Creamy Peanut Butter Reeses Cheesecake Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Reeses cheesecake recipe fans know that combining two beloved desserts into one show-stopping creation is always a winning idea.

Chocolate and peanut butter have long been considered one of the most craveable flavor pairings, and when swirled into a creamy, decadent dessert, something truly special happens.

Whether celebrating a birthday, hosting friends for dinner, or simply treating yourself after a long week, having a go-to dessert that never disappoints makes any occasion feel more memorable.

No complicated techniques are required, yet the final result looks and tastes absolutely impressive.

Once you serve a slice, be prepared for everyone at the table to ask for seconds.

Making something that evokes so much joy is easier than most people think, and the smiles on everyone’s faces will be worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Decadent Reasons to Try Reese’s Cheesecake

• Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesecake turns any gathering into a celebration, guaranteeing smiles from chocolate and peanut butter fans at your table.
• Super Simple Steps: The recipe looks complicated but actually has straightforward instructions that make baking a total breeze for home cooks of any skill level.
• Reeses Magic: Adding chopped peanut butter cups directly into the cheesecake mixture creates delightful surprise bites that make each slice extra special for dessert lovers.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This dessert can be prepared well in advance, letting your refrigerator do the hard work while giving you more time to relax before serving something spectacular.

Complete Ingredient List for Reese’s Cheesecake

• Graham Crackers (1 1/2 cups): Crushed crackers that create a sturdy and delicious base for your cheesecake.
• Unsalted Butter (5 tablespoons): Melted butter that helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese (16 oz): The creamy foundation that gives your cheesecake its signature smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs (3 large): Provide structure and help the cheesecake set perfectly.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet depth to the entire dessert.
• Sour Cream (1 cup): Brings extra richness and a subtle tangy note to the filling.
• Reeses Peanut Butter Cups (about 10 cups): Chopped candies that deliver bursts of chocolate and peanut butter throughout the cheesecake.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melted into a smooth ganache for a luxurious chocolate layer.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Used to create a silky, glossy chocolate topping that covers the cheesecake.

What Tools Bake Reese’s Cheesecake

• Springform Pan (23 cm/9-inch): Your key tool for creating a perfect, easy-to-release cheesecake with clean edges.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending cream cheese, sugar, and other ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer: Helps you beat cream cheese and mix ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting ingredient proportions exactly right.
• Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding Reeses pieces into the batter and scraping every bit from the bowl.
• Saucepan (small): Needed for preparing the chocolate ganache topping.
• Whisk: Great for stirring ganache and ensuring a silky chocolate layer.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for chopping Reeses peanut butter cups.
• Sharp Knife: Allows you to precisely chop chocolate pieces for decoration.
• Cooling Rack: Provides a place to let your cheesecake rest after baking.

Baking Instructions for Reese’s Cheesecake

Cooking Shortcuts for Reeses Cheesecake

• Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure super smooth, lump-free batter.
• Break graham crackers into small, even pieces inside a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin for a perfect, consistent crust texture.
• Place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack to create moisture, preventing your cheesecake from cracking during baking.
• Use a spatula to carefully fold Reeses pieces into the batter, keeping them evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent surface cracks, first in the oven with door cracked, then on the counter, and finally in the refrigerator.

Reese’s Cheesecake Variations That Feel Decadent

• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap cream cheese for cashew cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of sour cream, ensuring smooth texture for those avoiding dairy.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace graham crackers with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, keeping the same crunchy base for your cheesecake.
• Chocolate Lover’s Edition: Substitute Reeses with dark chocolate chunks or chocolate truffles, creating a rich alternative that still delivers decadent flavor.
• Lighter Cheesecake Choice: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and cut down on sugar to make a more nutritious dessert without losing creamy texture.

Rich Serving Ideas for Reese’s Cheesecake

• Slice with Precision: Use a hot, clean knife to cut perfect, clean slices that showcase the beautiful layers of your creamy cheesecake.
• Chocolate Companion: Pair this decadent dessert with a cold glass of milk or a rich, dark roast coffee to balance the sweet and rich flavors.
• Temperature Tip: Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the creamy texture.
• Garnish Gracefully: Sprinkle extra chopped Reeses peanut butter cups on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Storage Notes for Reese’s Cheesecake

• Refrigerate your Reeses cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the freshness locked in and protecting those delicate flavors.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before storing in the freezer, which lets you enjoy a sweet treat whenever chocolate cravings strike.
• Store any leftover ganache separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about a week, ready to drizzle over future desserts.
• When freezing the entire cheesecake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve the creamy texture.

Reese’s Cheesecake Common Questions

Reeses Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to overnight including cooling and refrigeration
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Reese’s Cheesecake delivers pure chocolate and peanut butter bliss that melts right through your taste buds. Creamy layers of rich filling nestled between a chocolate graham crust make this dessert a total crowd-pleaser for anyone craving something sweet.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 200 grams Reeses peanut butter cups
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grab a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with 5 tablespoons melted butter until completely combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 350F, then remove and let cool completely.
5. Beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese in a large bowl until completely smooth.
6. Gradually add 1 cup sugar to the cream cheese, mixing at low speed.
7. Incorporate 3 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
8. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup sour cream until the batter becomes silky.
9. Gently fold 10 chopped Reeses peanut butter cups into the cheesecake mixture.
10. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly to the edges.
11. Bake at 350F for 55 minutes, watching for slightly jiggly center and set edges.
12. Turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
13. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight.
14. Warm ½ cup heavy cream and 1 cup chocolate chips until smooth for ganache.
15. Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake, covering the surface completely.
16. Garnish with additional chopped Reeses peanut butter cups before serving.

Notes

• Crush graham crackers finely for a smooth, even crust that holds together perfectly when slicing the cheesecake.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends smoothly without overbeating.
• Avoid overbaking by checking the cheesecake’s doneness – the center should have a subtle jiggle, as it will continue setting while cooling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs and use certified gluten-free Reeses peanut butter cups.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour – 1 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Cheesecakes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 588
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg