Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Heavenly Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent layers of creamy cheesecake merge with rich Reeses peanut butter chocolate cake in a dessert that promises pure bliss.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will swoon over this epic combination.

Smooth cream cheese filling nestles between moist chocolate cake layers studded with peanut butter cups.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and intense flavors that dance across your palate.

The recipe balances sweetness with deep chocolate notes and salty peanut butter undertones.

Gentle mixing techniques and quality ingredients transform simple components into an extraordinary dessert.

Prepare to elevate your baking game with this show-stopping cheesecake that will impress even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 496 kcal

Servings: 13

Reese’s Cheesecake Ingredients That Matter

For Crust:
  • Chocolate Crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolatey base that complements the cheesecake filling, choose fine-ground crumbs for a smooth texture.
  • Melted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together, ensures a compact and crisp foundation.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape, use granulated for even distribution.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates the classic creamy cheesecake texture, select full-fat for maximum richness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tangy cream cheese, use fine sugar for smooth incorporation.
  • Peanut Butter: Delivers intense nutty flavor, opt for creamy style for seamless mixing.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, enhances the overall creamy consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and aromatic warmth, choose pure extract for best flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind and stabilize the filling, ensure they're at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: Introduces delightful chocolate-peanut butter chunks, chop into bite-sized pieces.
For Chocolate Ganache and Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy ganache, select high-fat content for best results.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate layer, dark or semi-sweet work best.
  • Additional Reeses Peanut Butter Cups: Offers decorative and tasty garnish, halve for elegant presentation.
  • Melted Peanut Butter: Optional drizzle for extra indulgence, warm.

Kitchen Tools for Peanut Butter Cake Prep

  • Springform Pan: 9-inch round pan with removable sides for easy cheesecake release.
  • Mixing Bowls: Large and medium sizes for mixing crust, filling, and ganache ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps line pan bottom for easy cake removal.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for creating chocolate ganache.
  • Larger Baking Pan: Needed for water bath during baking.
  • Whisk: For stirring ganache and mixing ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and fold in Reeses Peanut Butter Cups.

How to Make Reese’s Cake Cheesecake at Home

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F and get your springform pan ready with a quick butter spray and parchment paper base.

  • Craft the Chocolate Foundation

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Press this delectable mixture firmly into your pan, creating a killer base that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Whip the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, then introduce peanut butter for that irresistible flavor punch. Gently fold in eggs, one by one, creating a luxurious landscape of creamy goodness. Sprinkle in chopped Reeses for surprise bursts of chocolate-peanut joy.

  • Bake with Tender Love

Pour your heavenly mixture over the crust, then nestle the pan into a warm water bath. Let it bake until edges look firm but center still has a playful wiggle. After baking, let the cheesecake rest in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

  • Chill and Set

Refrigerate your masterpiece for several hours, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to become magnificently smooth.

  • Crown with Chocolate Glory

Melt chocolate and cream together into a glossy ganache. Drizzle this liquid gold over your chilled cheesecake, creating a stunning final touch.

  • Decorate and Devour

Adorn the edges with halved Reeses and optional peanut butter drizzle. Slice, serve, and prepare for culinary bliss!

Tips to Play with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Flavors

  • Strategies for making the ultimate Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake.
  • Always use a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure smooth, creamy texture by creating gentle, even heating around the cheesecake.
  • Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for seamless mixing and preventing lumpy batter.
  • Allow cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with door cracked to prevent sudden temperature changes that cause cracking.
  • This dessert can be prepared 2-3 days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining and reducing day-of stress.
  • Swap regular peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter for nut-free versions; use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs for gluten-sensitive guests.

Best Ways to Present Your Reese’s Cheesecake

  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Pair this rich cheesecake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Serve alongside a small glass of cold milk or a smooth espresso to cut through the dessert's richness and enhance its deep chocolate notes.
  • Party Perfect Plating: Arrange slices on elegant dessert plates with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a fresh mint leaf for a sophisticated presentation that'll impress guests.
  • Indulgent Breakfast Twist: Create a morning treat by serving thin slices with a strong coffee or cappuccino, transforming this decadent cheesecake into a luxurious brunch experience.

Tips for Saving Your Cake Cheesecake

  • Keep the cheesecake covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain its rich, creamy texture and prevents flavor loss.
  • Prepare the entire cheesecake 2-3 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop a deeper, more intense taste profile. This technique enhances the overall dessert experience.
  • Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
  • Cut and separate slices with parchment paper between them before freezing. This method allows you to remove and thaw exactly the number of servings you want without defrosting the entire dessert.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this cheesecake unique?

The combination of cream cheese, peanut butter, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups creates a rich, decadent flavor profile that blends sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter perfectly.

  • Is this cheesecake difficult to make?

While it requires multiple steps, the recipe is straightforward and achievable for home bakers with basic baking skills. The water bath technique and careful mixing are key to a smooth, creamy texture.

  • Can I use a different type of pan?

A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for easy removal, but a similar-sized cake pan with removable bottom could work. Just ensure you can easily release the cheesecake without damaging its delicate structure.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake is properly baked?

The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. Overbaking can cause cracking, so trust the recipe’s baking time and look for the characteristic slightly wobbly center.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Recipe

Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake blends rich chocolate layers with creamy peanut butter cheesecake. Chocolate and peanut butter lovers will savor this ultimate dessert that promises pure bliss in each decadent slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 packages (8 oz or 226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 g) peanut butter, creamy
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar, granulated
  • 3 eggs, large, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 cups (200 g) chocolate graham cracker crumbs or crushed chocolate cookies
  • ½ cup (115 g) butter, unsalted, melted
  • 2 tbsps sugar, granulated
  • 1520 mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
  • 1 cup (170 g) chocolate chips, semi-sweet
  • ½ cup (120 ml) cream, heavy
  • 56 mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, halved
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) peanut butter, melted (optional, for drizzle)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Workspace: Preheat oven to 325F (160C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  2. Create Chocolate Crust: Blend chocolate crumbs, melted butter, and sugar into a uniform mixture, then press firmly and evenly into the pan’s bottom. Briefly bake for 10 minutes and cool completely.
  3. Develop Cheesecake Batter: In a large bowl, cream cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Integrate peanut butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract, then gently fold in eggs one at a time at low speed to maintain a delicate texture.
  4. Incorporate Reeses: Fold chopped Reeses Peanut Butter Cups throughout the cheesecake mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared crust, creating an even surface. Place the springform pan in a water bath and bake for 60-70 minutes until edges stabilize and center remains slightly wobbly.
  6. Cooling and Chilling: Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cheesecake rest for one hour. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Finish and Decorate: Prepare chocolate ganache by heating cream and combining with chocolate chips until glossy. Once chilled, pour ganache over the cheesecake and garnish with halved Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and optional peanut butter drizzle.

Notes

  • Manage Water Bath Carefully: Wrap springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage, ensuring a perfectly dry crust and preventing potential soggy bottom.
  • Control Mixing Speed: Beat cream cheese mixture at low to medium speed to avoid incorporating excess air, which could cause cracking during baking and compromise smooth texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing, promoting even blending and preventing lumpy cheesecake batter.
  • Gentle Cooling Strategy: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually inside oven with door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature shifts that might cause surface cracking, maintaining a pristine appearance.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 496
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star