Instructions
1 Preheat & Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake releases easily once baked. In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
2 Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the creamy peanut butter until smooth. Finally, gently fold in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
3 Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Afterward, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4 Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, mixing until the chips melt and the sauce becomes smooth. Allow the topping to cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
5 Assemble & Serve: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the cooled chocolate-peanut butter topping over the top. Finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
6 Slice and Enjoy: Slice this decadent cheesecake into wedges and enjoy a slice of peanut butter paradise. The creamy texture, combined with the chocolate cookie crust and candy-filled bites, will take your taste buds on a heavenly journey.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Cheesecake:
• Be sure to let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating it. This helps prevent cracks and ensures the texture is smooth.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a layer of crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top before adding the ganache for even more peanut buttery goodness.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can freeze the cheesecake for a few hours to speed up the chilling process, though overnight chilling is ideal for the best flavor and texture.
This Peanut Butter Dream Cheesecake – A Starry Night of Reese’s Delight is a truly stellar dessert that combines rich, creamy peanut butter with indulgent chocolate and caramel toppings. It’s a must-make treat for any peanut butter fan and a sure way to dazzle your guests with a decadent, unforgettable dessert. Enjoy!