Description
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake combines the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter cups. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth peanut butter-infused filling, and bursts of chopped chocolate peanut butter cups, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty indulgence. Easy to make and customizable, this dessert is ideal for celebrations or any time you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating until creamy. Blend in peanut butter thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream or heavy cream to keep the batter silky and rich.
- Fold in chopped peanut butter cups: Gently fold the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into the filling, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake your cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly to maintain creaminess.
- Chill and serve: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set perfectly and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, peanut butter) to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbeat to prevent excess air bubbles and cracking.
- Bake the cheesecake in a water bath for even baking and moisture retention.
- Use a springform pan for easy and clean removal.
- Chill thoroughly for best texture and flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Reese’s, peanut butter cup, cheesecake, peanut butter, chocolate, dessert, gluten free option