Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for extra chocolate flavor)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 12 mini cups)
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set it aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder (if using). Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, making sure to pack it tightly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and mix until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
- Remove the pan from heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled cheesecake, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
- Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for an additional 30 minutes to set the ganache before slicing.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite!
Origin Story of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake
The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of two beloved American desserts: the classic New York-style cheesecake and the iconic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. This decadent dessert is a testament to the powerful allure of peanut butter and chocolate, a combination that has delighted palates for generations.
The origin of this cheesecake can be traced back to the early 2000s, when creative bakers began experimenting with popular candy bars and incorporating them into traditional desserts. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, which had already established themselves as a household favorite since their creation in the 1920s by H.B. Reese, were a natural choice for such culinary experimentation.
The idea was simple yet brilliant: take the rich, creamy texture of a cheesecake and infuse it with the unmistakable flavors of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Bakers began by incorporating peanut butter into the cheesecake filling, then added chunks of Reese’s cups for an extra burst of flavor and texture. The final touch was a glossy chocolate ganache, reminiscent of the candy’s outer shell, poured over the top of the cheesecake and garnished with even more chopped Reese’s cups.
The result was an instant hit. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake became a sought-after dessert in bakeries, restaurants, and home kitchens across the country. Its popularity skyrocketed thanks to its irresistible combination of creamy cheesecake, rich peanut butter, and luscious chocolate, appealing to dessert lovers and Reese’s fans alike.
Over the years, this cheesecake has become a staple dessert for celebrations, holidays, and special occasions. It represents the best of American innovation in the kitchen, where creativity and a love for classic flavors come together to create something truly extraordinary. Today, the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake continues to be a favorite for those who crave the perfect harmony of peanut butter and chocolate in a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is delicious.
