Decadent Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
Indulge in this rich and creamy Decadent Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake, inspired by a beloved dessert from Ruggles Grill in Houston! This cheesecake uniquely combines the timeless flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, delivering a luscious experience with every slice. The buttery Oreo cookie crust adds a delightful crunch, while the velvety filling is studded with irresistible chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day, this dessert is sure to impress family and friends alike. Just remember to plan ahead, as this cheesecake benefits from a chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours, allowing the flavors to develop to their fullest potential. Enjoy every bite of this heavenly creation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed Oreo cookies
4 1/2 cups (Crushed)
Chopped roasted peanuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Melted butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Cream cheese
2 lbs (Softened)
Eggs
5 (At room temperature)
Firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (Firmly packed)
Smooth peanut butter
1 cup (Not natural-style)
Whipping cream
1/2 cup (Whipped)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Reese's Peanut Butter cups
12 (Broken into small pieces)
Sour cream
3 ounces (N/A)
Sugar
1/2 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Plan ahead: this cheesecake requires chilling for at least 4 hours.
2
To prepare the crust, combine 4 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookies and 1 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts in a mixing bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
4
For the filling, beat 2 lbs of softened cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually add 5 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
6
Add 1/2 cup sugar along with 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar and beat until combined.
7
Mix in 1 cup of smooth peanut butter and 1/2 cup whipping cream, blending until the filling is completely smooth.
8
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then carefully fold in 12 broken Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pieces using a rubber spatula.
9
Pour the creamy filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10
Place the springform pan into a larger baking pan, then pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
11
Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 275°F for 1 1/2 hours, or until the center is firm and the edges are lightly browned.
12
Prepare the topping by combining 3 ounces of sour cream with 1/2 cup sugar in a small bowl, then gently spread this mixture over the baked cheesecake.
13
Return the cheesecake to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set the topping.
14
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for one hour. To prevent cracks, run a knife gently along the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
15
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
16
When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan, slice, and savor the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for the Decadent Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake?
This cheesecake is inspired by a beloved dessert from Ruggles Grill in Houston.
What ingredients are used for the crust?
The crust is made from 4 1/2 cups of crushed Oreo cookies, 1 cup of finely chopped roasted peanuts, and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much cream cheese is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are included in the filling?
There are 5 eggs in the filling, added one at a time.
What types of sugar are used in the cheesecake filling?
The filling uses both 1/2 cup of regular sugar and 1 1/2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar.
What kind of peanut butter should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of smooth peanut butter; natural-style is not recommended.
How many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are needed?
You will need 12 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pieces, broken into small pieces.
What is the recommended pan size for this cheesecake?
A 10-inch springform pan is required for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 275°F.
What is a water bath and how do I set it up for this recipe?
A water bath ensures even baking. Place the springform pan into a larger baking pan and pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches 1 inch up the sides of the springform pan.
How long does the cheesecake need to bake?
The cheesecake bakes for 1 1/2 hours, or until the center is firm and the edges are lightly browned.
How do I prepare the topping?
The topping is made by combining 3 ounces of sour cream with 1/2 cup sugar.
How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?
The cheesecake must be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best flavor development.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
After cooling for one hour, run a knife gently along the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
What is the preparation for the Oreo cookies?
The Oreo cookies should be crushed before being measured into 4 1/2 cups.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is stirred into the filling.
What is the role of whipping cream in the recipe?
1/2 cup of whipping cream is blended into the filling to help create a smooth texture.
How should the eggs be prepared before mixing?
The eggs should be at room temperature for better incorporation into the filling.
Do I need to bake the topping separately?
No, the topping is spread over the baked cheesecake and returned to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
What should the crust mixture resemble?
The mixture of crushed Oreos, peanuts, and melted butter should resemble wet sand.
How should the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups be added to the filling?
The broken Reese's pieces should be carefully folded into the filling using a rubber spatula.
Can I serve the cheesecake immediately after baking?
No, it requires cooling on a wire rack for one hour followed by at least 4 hours of refrigeration.
Is this cheesecake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to impress friends.
What texture should the filling have before adding the Reese's pieces?
The filling should be beaten until it is smooth, creamy, and completely blended.
How should the crust be applied to the pan?
The crust mixture should be pressed evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
The topping uses 3 ounces of sour cream.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar should be firmly packed.
What should the top of the filling look like before baking?
The filling should be poured into the crust and smoothed over with a spatula.
How do you remove the cheesecake from the pan?
Once chilled, carefully release the sides of the springform pan to remove the cheesecake before slicing.