Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cheesecake – Rich, Creamy & Chocolatey Dessert

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs

1/4 cup melted butter

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup creamy peanut butter

15-20 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter chips

Caramel sauce for drizzling

Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth.

Fold in half of the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into the batter. Pour the batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top.

Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake. Top with the remaining chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and caramel sauce. Add whipped cream for garnish if desired.

Notes

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices

Author: laura

Introduction & Overview

The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cheesecake is a must-try dessert for chocolate and peanut butter fans. Its creamy filling, combined with the crunch and chocolatey goodness of Reese’s cups, creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut butter cheesecake filling – silky, creamy, and nutty.
Reese’s cup pieces – add chocolatey texture and sweetness.
Graham cracker crust – buttery, crisp, and perfectly balanced.
Impressive presentation – perfect for parties or dessert tables.

Mini or full-sized, this cheesecake makes every occasion feel special. Its combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey elements delivers a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for peanut butter lovers.

Key Ingredients & Flavor Profile

Key Ingredients

For the Crust:

Graham cracker crumbs – crisp, buttery base.
Melted butter – binds crumbs.
Sugar – adds slight sweetness.

Cheesecake Filling:

Cream cheese – smooth and creamy.
Peanut butter – rich and nutty flavor.
Sugar – sweetens filling.
Eggs – help set the cheesecake.
Vanilla extract – enhances flavor.

Topping:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – chopped for texture and chocolatey goodness.
Optional chocolate ganache – for extra indulgence.

Flavor Profile

The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cheesecake is a perfect balance of:

Creamy filling: soft, nutty, and rich.
Chocolate topping: sweet, decadent, and slightly crunchy.
Buttery crust: adds texture and balances richness.

Each forkful combines smooth cheesecake, chocolate chunks, and peanut butter flavor, creating an irresistible indulgent dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter. Press into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 2 – Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat 24 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup peanut butter, ¾ cup sugar, 3 eggs, and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and fully combined.

Step 3 – Assemble the Cheesecake

Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups evenly on top. Optional: drizzle chocolate ganache over the top.

Step 4 – Bake the Cheesecake

Bake 50–60 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Turn off oven, leave door ajar for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5 – Serve

Slice carefully with a warm knife. Top with additional chopped Reese’s cups or whipped cream if desired.

Variations, Substitutions & Serving Ideas

Variations

Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual portions.
Chocolate swirl: Swirl melted chocolate into peanut butter filling before baking.
Nutty addition: Add chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch.

Substitutions

Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
Gluten-free cookies for crust if needed.
Low-sugar chocolate or natural peanut butter for a lighter version.

Serving Ideas

Serve with chocolate sauce drizzle.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Perfect for dessert tables at parties or gatherings.

Nutrition & Cost

Each slice (1 of 12) contains approximately:

Calories: 500–550
Fat: 28 g
Protein: 7 g

Healthier Tweaks:

Use light cream cheese and reduced sugar.
Reduce number of Reese’s cups on top to lower sugar content.

Cost:
Total cost approximately $15–18 for a full cheesecake (~$1.50 per slice), making it an indulgent yet affordable dessert.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?
Yes — refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and filling to set.

Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes — wrap tightly in plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Can I use store-bought peanut butter cups?
Absolutely — choose your favorite variety. Chop and sprinkle generously.

Why did my cheesecake crack?
Avoid overbaking; ensure centers are slightly jiggly before cooling.

Tips, Common Mistakes & Conclusion

Common Mistakes

Overmixing → air bubbles → cracks.
Adding toppings too early → sink into filling.
Cutting too soon → messy slices.

Pro Tips

Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth filling.
Cool cheesecake completely before adding toppings.
Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.

Conclusion

The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Cheesecake is a heavenly combination of peanut butter and chocolate in creamy, luscious cheesecake form. With its buttery crust, smooth filling, and chocolatey Reese’s cup topping, it’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Perfect for parties, holidays, or simply treating yourself, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.