Peanut Butter Cup Dream Cheesecake
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Unleash Your Inner Baker!
Fancy a peanut butter cup cheesecake that'll knock your socks off? Seriously, have you ever dreamt of a dessert that combines the tangy goodness of cheesecake with the irresistible allure of Reese's? Well, get your aprons ready, because we're about to make that dream a reality! This recipe is all about indulgence.
I'm talking serious wow factor here!
A Slice of Heaven: What is This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Anyway?
Let's talk origin. The beautiful fusion dessert marries the American classic cheesecake with the beloved Reese's peanut butter cup. Honestly , could there be a better combo? It's pure decadence.
This easy peanut butter cup cheesecake is perfect for impressing friends and family. Think of it as the ultimate chocolate peanut butter dessert .
The difficulty? Medium. Don't freak out. This isn't rocket science, but it does require some chill time. The total time is about 8- 10 hours, including prep and cooling.
It makes 12 servings, so perfect for a party!
Why You NEED This Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Recipe in Your Life
Okay, so beyond the obvious deliciousness, what's so great about this peanut butter cheesecake ? Firstly, peanut butter contains healthy fats and protein.
Making it a slightly less guilty pleasure. Secondly, it's the perfect showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a celebration.
I personally think that this can be the best cheesecake recipe .
But honestly, the best part? It's the look on people's faces when they take that first bite. It's that good.
This homemade cheesecake recipe is truly special because it's more than just a dessert; it's an experience. The salty sweet symphony of flavours, the creamy texture.
Oh my gosh! You know? Now that I am writing all this, I am so hungry! So now, let's get cracking on what you'll need!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so you wanna dive into this peanut butter cup cheesecake ? It's honestly easier than you think. Grab your apron, and let's get started.
Think of it as a delicious, decadent science experiment. We are making a chocolate peanut butter dessert , after all.
Main Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, filling removed)
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:
- 32 ounces (907g) full fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Trust me, room temp is key !
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter. Go for the good stuff!
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (approx. 100g) chopped Reese's peanut butter cup
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 4 ounces (113g) semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Quality Check: Make sure your cream cheese is actually soft. Lumpy cheesecake is sad cheesecake. The key to a fantastic homemade cheesecake recipe is quality ingredients.
Seasoning Notes
This easy peanut butter cup cheesecake is all about that sweet salty combo. Vanilla extract enhances all flavors. Don't skip it! If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of sea salt on top really elevates the chocolate ganache cheesecake .
You could always add a dash of cinnamon to the crust for a warmer flavor.
Equipment Needed
- 9 inch springform pan. Non-negotiable!
- Electric mixer (stand or hand). Unless you want arms like Popeye.
- Double boiler (or heat safe bowl & saucepan). For that silky ganache.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Because eyeballing it sometimes works.
- Rubber spatula. Get every last bit.
Don't have a food processor for the crust? No worries! Just bash those cookies in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.
It's like therapy and baking rolled into one. This Reese's cheesecake is forgiving, I promise.
Cooking Method: Turn Up the Heat and Bake Your Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Dreams
Honestly, who doesn't love a good peanut butter cup dessert ? But a Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake ? Now that's next level indulgence.
I’m going to walk you through how to bake this amazing creation. This easy peanut butter cup cheesecake is surprisingly straightforward, even if it looks like something straight out of a professional bakery.
Ready to bake a Reese's peanut butter cup cheesecake recipe ? Let's get cracking!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
First things first, you need to get your ingredients sorted. It's all about the mise en place which basically is: having everything measured and ready to go! Soften your 32 ounces of cream cheese.
This is super important or you'll end up with a lumpy mess. You also need to prepare your chocolate cookie crust and get that chilling.
Remember, chilling the crust is a must. It needs 1 hour to chill. This helps it firm up and stops it from becoming a soggy disaster later on.
Don't skip this step!
step-by-step Process: Cheesecake Magic
Okay, here we go!
- Preheat that oven to 325° F ( 160° C) . Wrap your springform pan in foil.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with 1 1/4 cups of sugar until super smooth.
- Mix in 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
- Add your eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold in your chopped Reese's. Then pour into that prepped crust.
- Bake in a water bath for 60- 75 minutes . The edges should be set, but the center should still wobble a tiny bit.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for Cheesecake Success
Okay, here are a few tricks. First, always avoid overmixing the batter. It can cause cracks. Nobody wants that, right? If you want a more chocolate ganache cheesecake , increase the amount of chocolate.
