Rich Peanut Cake

Featured in: Cakes and Cupcakes

Calling all peanut butter fans! This rich cheesecake is brimming with creamy peanut butter filling and a crunchy chocolate crust. Chunks of Reese's cups inside make every bite special, while a shiny ganache on top and soft peanut butter whipped cream finish the whole thing perfectly. Sweet, nutty, and irresistible!
punchofyummy
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:59:51 GMT
Creamy cake topped with rich ganache and chocolate pieces, served on a chic white stand. Pin it
Creamy cake topped with rich ganache and chocolate pieces, served on a chic white stand. | pinchofyummy.com

Got to spill about my ultimate sweet treat - this mind-blowing Reese's Cheesecake that brings together life's tastiest flavors. Whipped this up for my boy's big day and now everyone begs for it at parties. Imagine this: smooth peanut butter filling packed with chopped Reese's cups sitting on a dark Oreo base with velvety ganache on top. It's just unreal.

This Dessert Will Change Your World

Believe me, we're not talking ordinary cheesecake here. My little trick? Adding sour cream for that melt-in-your-mouth texture that cuts through all that chocolate peanut butter richness. Never made cheesecake before? Don't worry, you've got this. And you can fix it up a day early when you've got company coming.

Grab These Ingredients

  • Oreos: Stick with original ones, not the Double Stuff for your base
  • Unsalted Butter: Quality stuff, melted down and ready
  • Cream Cheese: Go full-fat and make sure it's completely softened
  • Peanut Butter: I swear by smooth JIF every single time
  • Mini Reese's Cups: Buy more than needed, you'll munch while cooking
  • Sour Cream: This gives everything that luscious texture
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Needed for our smooth topping and ganache

Kitchen Steps Made Simple

Creating Your Base
Smash those Oreos, blend with melted butter and push into your springform. A short bake sets it just right.
Whipping Up The Middle
Get that cream cheese super fluffy, mix in your peanut butter goodies, then gently add those Reese's bits.
Don't Skip The Bath
Trust me here - seal your pan carefully and place in some hot water, it really makes a difference.
Finish With Flair
After cooling, drizzle that shiny ganache, add some peanut butter swirls and top it off with Reese's pieces.

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

I've made this tons of times and learned some handy tricks. Everything needs to be room temp or you'll get bumps. Always mix slowly to avoid air pockets. Cool it gradually with the oven door slightly open to stop cracking. And don't rush when warming your ganache.

Storage Smarts

This showstopper stays good in your fridge about 5 days if wrapped well. Need to make it super early? Stick it in the freezer without the whipped topping and it'll last three months. Just let it thaw overnight when you need it.

A slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake topped with various chocolate candies on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake topped with various chocolate candies on a white plate. | pinchofyummy.com

Tasty Twists

I sometimes toss crushed pretzels in the base for extra crunch. A little caramel drizzle takes it to another level. And if you want to go completely over the top, serve it with some vanilla ice cream and warm fudge sauce for pure joy.

The Magic Factor

This isn't your average cheesecake recipe but a true celebration on a plate. The way the smooth meets crunchy and sweet plays with salty, it checks all the boxes. Whenever I bring this to gatherings, people actually stop talking when they see it.

Learned From Experience

After so many bakes, I've picked up some wisdom. Splurge on fancy cream cheese and chocolate, you'll notice it in the taste. Plan ahead since it gets way better after chilling overnight. Add that ganache while it's still slightly warm for the glossiest look. And my trick for clean slices? Dunk your knife in hot water between cuts.

More Peanut Butter Treats

Still craving that Reese's flavor? You should check out my other hits: My super easy no-bake Reese's Peanut Butter Pie perfect when it's hot outside, Those crazy good Reese's Brownies that vanish instantly, And my talked-about Reese's Cookie Cake that's now famous at kids' parties.

Sweet Thoughts To End

This cheesecake has truly become part of our family traditions. There's something wonderful about carrying it to the table, seeing everyone get excited, and enjoying those first bites together. Whether you're marking something important or just want the best chocolate peanut butter dessert ever, this will make everyone happy.

A slice of layered chocolate cheesecake, featuring a chocolate ganache topping, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a graham cracker crust, garnished with chocolate candies. Pin it
A slice of layered chocolate cheesecake, featuring a chocolate ganache topping, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a graham cracker crust, garnished with chocolate candies. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use ingredients at room temperature?

Warmer ingredients mix better without clumps, creating a smoother cheesecake texture. Cold ones can mess up the consistency.

→ What’s the water bath for?

This method keeps the cheesecake moist, cooks it evenly, and minimizes cracks on top. The gentle heat really pays off!

→ Can this cheesecake be frozen?

Definitely! Skip the whipped cream on top, wrap tightly, and freeze for 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before digging in.

→ Why is my whipped cream runny?

Over-mixing after adding peanut butter can break the cream down. Just whip until stiff peaks show, then stop!

→ Can I substitute Reese's with other types?

Sure! Mini Reese's work best for more chocolate per bite. Bigger or wrapped ones have less peanut butter to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

Layers of rich cheesecake, chocolate, and peanut butter come together for a sweet treat made for celebrations or serious dessert cravings.

Rich Peanut Cake

Creamy cheesecake bursting with Reese's cups and peanut butter flavor, finished with smooth chocolate ganache and velvety whipped cream.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
85 Minutes
Total Time
130 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Cakes and Cupcakes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 34 mini Reese's cups (297g), chopped into pieces.
02 6 tablespoons (90ml) heavy cream for ganache layer.
03 ¾ cup (180ml) cold heavy cream for whipped topping.
04 ¾ cup (210g) smooth peanut butter.
05 1 cup (207g) white sugar.
06 24 ounces (678g) softened cream cheese.
07 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour.
08 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 2¾ cups (369g) Oreo crumbs (about 31 cookies).
10 5 tablespoons (70g) melted unsalted butter.
11 4 large eggs, brought to room temperature.
12 ¾ cup (173g) sour cream, softened.
13 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate chips.
14 ½ cup (58g) powdered sugar.
15 3 tablespoons (48g) creamy peanut butter for drizzling on top.
16 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for topping mixture.
17 7 full-size Reese's cups, sliced in halves for decoration.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 325°F. Coat the edges of a 9-inch springform pan with grease, line the bottom with parchment paper, and wrap the outside in foil.

Step 02

Stir melted butter and Oreo crumbs together, then press the mix firmly on the pan’s bottom and sides. Bake for around 8-10 minutes.

Step 03

Combine cream cheese, sugar, and flour until creamy. Next, mix in sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla. Beat in eggs one by one. Gently fold in pieces of Reese's.

Step 04

Pour the cheesecake mix into the crust, place it in a water bath, and bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 25 minutes until the center is set but jiggles slightly.

Step 05

Turn off the oven and leave the door shut for 30 minutes. Then open the door slightly for another 30 minutes before taking it out to cool completely.

Step 06

Place chocolate chips in a bowl and pour hot cream over them. Let it sit briefly, then stir together until it’s silky smooth. Spread the ganache on your chilled cheesecake.

Step 07

Whip up peanut butter and whipped cream separately. Blend them together, then pipe the topping onto your cheesecake. Add halved Reese's for a finishing touch.

Notes

  1. It’s important to use ingredients brought to room temp.
  2. Can keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.
  3. Skip the topping and freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Springform pan (9 inches).
  • Stand or handheld mixer.
  • A deep dish for water bath baking.
  • Piping bag and decorative tip.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Made with eggs.
  • Has peanuts.
  • Includes wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 694
  • Total Fat: 48 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 14 g