How long does this Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake take to make?

You're looking at about 1.5 hours of active time, plus the baking and then a good long chill. The baking itself is around 55-60 minutes, but the cooling in the oven and then in the fridge is where the magic happens for that silky smooth texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You absolutely can! I've tested this with both and here's what works best: if you love a little extra texture, crunchy peanut butter adds a nice bite. But for that classic, silky smooth cheesecake experience, creamy is my go-to. My husband doesn't usually like crunchy peanut butter in desserts, but he loves this version with creamy.

How should I store leftover Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake?

You'll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4-5 days. Honestly, the leftovers actually taste better — the flavors develop overnight and it gets even more umami-packed. I always double the batch because it's so good the next day!

Why did my cheesecake crack on top?

Oh, that's a common one! The first time I made this, mine cracked too. Usually, it's from baking it too long or cooling it too quickly. The trick is to turn off the oven and let it cool slowly with the door slightly ajar for an hour. This gradual temperature change prevents those pesky cracks. Don't stress if yours doesn't look exactly like the photo, though – it'll still taste amazing!

What do you serve with Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake?

This cheesecake is pretty decadent on its own, but I love to serve it with a little extra caramel sauce drizzled over the top and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Sometimes I'll even sprinkle a few extra chopped Reese's cups on top for good measure. It's my comfort food on a bad day, and it's perfect with a strong cup of coffee.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe

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By Chef Clara

Last Updated: April 24, 2026

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake—rich, creamy layers of chocolate and peanut butter, topped with candy pieces for a show-stopping treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy Texture – A smooth cheesecake with a perfect balance of flavors.
Loaded with Reese’s Cups – Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Decadent Toppings – Chocolate ganache and caramel drizzle add an indulgent finish.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Chills beautifully for a stress-free dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
15-20 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter chips
Caramel sauce for drizzling
Whipped cream for topping

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

2. Make the Cheesecake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated.
Fold in half of the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.

5. Assemble and Serve

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake.
Top with the remaining chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and add whipped cream for garnish if desired.
Slice and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pretzels to the crust.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the filling for an even richer flavor.
Caramel Twist: Swirl caramel into the batter before baking.
No-Bake Version: Use a no-bake cheesecake base and chill overnight.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Let chilled cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

How long does Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. This cheesecake also freezes beautifully; wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let chilled cheesecake sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.

Can I substitute butter in this recipe?

In my experience, for the crust, you could try using coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile, though it might alter the texture slightly. Another option is a plant-based butter alternative, which would maintain a similar richness. Each will give a unique twist to the crust.

How long does this need to chill before serving?

This cheesecake requires significant chilling time to set properly. After baking and cooling at room temperature, it needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for the very best results, overnight. This ensures a firm, sliceable texture and fully developed flavors.

What goes well with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake?

I’ve found that a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk makes a classic pairing. For a more elaborate dessert, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a light berry compote to cut through the richness. A simple dollop of extra whipped cream is always welcome too.

Is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten from the chocolate cookie crumbs used in the crust. However, it’s quite easy to make it gluten-free! Simply substitute the regular chocolate cookie crumbs with a gluten-free version to enjoy this decadent treat without any dietary concerns.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is an indulgent, rich, and creamy dessert that peanut butter and chocolate lovers will adore. Whether for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this decadent cheesecake is sure to impress!

Explore More Flavors to Savor

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls: Peanut Butter No-Bake Cheesecake Balls are so simple to make!
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies: You’ve gotta try these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies!
KitKat Cheesecake With Layers Of Milk & White Chocolate: This no-bake KitKat cheesecake is my go-to for an easy, impressive dessert!
Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: This homemade cinnamon roll cheesecake is my go-to for company!
Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons: Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons are my go-to easy dessert!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: PT1H30M
Yield: 12 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake—rich, creamy layers of chocolate and peanut butter, topped with candy pieces for a show-stopping treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
¼ cup melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
15–20 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup peanut butter chips
Caramel sauce for drizzling
Whipped cream for topping

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter.
- Press firmly into a greased 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Make the Cheesecake Batter:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Fold in half of the chopped Reese’s cups.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Pour batter over crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let cool for 1 hour.
- Remove, cool completely at room temp, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Assemble & Serve:
- Drizzle ganache over chilled cheesecake.
- Top with remaining Reese’s cups and peanut butter chips.
- Drizzle caramel sauce and add whipped cream if desired.
- Slice & enjoy!

Notes

Use an Oreo crust for extra chocolate flavor.
Freeze for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT60M
Category: Dessert
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American