If you’re anything like me, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is practically irresistible. That’s why this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake has become my go-to dessert for impressing guests or satisfying my own sweet tooth. The contrast between the crunchy Oreo crust and creamy peanut butter filling creates magic on your taste buds, while chunks of Reese’s cups add that perfect sweet-salty punch. Want to know the secret to making this showstopper without spending hours in the kitchen?
Why You’ll Love this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Chocolate and peanut butter, undeniably the most ideal flavor combination ever created. I mean, who doesn’t melt at the thought of that rich, nutty flavor paired with smooth chocolate?
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake takes this classic duo to heavenly new heights. The Oreo crust provides the perfect chocolatey foundation, while the creamy peanut butter filling is luxuriously smooth with delightful pockets of chopped Reese’s cups throughout.
Every bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet and salty that’ll make your taste buds dance. Can’t you just imagine serving this at your next gathering? The looks on everyone’s faces when you cut into this showstopper.
Trust me, they’ll be begging for the recipe. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because it’s Tuesday.
What Ingredients are in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake?
To make this irresistible Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that transform into something magical when combined.
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 packages (8oz each) cream cheese
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 Reese’s cups, chopped
- Whipped cream and extra Reese’s pieces for garnish (optional)
The quality of your ingredients matters here, so I recommend using full-fat cream cheese and real vanilla extract for the best flavor—and don’t even think about swapping the creamy peanut butter for crunchy unless you’re feeling particularly rebellious.
How to Make this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Cookie Crust
Mix 2 cups of Oreo crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until well combined.
Press this chocolatey mixture firmly into the bottom of your springform pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for all that peanut butter goodness to come.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
Beat 3 packages (8oz each) of cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
This is where patience pays off—nobody wants lumpy cheesecake, right?
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest possible texture.
Using a high-quality stand mixer will make this process much easier and produce more consistent results.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Wet Ingredients
Add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Then mix in 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and well-combined.
The batter should look luxuriously smooth, with that unmistakable peanut butter hue.
Step 4: Incorporate the Reese’s Cups
Gently fold in 10 chopped Reese’s cups into your batter.
Don’t overmix here—we want visible chunks of peanut butter cup throughout the cheesecake for those delightful surprise bites that make everyone go silent at the table.
Step 5: Pour and Prepare for Baking
Pour your peanut butter cheesecake mixture onto the prepared Oreo crust.
Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles that might be hiding in there, plotting to crack your beautiful creation.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 325°F for approximately 60 minutes.
The center should be slightly jiggly but mostly set—think of it like a cheesecake that’s doing a subtle dance move rather than the full wobble.
A little jiggle is good; a lot means more time in the oven.
Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate
Allow your cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
Then, show some restraint and refrigerate overnight.
Trust me, this waiting period is essential for developing those complex flavors—your future self will thank you tomorrow.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add a flourish of whipped cream around the edges and sprinkle with extra Reese’s pieces for both visual appeal and that extra peanut butter punch.
Slice with a warm, clean knife for the neatest presentation—though let’s be honest, people will be too busy reaching for seconds to notice how perfectly you cut it.
What to Serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This decadent dessert deserves worthy companions! A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates the perfect temperature contrast against a slice of this rich cheesecake.
For a coffee pairing, try a strong espresso or cappuccino—the slight bitterness cuts through all that creamy sweetness beautifully.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top just before serving, letting it cascade down the sides like a peanut butter cup waterfall.
Fresh berries, particularly raspberries or strawberries, add a welcome tartness and pop of color.
And for the ultimate dessert spread at your next gathering, serve small slices alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries for a truly memorable finale that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Substitutions and Variations
Need to switch things up? This cheesecake is wonderfully adaptable:
- Crust options: Graham cracker crumbs work perfectly if you’re out of Oreos. For gluten-free, try gluten-free cookies or a nut-based crust.
- Lighter version: Use 1/3 less fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Dairy-free possibility: Try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream (though texture will differ slightly).
- Sweetener swaps: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Mix-in magic: Swap Reese’s cups for other candy – Snickers, Butterfinger bits, or chocolate chips all work beautifully.
- Seasonal twist: Add crushed candy canes during winter holidays or chopped Reese’s eggs for Easter.
- Extra decadence: Drizzle warm peanut butter and chocolate ganache over the top just before serving.
Who knew one cheesecake could wear so many delicious disguises?
Leftovers and Storage for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This cheesecake might be even better the next day when all those peanut butter flavors have had time to mingle and get cozy.
Here’s how to keep it tasting dreamy:
- Refrigerator storage: Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The plastic wrap should touch the surface to prevent that weird cheesecake “skin” from forming.
- Freezer magic: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Talk about future-you appreciation!
- Thawing tips: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, never on the counter (unless you enjoy food poisoning roulette).
- Serving refresher: Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving—cold cheesecake doesn’t release flavors as well as slightly tempered slices.
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake brings together the iconic combination of chocolate and peanut butter in a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting.
The contrast between the crunchy Oreo crust and the velvety peanut butter filling, studded with chunks of Reese’s cups, creates a texture and flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for special occasions when you want to impress, or weekend gatherings when comfort food is calling your name.
For a simpler but equally delicious alternative, try making peanut butter bars with a graham cracker crust and chocolate drizzle topping.
Whether it’s a birthday celebration or simply because you deserve something extraordinary, this cheesecake has a way of turning ordinary moments into sweet memories that linger long after the last bite.
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