I’m about to share my all-time favorite dessert that combines two irresistible flavors – chocolate and peanut butter. This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake is creamy, decadent, and honestly, a little over-the-top in the best possible way. The contrast between the crunchy chocolate crust and silky peanut butter filling is pure magic, and those chunks of Reese’s cups throughout? They’re little pockets of joy waiting to surprise you. Wonder what makes this cheesecake so special compared to others you’ve tried before?
Why You’ll Love this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
If you’re anything like me, the combination of chocolate and peanut butter is practically irresistible.
This cheesecake takes that classic duo and transforms it into creamy, decadent perfection. The rich, velvety texture melts in your mouth while chunks of Reese’s cups provide delightful surprises in every bite.
What could be better than a chocolate cookie crust topped with peanut butter-infused cheesecake? Nothing, that’s what.
And can we talk about how impressive this looks when served? Your friends will think you spent all day making it.
Our little secret—it’s actually quite simple.
What Ingredients are in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake?
To create this showstopper of a dessert, you’ll need a combination of creamy, sweet, and chocolatey ingredients that work together to deliver that iconic peanut butter cup flavor in cheesecake form.
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 ounces mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 30 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For best results, make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature before starting—cold cream cheese will leave lumps in your batter, and nobody wants to bite into a pocket of unmixed cream cheese when they’re expecting cheesecake perfection.
How to Make this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust
Process 30 chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
Mix the cookie crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until they resemble wet sand.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
For best results, use a premium springform pan set to ensure easy release and perfect presentation of your finished cheesecake.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Base
Beat 32 ounces of softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
This might take a few minutes, but trust me, this patience pays off when you’re enjoying that silky-smooth texture later.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add 5 eggs to the cream cheese mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
This gradual approach helps create that perfect cheesecake texture we’re all dreaming about.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flavoring Ingredients
Add 1½ cups brown sugar, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the mixture.
Beat until everything is well combined and the batter looks uniform, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 5: Fold in the Reese’s Cups
Gently fold in 12 ounces of chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the batter.
Want to know the secret to perfect distribution? Save a handful to sprinkle on top of the batter after you pour it into the crust.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour the finished batter into your prepared cookie crust.
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan, then fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan—this water bath is the secret to crack-free cheesecake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cheesecake in a preheated 325°F oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly.
The edges should be set but the middle should still have a bit of wobble—it’ll continue to set as it cools.
Step 8: Cool Gradually
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven for about an hour.
Then remove it from the water bath and let it cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
Patience is a virtue that’s rewarded with perfect cheesecake.
What to Serve with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This indulgent cheesecake deserves perfect companions to round out your dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a beautiful temperature contrast against a slightly warmed slice.
For a sophisticated touch, serve with espresso or a rich coffee drink—the bitterness cuts through the sweet, creamy richness perfectly.
Want something lighter? Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a welcome tartness and pop of color. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or warm caramel sauce takes things to next-level decadence.
And don’t underestimate how wonderful a simple glass of cold milk tastes with all that peanut buttery goodness—sometimes the classics are classics for a reason.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Substitutions and Variations
• Lighter version: Use Neufchâtel cheese and reduce sugar to 1 cup without losing that wonderful peanut butter punch.
Leftovers and Storage for this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This indulgent cheesecake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even more decadent the next day!
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cheesecake:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Store in freezer for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
When ready to enjoy your leftover slices, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
This helps restore the creamy texture that makes this cheesecake so irresistible.
No reheating needed—this rich, peanut buttery delight is meant to be enjoyed cold!
Final Thoughts
This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake isn’t just dessert—it’s an event in itself. The combination of silky cream cheese, rich peanut butter, and those beloved chocolate-peanut butter cups creates something truly magical that transforms ordinary moments into memories.
Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for holiday gatherings, a birthday celebration centerpiece, or simply want to elevate a weekend family dinner, this cheesecake delivers in every way.
While it requires a bit of patience to prepare and chill properly, the result is a slice of heaven that speaks the universal language of comfort and indulgence—no special occasion actually required.