Feel free to play around with your homemade cheesecake recipe . Finally, make sure you chill it overnight!
And there you have it a Reese's cheesecake that would make even the pickiest eater smile. I hope you enjoyed your chocolate peanut butter dessert and this best cheesecake recipe .
It's perfect peanut butter cup dessert with a cheesecake with chocolate crust .
Recipe Notes for Your Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Masterpiece
Alright, you're about to embark on a culinary adventure, making a Reese's peanut butter cup cheesecake recipe that'll blow everyone away! Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra tips and tricks to make sure your homemade cheesecake recipe is absolutely perfect.
I learned these the hard way, trust me.
Serving Suggestions: Showstopper Style
Okay, so you've baked this incredible easy peanut butter cup cheesecake . Now, how do you make it look like a million bucks? First, make sure that Chocolate ganache cheesecake is absolutely gorgeous.
Plating Perfection: Think swirls of ganache, a generous sprinkle of chopped Peanut butter cup dessert , and maybe a few whole Reese's artfully arranged.
A dusting of cocoa powder? Classy, darling, very classy.
Sidekick Sensations: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must- the cold creaminess contrasts so well! And a strong cup of coffee? Honestly, is there anything better?
Storage Secrets: Keeping the Dream Alive
So you've managed to not eat the entire peanut butter cheesecake in one sitting? I admire your self control! Here's how to keep it fresh.
Chilling Out: Keep your best cheesecake recipe covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Honestly, it probably won't last that long!
Freezing Frenzy?: You can freeze it, but the texture of the cheesecake might change slightly. Wrap it super tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
It will be safe for about 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Roulette: Who reheats cheesecake? Just kidding...mostly. If you must , let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften it up a bit.
Variations: Remixing the Magic
Want to get a bit creative with your Peanut butter cup cheesecake ? Here are a few ideas.
Dietary Detour: Use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to make it gluten-free. Boom!
Seasonal Swaps: During autumn, you can mix in a little bit of pumpkin puree. During winter, try peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
The Cheesecake with chocolate crust becomes so much more, and you get a Chocolate peanut butter dessert in a whole new seasonal way.
Nutrition Nuggets: Knowledge is Power
Let's be honest; this Reese's cheesecake is pure indulgence, but hey, life is short, right? A slice is about 700 calories, give or take, depending on your Reese's generosity.
Key benefit? It tastes amazing and will make you and everyone you share it with incredibly happy.
So there you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to creating a Peanut butter cup cheesecake that's legendary. Now go forth and bake something amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
My peanut butter cup cheesecake cracked! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent it?
Cracking is the bane of any baker's existence, innit? Most likely, it's due to uneven heating or overbaking. Make sure you're using a water bath, which provides gentle, even heat. Also, avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling, as this incorporates too much air.
Cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven after baking, leaving the door ajar, to further prevent cracking.
Can I make this peanut butter cup cheesecake ahead of time, and how long will it last?
Absolutely! In fact, it's better made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully after a good chill. You can store the finished cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. It's a proper Mary Berry 'make-ahead' showstopper!
What if I don't have a springform pan? Is there a substitute I can use for this peanut butter cup cheesecake recipe?
A springform pan is ideal for easy removal, but if you don't have one, you can use a regular cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to use as handles to lift the cheesecake out after it's chilled. It might not be as pristine, but it'll taste just as smashing!
Can I freeze peanut butter cup cheesecake? I have a "bake off" sized portion left over!
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly, becoming a bit more dense.
I'm looking to cut down on sugar are there any substitutions I can make without totally ruining my peanut butter cup dream cheesecake?
You could try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, but be aware that they might affect the texture and flavor slightly. Also, consider using dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for the ganache, which has less sugar than milk chocolate.
Finally, be judicious with the amount of peanut butter cups you use; a little goes a long way.
My chocolate cookie crust is soggy! How can I prevent this from happening?
A soggy crust is a proper bummer. A key trick is to blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to firm it up and prevent moisture from seeping in. Another tip is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the cookie crumb mixture; it acts as a sponge, absorbing any excess moisture.
Peanut Butter Cup Dream Cheesecake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 700 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50g |
| Fiber | 2g |