Description
This Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake combines a rich, creamy cheesecake with a decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup crust and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly balanced between peanut butter and chocolate flavors, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1.5 cups Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, crushed (about 20 cups)
- 0.25 cup Melted Unsalted Butter
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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: Combine the crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and incorporate it fully. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to avoid overbeating.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese filling over the peanut butter crust in the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble. Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracks.
- Prepare the 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, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Finish the Cheesecake: Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake evenly. Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for at least 4 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbeat the eggs to avoid cracking during baking.
- Cooling the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open helps prevent the top from cracking.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for optimal texture and flavor.
- Use a water bath during baking if you want a creamier texture and to further reduce cracking, although this step is optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reese's Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake, Dessert, American Cheesecake
