Decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Decadent desserts often start with unexpected combinations, and this reeses peanut butter cup cheesecake recipe proves that sweet magic happens when chocolate meets creamy cheesecake.

Layers of rich, velvety filling nestle between a buttery graham cracker crust and silky chocolate ganache.

peanut butter lovers will swoon over every luxurious bite of this indulgent treat.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance of smooth cream cheese and classic Reese’s candy flavor.

The chocolate and peanut butter complement each other with an irresistible intensity that melts in your mouth.

Bold yet elegant, this cheesecake turns an ordinary dessert into a showstopping centerpiece.

Dive into this ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience that promises to delight even the most discerning dessert enthusiast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

For Crust:
  • Chocolate Graham Crackers: Crunchy base that adds rich chocolate flavor and creates a sturdy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the cracker crumbs together, ensuring a compact and deliciously crisp crust.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, creamy base that provides the classic cheesecake texture and tangy richness.
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Introduces intense nutty flavor and creates a luscious, creamy consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of cream cheese.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure, help bind ingredients, and create a silky smooth texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and helps achieve a velvety, luxurious filling.
For Topping and Decoration:
  • Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Bring chocolate and peanut butter crunch, creating bursts of flavor throughout the cheesecake.
  • Chocolate Ganache: Optional decadent topping that adds glossy chocolate richness.

Kitchen Essentials for Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

  • 9-inch springform pan: Essential for creating and removing the cheesecake easily.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cream cheese, peanut butter, and other ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and ingredients to a creamy, lump-free consistency.
  • Knife: Needed to loosen cheesecake edges after baking.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cheesecake to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Great for folding in chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and scraping bowl.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Instructions

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake

  • Crunchy Cookie Base

Crush graham crackers and blend with melted butter, pressing firmly into a springform pan to create a solid foundation for the cheesecake.

  • Silky Cream Mixture

Whip cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar until incredibly smooth. Gently fold in eggs one at a time, creating a velvety batter that promises decadence.

  • Candy Surprise

Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups throughout the creamy mixture, ensuring delightful chocolate-peanut butter pockets in every slice.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the cheesecake into a preheated oven and bake until the center is just barely set and the surface looks softly matte. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible.

  • Cooling Transformation

Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly, first at room temperature, then overnight in the refrigerator. This patience ensures a perfectly smooth texture.

  • Finishing Touch

Before serving, drizzle with rich chocolate ganache and garnish with extra Reese’s cups for a show-stopping dessert that will make everyone swoon.

Reeses Cheesecake Flavor Tips & Customizations

  • Baking Brilliance: Swap regular graham crackers with chocolate graham crackers for an extra rich base.
  • Peanut Butter Cup Magic: Freeze Reese's cups before chopping to prevent them from melting during mixing and maintain better texture.
  • Temperature Tricks: Let cream cheese and eggs reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Cracking Prevention: Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to create humidity and reduce surface cracking.
  • Ganache Glory: For a silky chocolate topping, use high-quality dark or milk chocolate and warm cream to create a glossy, rich drizzle that complements the peanut butter flavor perfectly.

How to Serve Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

  • Sweet Drizzle Delight: Enhance each slice by adding warm chocolate sauce or caramel drizzle right before serving, creating a luxurious cascading effect over the creamy cheesecake surface.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Garnish individual slices with extra chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate shavings for added texture and intense chocolate flavor.
  • Whipped Cream Wonder: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and sprinkle crushed peanuts or graham cracker crumbs for a delightful contrast in temperature and crunch.
  • Decadent Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a small glass of cold milk to balance the rich, creamy cheesecake and complement its sweet-salty profile.

How to Store Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

  • Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store the cheesecake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the delicious flavors intact and preventing unwanted moisture absorption.
  • Cold Storage Technique: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easy grab-and-go treats that maintain maximum taste and texture when refrigerated.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the entire cheesecake before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen cheesecake stays delectable for 2-3 months when sealed in a freezer-safe container with tight-fitting lid.
  • Thawing Wisdom: Transfer frozen cheesecake slices to the refrigerator 4-6 hours before serving, allowing gradual defrosting that preserves the creamy consistency and prevents potential texture breakdown.
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Decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy homemade Reeses peanut butter cup cheesecake balances sweet chocolate and rich peanut butter in a luxurious dessert. Chocolate graham cracker crust and silky filling combine for an indulgent treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups crushed chocolate graham crackers
  • ½ cup (4 oz / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp 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. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine powder and amalgamate with melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the springform pan’s base to create a solid foundation.
  2. Batter Creation: Whip cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then methodically integrate eggs one at a time while maintaining a smooth texture.
  3. Ingredient Incorporation: Gently fold heavy cream and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the batter, ensuring even distribution of the chocolate and peanut butter pieces throughout the mixture.
  4. Baking Process: Pour the prepared batter over the graham cracker crust, leveling the surface, and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 55-60 minutes until the center sets and the surface appears matte.
  5. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, carefully loosening the edges with a knife, then allow to cool completely at room temperature for an hour before refrigerating overnight.
  6. Finishing Touches: Drizzle with chocolate ganache and embellish with additional chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups just before serving, creating a decadent and visually stunning dessert.

Notes

Prevent Crust Crumbling: Compress graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable base that won’t fall apart when slicing.

Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Beat ingredients at room temperature and mix gradually to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky, luxurious cheesecake texture without graininess.

Bake with Water Bath Protection: Place springform pan in a larger water-filled pan to prevent surface cracking and promote even, gentle baking that prevents overbrowning.

Cooling Patience Matters: Allow cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature and refrigerate overnight, which helps develop rich flavors and creates the perfect dense, creamy consistency.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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