Description
This Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake combines a rich and creamy cheesecake filling with a buttery crust made from crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, topped with a decadent semi-sweet chocolate ganache. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, this dessert offers a luscious balance of flavors and textures that will impress at any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1.5 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, crushed (about 20 cups)
- 0.25 cup unsalted melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.25 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake releases easily after baking.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with the melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased springform pan to create an even crust base.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and incorporate fully. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each egg until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges appear set and the center is still slightly wobbly. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool completely inside to prevent cracking.
- Prepare the Ganache: While the cheesecake cools, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers gently. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Apply Ganache and Chill: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and chilled before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking on the surface.
- The ganache can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before pouring if it thickens too much.
- Use a hot knife dipped in warm water to get clean cheesecake slices.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled and stored 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 Cup Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake, Cream Cheese Dessert, Baked Cheesecake
