Hi, I’m Raya welcome back to my kitchen! Today we are baking the ultimate sweet-and-salty showstopper: the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake. Featuring a dark chocolate Oreo crust, a dense creamy peanut butter filling stuffed with chopped Reese’s cups, and smothered in milk chocolate ganache, this Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake is pure indulgence!

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake

🥜 Ultimate Flavor Mashup: The iconic combination of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate.

🍫 Stuffed With Reese’s: Loaded with whole and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups inside.

☁️ Dense & Creamy Crumb: Baked slowly in a water bath for an impossibly smooth texture.

😍 Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Rich chocolate topping balances the creamy peanut center.

🎉 Showstopping Centerpiece: Perfect for birthdays, game days, and chocolate lovers.

Key Ingredients for Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake

Oreo Cookie Crumbs: Forms a deep dark chocolate crust that complements the peanut butter.

Cream Cheese & Creamy Peanut Butter: Blended for a rich, silky, structured filling.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped and folded directly into the cheesecake batter.

Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: Adds lightness and subtle tang to balance the rich peanut flavor.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Ganache: Smooth chocolate glaze poured generously over the top.

Baker’s Note: Use smooth commercial peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter, as natural oils will separate during baking and ruin the filling texture! For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s cheesecake guide.

How to Make Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Press crushed Oreos and melted butter into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Beat softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and sugar until completely smooth and creamy.

Baker folding chopped Reese's peanut butter cups into creamy cheesecake batter

Step 3: Add sour cream and vanilla, then beat in eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Fold chopped Reese’s cups into batter, pour over baked Oreo crust, and bake in a water bath for 55 to 60 minutes.

Step 5: Turn off oven, leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour, then chill in fridge overnight before topping with ganache and extra Reese’s cups.

Slice of Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese's Cheesecake showing Oreo crust and peanut butter filling

Raya’s Secret Tips for Success

Use a Water Bath: Wrapping your pan in foil and baking in warm water prevents surface cracks and ensures an even bake.

Mix on Low Speed: Over-beating eggs incorporates air, causing the cheesecake to rise and crack as it cools.

Cool Gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to rest in the turned-off oven guarantees a silky smooth texture without sinking.

How to Serve Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake

Slice into neat portions using a warm knife and serve alongside a cold glass of milk or hot espresso. The combination of warm chocolate and rich peanut butter makes every single slice feel like a bakery luxury treat!

Delicious Variations

🥜 Peanut Butter Caramel Crunch: Drizzle salted caramel over the chocolate ganache topping.

☁️White Chocolate Reese’s: Substitute milk chocolate ganache with melted white chocolate drip.

🍫 Double Chocolate Peanut Butter: Use a brownie layer as the base instead of Oreo crumbs.

How to Store Ultimate Peanut Butter Cup Reese’s Cheesecake

Room Temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Fridge: Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Freezing: Freeze individual wrapped slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my peanut butter cheesecake crack? Baking without a water bath or cooling the cheesecake too quickly causes cracking.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Smooth peanut butter yields the best silky texture, but crunchy works if you prefer nut pieces throughout!

How do I know when baked cheesecake is done baking? The edges should be firm and set, while the center 2-inch circle still has a soft jiggle.

Love indulgent chocolate bakes? Be sure to try my Loaded Oreo Fudge Brownie Cake or my famous Fudgy One-Bowl Chocolate Brownies!