Rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is a dessert that takes indulgence to the next level. If you love chocolate and peanut butter, this no-bake cheesecake is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It starts with a classic Oreo cookie crust that provides a crunchy base for the velvety peanut butter cheesecake filling. Made with real cream cheese, heavy cream, and a generous amount of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this dessert is a bold and satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress a crowd, this cheesecake looks as good as it tastes. Even better, it requires no baking—just a little chill time to set up. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or a dessert novice, this recipe is approachable and easy to follow. The creamy filling, the peanut butter swirl, and the chunks of Reese’s throughout make each bite a delicious celebration. It’s rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth and special enough to become a go-to favorite. Let’s break down why this dessert works so well and how you can make it flawlessly in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a No-Bake Cheesecake
No oven needed—this dessert sets up beautifully in the refrigerator, saving time and effort.
Rich Peanut Butter Flavor
The creamy peanut butter filling delivers deep, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Loaded with Reese’s
Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are folded into the filling and used as a topping for maximum candy appeal.
Crowd-Pleasing Presentation
With layers of texture and flavor, this cheesecake looks and tastes impressive, making it perfect for special occasions.
Easy to Customize
You can tweak the crust, filling, or toppings to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
Ingredients
For the Crust
Oreo cookies
Unsalted butter
For the Filling
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Cream cheese
Creamy peanut butter
Granulated sugar
Pure vanilla extract
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
For the Toppings (Optional)
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Creamy peanut butter
Hot fudge sauce
Variations
- Crust Alternative: Swap Oreos for graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies.
- Different Candies: Use mini Snickers or chopped Butterfingers instead of Reese’s.
- Add a Chocolate Layer: Spread a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the filling.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter and nut-free chocolate candies.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make individual servings in a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Refrigerate to set.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until well blended. Gently fold in the whipped cream and chopped Reese’s.
Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)
Before serving, whip additional cream with powdered sugar and spread or pipe it on top. Garnish with chopped Reese’s, a drizzle of peanut butter, and hot fudge sauce.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overmix the whipped cream into the filling—fold gently to maintain volume.
- Chill the crust while preparing the filling to help it firm up.
- Let the cheesecake set completely before slicing.
- Use a warm knife to get clean slices.
How to Serve
Serve chilled, straight from the fridge. Slice with a sharp, warm knife and garnish each piece with extra toppings if desired. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or store slices in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
This cheesecake is meant to be served cold. Do not reheat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making a day in advance. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.
2. Do I have to use a springform pan?
It’s highly recommended for easy removal, but you can use a deep pie dish if needed.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly different and less creamy.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but you can make it gluten-free by using GF cookies for the crust.
5. How do I keep the crust from falling apart?
Press it firmly into the pan and chill it thoroughly before adding the filling.
6. Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade?
Yes, an 8-ounce tub of whipped topping can replace the homemade whipped cream.
7. How do I know when the cheesecake is set?
It should be firm to the touch and not jiggle in the center after chilling.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pan or make two separate cheesecakes.
9. What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Use creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency.
10. Can I leave out the toppings?
Absolutely, the cheesecake is delicious even without the optional toppings.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines creamy, rich filling with crunchy cookie crust and layers of chocolatey peanut butter goodness. Easy to prepare and always a hit, it’s ideal for any celebration or when you’re simply in the mood for a decadent treat. With customizable variations and make-ahead convenience, this cheesecake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert lineup. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious, no-bake peanut butter cheesecake swirled with Reese’s cups—decadent, creamy, and a chocolate-peanut butter dream come true.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies
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½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
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1¼ cups (295 ml) heavy whipping cream
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½ cup (65 g) powdered sugar
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16 oz (452 g) full‑fat cream cheese, room temperature
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1 cup (180 g) creamy peanut butter, room temperature
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¼ cup (48 g) granulated sugar
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1 Tbsp (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
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10 oz package snack‑size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
For the Toppings (optional)
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¾ cup (177 ml) heavy whipping cream
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2–3 Tbsp powdered sugar
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8 snack‑size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
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2 Tbsp (22 g) creamy peanut butter
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2 Tbsp (43 g) hot fudge sauce
Instructions
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Prepare crust: Crush Oreos into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter, press firmly into the bottom of a 9‑inch springform pan (and halfway up the sides, if desired). Chill.
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Whip cream: In a chilled bowl, whip 1¼ cups heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
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Mix base: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla; beat until creamy.
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Fold whipped cream: Gently fold whipped cream into peanut butter‑cream cheese mixture.
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Add Reese’s: Fold in chopped Reese’s cups.
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Assemble & chill: Spread filling over crust, smooth top. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).
- Optional topping: Whip ¾ cup cream with powdered sugar until fluffy. Spread over chilled cheesecake, swirl in extra peanut butter and hot fudge, then sprinkle chopped Reese’s cups. Cut and serve cold.
Notes
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Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth texture.
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For sturdier slices, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.
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Substitute low‑fat cream cheese if preferred—flavor differs slightly.
- Cake can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated; best within 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American