Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, a decadent dessert combining the classic flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and Oreo. This show-stopping cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luscious treat.

A two-layer round cake sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface, with the bottom layer dark brown and moist, and the top layer lighter golden brown with a soft texture. Thick, glossy dark chocolate glaze is generously poured over the top, dripping down the sides unevenly. On top, there is a large pile of small, smooth, milk chocolate peanut butter cups, arranged closely in a heap in the center. The chocolate glaze reflects light, giving it a shiny appearance, contrasting with the matte finish of the peanut butter cups. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 30 Oreo cookies (1–15.35 ounce package)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
  • 5 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) lightly-packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (270 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces Reese’s mini peanut butter cups (divided)
  • 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy cream (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until finely ground. Add the melted butter and pulse until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  2. Step 2: In an electric mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition. Add brown sugar, peanut butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and vanilla, and beat until just combined. Stir in half of the mini peanut butter cups gently.
  3. Step 3: Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is set and slightly dry. The center may still be a little wobbly. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully chilled.
  4. Step 4: For the topping, place chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour ganache over the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s mini peanut butter cups over the ganache. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crunchier crust, add a handful of chopped nuts to the Oreo crust mixture.
  • Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more intense peanut flavor.
  • To avoid cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath or place a pan of water on the oven’s lower rack while baking.

Storage

Store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

A three-layer cake sits on a white plate against a white marbled texture background; the bottom layer is dark, rich chocolate cake, the middle layer is a light, golden cheesecake, and the top is covered in thick, glossy dark chocolate ganache that drips down the sides. On top of the ganache, there is a generous pile of small milk chocolate peanut butter cups, each with a ridged texture and round shape, creating a textured and rich appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work well as alternatives depending on your taste preference.

Print
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Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe


  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a decadent dessert combining a crunchy Oreo crust with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling studded with mini peanut butter cups, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and more peanut butter cups. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, it’s a show-stopping treat for peanut butter lovers.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 30 Oreo cookies (115.35 ounce package)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, completely softened to room temperature
  • 5 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) lightly-packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (270 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces Reese’s mini peanut butter cups

For the Topping

  • 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup (119 grams) heavy cream
  • 8 ounces Reese’s mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse again until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set it on a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Make the filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth. Incorporate the light brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract; mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in 8 ounces of mini peanut butter cups.
  3. Assemble and bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling into the cooled Oreo crust, spreading evenly. Bake for about 1 hour, until the cheesecake is set and the top looks slightly dry—it’s okay if the center still wobbles a bit. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled and firm.
  4. Prepare the chocolate ganache topping: Place semisweet chocolate chips in a medium heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  5. Finish the cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving plate. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle the remaining mini peanut butter cups evenly over the ganache. Serve immediately or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks and a dense texture.
  • Allow the cheesecake to chill fully for best slicing results.
  • Use a water bath if you prefer a more even bake and to minimize cracking.
  • Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, Oreo Crust, Peanut Butter, Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache, No Bake Cheesecake Topping, Dessert, American Dessert

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