How to Make the Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake Recipe
Introduction
This Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake combines creamy, rich cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate ganache. It’s a decadent dessert perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.

Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, crushed (about 20 cups)
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 32 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.25 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prepare for the crust.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each addition until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Once done, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open to cool completely.
- Step 6: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread evenly. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.
Tips & Variations
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven with the door ajar.
- For a crunchier crust, add a tablespoon of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter cup crust mixture.
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Top with extra chopped Reese’s cups or a drizzle of peanut butter before serving for added texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture and flavor, bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Leftover cheesecake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter cups instead of Reese’s?
Yes, any peanut butter cups will work, but Reese’s are preferred for their perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, which enhances the flavor of this cheesecake.
What if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
Cracking is common and can be minimized by not overmixing the batter, baking at the correct temperature, and allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly with the oven door slightly open. Even with cracks, the cheesecake will taste delicious.
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How to Make the Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake combines creamy, rich cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. A crushed Reese’s crust forms the base, topped with a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers looking for a decadent homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, crushed (About 20 cups)
- 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1.25 cups Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 4 Large Eggs
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with the melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and continue to beat. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared Reese’s crust in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking. Allow it to cool completely in the oven before removing.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Finish and Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense cheesecake.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven to help reduce cracking on the surface.
- You can decorate the top with additional chopped Reese’s cups before serving for an extra peanut butter kick.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reese’s cheesecake, peanut butter cheesecake, chocolate ganache, creamy cheesecake, dessert recipe

