Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe (Print Version)

Creamy Reese's peanut butter cheesecake features a chocolate cookie crust and rich peanut butter filling, topped with chopped Reese's cups. A decadent dessert.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 70 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 110 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Golden Peanut Butter Crust

01 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Velvety Peanut Butter Cheesecake Core

05 - 3 (8-ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened
06 - 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
11 - 3 large eggs

→ Decadent Chocolate-Peanut Butter Swirl & Crown

12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
13 - 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
14 - 1 tbsp heavy cream
15 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
17 - 1 cup mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir in 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, until moistened. Press firmly into the pan bottom. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then cool.
02 - Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, beat 3 (8-ounce) packages full-fat cream cheese, softened, until smooth. Add 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter and beat until fully combined and creamy. This forms the rich core of your Reese's Cheesecake: Ultimate Peanut Butter Dessert.
03 - Gradually beat in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar until well incorporated. Mix in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even mixture for your Reese's Cheesecake: Ultimate Peanut Butter Dessert.
04 - Gently beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated; do not overmix. Pour the batter over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan, then fill the roasting pan with hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
05 - Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the Reese's Cheesecake: Ultimate Peanut Butter Dessert cool in the water bath for 1 hour. Remove from water bath, cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, before unmolding.
06 - For the chocolate swirl: Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tbsp heavy cream; stir until smooth. For the peanut butter drizzle: Whisk together 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp heavy cream until smooth.
07 - Once chilled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture over the top, then follow with the peanut butter drizzle. Use a knife or skewer to create a swirl pattern. Garnish generously with 1 cup mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped. Slice and serve.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure all cold ingredients (cream cheese, eggs) are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter. This prevents overmixing and cracks.
02 - For best results, always use a water bath when baking cheesecakes. It provides a moist environment, ensuring even cooking and preventing the top from cracking.
03 - Store leftover Reese's Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.
04 - Feel free to customize the topping with other chocolate candies, a chocolate ganache, or a simple dusting of cocoa powder for a different presentation.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9-inch springform pan
02 - electric mixer
03 - large mixing bowls
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - rubber spatula
06 - small saucepan
07 - baking sheet

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 776 kcal
Total Fat: 53 g
Total Carbohydrate: 66 g
Protein: 15 g