Protein: 10g

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