Reese's Cheesecake

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

This decadent peanut butter lover's cheesecake takes richness to new heights with layers of pure peanut butter bliss! The chocolate cookie crust provides the perfect base for creamy peanut butter cheesecake that's studded with chunks of chopped Reese's cups throughout. But it doesn't stop there - a glossy chocolate ganache blankets the top while clouds of peanut butter whipped cream add an extra dreamy touch. Every bite delivers that perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes this ultimate dessert absolutely irresistible. Pure heaven for peanut butter fans!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:01:31 GMT
A creamy layered cake topped with chocolate ganache and pieces of chocolate bars sits on a white cake stand. Pin it
A creamy layered cake topped with chocolate ganache and pieces of chocolate bars sits on a white cake stand. | tasteofcook.com

Let me share my absolute favorite indulgent dessert - this incredible Reese's Cheesecake that combines all the best flavors in life. I came up with this recipe for my son's birthday and now it's our most requested celebration cake. Picture this: a creamy peanut butter filling studded with chopped Reese's cups nestled in a chocolate Oreo crust all topped with rich ganache. Pure heaven.

Why You Need This In Your Life

Trust me this isn't just any cheesecake. The secret is in the sour cream that makes it incredibly silky and balances all that peanut butter chocolate goodness. Even if you're new to baking cheesecakes this recipe is totally doable. Plus you can make it ahead which is perfect when you're hosting.

Your Shopping List

  • Oreos: Regular not Double Stuf for that perfect crust
  • Unsalted Butter: The good stuff melted and ready to go
  • Cream Cheese: Full fat only and let it get completely soft
  • Peanut Butter: I always use JIF creamy it never fails me
  • Mini Reese's Cups: Get extra you'll want to snack while baking
  • Sour Cream: This makes everything extra creamy
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: For our ganache and that dreamy topping

Let's Bake Together

First The Crust
Crush those Oreos mix with melted butter and press into your pan. A quick bake makes it perfect.
Time For Filling
Beat that cream cheese until it's silky smooth add your peanut butter and goodies fold in those Reese's pieces.
The Water Bath
Don't skip this step wrap your pan well and nestle it in some hot water it's worth the extra effort.
Make It Pretty
Once it's cooled pour on that glossy ganache add swirls of peanut butter cream and crown it with Reese's.

My Best Baking Secrets

After making this countless times I've learned a few tricks. Everything must be room temperature or you'll get lumps. Mix on low speed we don't want air bubbles. Let it cool gradually in the oven door cracked this prevents cracks. And always always temper your ganache properly.

Keeping It Fresh

This beauty stays perfect in the fridge for about 5 days covered up tight. Want to make it way ahead? Pop it in the freezer minus the whipped cream topping it'll keep for three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you need it.

A slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake topped with various chocolate candies on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake topped with various chocolate candies on a white plate. | tasteofcook.com

Mix It Up

Sometimes I'll add crushed pretzels to the crust for a salty crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top. And if you really want to go all out serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce pure bliss.

What Makes This Special

This isn't just another cheesecake recipe it's a celebration in dessert form. The combination of creamy and crunchy sweet and salty it hits all the right notes. Every time I make this for a party people literally gasp when I bring it out.

Kitchen Wisdom

Here's what I've learned over countless bakes. Spring for the good cream cheese and chocolate you can taste the difference. Give yourself plenty of time this gets even better after a night in the fridge. Pour that ganache while it's still a bit warm for the prettiest shine. And here's my secret for picture perfect slices dip your knife in hot water between cuts.

More Peanut Butter Love

Can't get enough Reese's? You need to try my other favorites: My no bake Reese's Peanut Butter Pie that's perfect for summer, These outrageous Reese's Brownies that are always gone in minutes, And my famous Reese's Cookie Cake that's become legendary at birthday parties.

Final Sweet Notes

This cheesecake has become such a special part of our family celebrations. There's something magical about bringing it to the table watching everyone's eyes light up and sharing that first delicious bite together. Whether you're celebrating something special or just craving the ultimate chocolate peanut butter dessert this recipe never disappoints.

A slice of layered chocolate cheesecake, featuring a chocolate ganache topping, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a graham cracker crust, garnished with chocolate candies. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cheesecake, featuring a chocolate ganache topping, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a graham cracker crust, garnished with chocolate candies. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do ingredients need to be at room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients blend together more smoothly and evenly. Cold ingredients can create lumps and affect the texture of your cheesecake.

→ Why use a water bath when baking?

A water bath provides gentle, even heat and adds moisture to the oven. This helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking throughout the cheesecake.

→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, freeze for up to 3 months without the whipped cream topping. Wrap well in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ Why did my whipped cream become thin?

Over-whipping after adding the peanut butter mixture can cause the cream to separate and thin out. Mix just until stiff peaks form and no streaks remain.

→ Can I use other types of Reese's cups?

Yes, but regular mini Reese's work best. Full-size cups will give you less chocolate throughout, and unwrapped minis provide less peanut butter filling.

Conclusion

A decadent dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake, chocolate, and peanut butter, perfect for special occasions and intense sweet cravings.

Reese's Cheesecake

Rich and creamy cheesecake packed with Reese's cups and peanut butter, topped with chocolate ganache and peanut butter whipped cream.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
85 Minutes
Total Time
130 Minutes


Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2¾ cups (369g) Oreo crumbs (about 31 Oreos).
02 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted.
03 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature.
04 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar.
05 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour.
06 ¾ cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature.
07 ¾ cup (210g) creamy peanut butter.
08 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 4 large eggs, room temperature.
10 34 mini Reese's cups (297g), chopped.
11 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate chips.
12 6 tablespoons (90ml) heavy cream for ganache.
13 ¾ cup (180ml) cold heavy cream for whipping.
14 ½ cup (58g) powdered sugar.
15 3 tablespoons (48g) creamy peanut butter for topping.
16 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for topping.
17 7 full-size Reese's cups, halved for decoration.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat to 325°F. Line 9-inch springform pan with parchment, grease sides and wrap outside with foil.

Step 02

Mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter, press into pan bottom and sides. Bake 8-10 minutes.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Add sour cream, peanut butter, vanilla. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in chopped Reese's.

Step 04

Pour into crust, place in water bath. Bake at 300°F for 1 hour 25 minutes until center is set but jiggly.

Step 05

Turn off oven, leave door closed 30 minutes, then crack door 30 minutes. Remove and cool completely.

Step 06

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips, let sit, then whisk until smooth. Spread over cheesecake.

Step 07

Mix peanut butter mixture, whip cream separately, then combine. Pipe onto cake and decorate with Reese's halves.

Notes

  1. Must use room temperature ingredients.
  2. Keeps 4-5 days in fridge.
  3. Can freeze up to 3 months without topping.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Water bath pan.
  • Piping bag and tip.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Peanuts.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 694
  • Total Fat: 48 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 14 g