Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped chocolate peanut butter cups (Reese’s)
Optional Toppings
- Additional chopped peanut butter cups
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Start by combining graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a springform pan to form a firm base, then chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the creamy filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, peanut butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. Fold in chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups gently to keep their shape intact.
- Pour and bake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly, approximately 50-60 minutes. This ensures a creamy texture after cooling.
- Cool and chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the texture firm up perfectly.
- Add finishing touches: Top with additional chopped peanut butter cups or drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving for a decadent final flair.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Mix just until combined to prevent excess air that can cause cracks.
- Bake with a water bath to achieve extra creamy texture.
- Chill thoroughly for a firm slice and enhanced flavor.
- Warm your knife before slicing for clean cuts without sticking.
- Substitute peanut butter cups with chocolate chips for a nut-free option.
- Add crushed pretzels or nuts for extra crunch in crust or filling.
- Drizzle melted chocolate into batter for a chocolate swirl effect.
- Make mini cheesecakes in cupcake tins for party-friendly portions.
- Use sugar substitutes for a low sugar alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Cheesecake, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Dessert, No-bake, Party dessert