Description
This decadent Reese’s Cheesecake combines a rich peanut butter and cream cheese filling with a crunchy Oreo crust, studded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. Finished with a smooth chocolate ganache and luscious peanut butter whipped cream, it’s an irresistibly creamy and indulgent dessert perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 3/4 cups (369g) Oreo crumbs (about 31 Oreos)
- 5 tbsp (70g) unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (207g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (210g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 34 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (297g), unwrapped and chopped
Chocolate Ganache
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 tbsp (90ml) heavy whipping cream
Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp (48g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- 7 full size Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped and cut in half
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper at the bottom and grease the sides. Combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes then set aside to cool.
- Prepare for water bath: Cover the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during baking. Set aside.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C). In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until fully combined and smooth, taking care not to incorporate too much air. Scrape sides of bowl.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla extract on low speed until homogeneous.
- Incorporate eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition, scraping down sides to ensure thorough incorporation.
- Add chopped Reese’s: Gently fold chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups into the batter until just combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour batter evenly over the cooled crust. Place the springform pan inside a larger silicone pan, then place both inside a bigger roasting pan. Fill the outer pan with warm water halfway up the sides of the silicone pan for a water bath. Bake on the center rack for 1 hour 25 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool in oven: Turn off oven and leave door closed for 30 minutes to let the cheesecake cool gradually and continue cooking gently.
- Further cool: Crack the oven door and let the cheesecake cool for an additional 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Cool on counter and refrigerate: Remove cheesecake from oven and water bath, unwrap foil, and cool at room temperature until no longer warm. Refrigerate for 5-6 hours or overnight to set firmly.
- Remove cheesecake from pan: Once firm, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate.
- Make chocolate ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Microwave heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Apply ganache: Pour the ganache over the cheesecake and spread evenly into a smooth layer.
- Prepare peanut butter whipped cream base: Combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons heavy cream in a medium bowl. Whisk until thick and creamy.
- Whip remaining cream: In a larger bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream until medium peaks form, about 1-2 minutes.
- Fold whipped cream: Add peanut butter mixture to the whipped cream and whip briefly (10-15 seconds) until fully combined without over whipping. Use a rubber spatula to fold evenly.
- Decorate cheesecake: Fill a piping bag with peanut butter whipped cream fitted with piping tip #847. Pipe shells evenly around the cheesecake edge, spacing them out. Place halved Reese’s peanut butter cups between each shell.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the finished cheesecake until ready to serve. Best eaten within 3-4 days when stored well-covered.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter and to prevent lumps.
- Slow mixing at low speed helps reduce cracks by minimizing air in the batter.
- Wrapping the pan with foil and using a water bath provides even baking and prevents cracking.
- Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracks and preserves a creamy texture.
- Be careful not to over whip the peanut butter whipped cream to avoid separation.
- You can substitute regular Oreos with any chocolate sandwich cookie if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American