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Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

Are you ready to dive into a dessert that perfectly marries the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the irresistible charm of peanut butter cups? Then you've landed in the right place! Today, we're unveiling the ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake – a Reese's-inspired masterpiece that will have your taste buds singing. Forget store-bought desserts; this homemade version is richer, creamier, and bursting with that iconic peanut butter chocolate flavor you crave. Get ready to experience dessert nirvana!
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Ganache Set 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Oreo Cookie Crust
  • 24 cookies Oreo cookies finely crushed (approx. 2 1/4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature (3 blocks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Jif or Skippy)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 10-12 mini Reese's peanut butter cups chopped, for mixing into batter
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 6-8 full-size Reese's peanut butter cups halved or quartered
  • additional mini Reese's peanut butter cups whole
  • chopped roasted peanuts

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Food processor (optional, for crushing Oreos)
  • Electric Mixer (stand or hand)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Roasting pan (for water bath, optional)
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Wire rack
  • Small microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed Oreo cookies (1) with the melted butter (2). Mix until well combined and the crumbs resemble wet sand.
    24 cookies Oreo cookies, 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool, and reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese (4) on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar (5) and beat until well combined and fluffy.
    24 ounces full-fat cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar
  4. Add the creamy peanut butter (6) and mix until fully incorporated and smooth. Pour in the heavy cream (7), vanilla extract (9), and salt (10). Mix on low speed until just combined.
    1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. Add the eggs (8) one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just incorporated. Gently fold in the chopped mini Reese's peanut butter cups (11).
    2 large eggs, 10-12 mini Reese's peanut butter cups
  6. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan tightly with foil (for a water bath, if using). Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled Oreo crust.
  7. If using a water bath, place the foil-wrapped pan into a larger roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
  8. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. Remove, cool completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
  9. For the ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips (13), heavy cream (14), and butter (15). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth and glossy. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
    1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  10. Once cheesecake is chilled, remove springform sides. Pour ganache over the top, spreading evenly. Garnish with halved full-size Reese's (17), mini Reese's (18), and chopped peanuts (19) as desired. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set ganache.
    6-8 full-size Reese's peanut butter cups, additional mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped roasted peanuts
  11. Slice with a sharp knife (wiping clean between slices) and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Notes

Remember to use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and a water bath for a crack-free cheesecake. Chilling overnight is key for the best texture and flavor.
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