The Best Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is amazing and will disappear right before your very eyes. Chocolate and peanut butter layers with more chocolate needs to happen right away.
CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!
Have you ever had one of "those" days? You know the one I'm talking about, right? The one that makes you wonder if the full moon is out.
Today was that day for me. And the day isn't even over, so I'm kind of scared to see what happens next. It all started the minute the alarm started going off. Yup, that's it. Hahahaha! Just kidding. There's more.
Staying up late and getting up early just isn't a good thing. Especially when you are trying to be dedicated to getting a work out in before doing any work. I didn't really feel like workout out, but I did it anyway because I know I'll feel better later.
Then I walked to work. Haha! Ok, fine I walked to the other room and got on my computer. Turns out there really must be a full moon because I have had some cray cray comments on the blog this week.
Just think of things like "jerk", "why don't you set a better example for your kids", "junk food", and being "shot and left for the buzzards to peck out". Yup, all real comments. My jaw is hanging open too! You better believe I deleted those comments and moved on with my day.
Oh, and I have been accused of stealing my own pictures. I'm sorry I didn't realize posting my own pictures was wrong. My bad.
I am feeling the extreme urge to hide in my closet for the rest of the day with a pan of Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies and some Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.
Don't bother looking for me. I'll be much happier there in the dark with the chocolate.
Actually, these kind of things just make me laugh. Ain't nobody got time for being upset! What else are you supposed to do about it? Well, other than stuff your face with all the chocolate!
So go ahead. Leave me all the comments. Laughter is good for the soul!
I thought maybe you have had one of those days or weeks and might need some cheesecake goodness too. How about a Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake with an Oreo crust? Uuuuuhhhhhuuuhhhh, I thought so.
I know you are thinking I'm the crazy one now, but seriously, this is really an easy peanut butter cheesecake to make. You can do it.
If you can't find the chocolate chips and peanut butter cups, check the closet. Someone might have had a "day" and needed to hide for a bit.
How to make a Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake:
Place a sheet pan of water on the very bottom rack of the oven as it preheats. This steam bath will create moisture in the oven, so the cheesecake does not crack while it bakes.
Mix together cookie crumbs and butter and press them into the bottom of the pan. Use parchment paper in the bottom of the springform pan because it will keep the crust from sticking to the pan.
Start with the peanut butter cheesecake layer next. Beat all the ingredients until creamy and set it aside.
Place the chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the rest of the ingredients for the chocolate cheesecake layer.
Layer the chocolate and peanut butter layers on the prepared cookie crust. Place the springform pan on the oven rack right over the steaming water and bake it for 55-65 minutes. Pull it out as soon as the timer goes off and let it cool on a wire rack for an hour, then refrigerate it for 4-6 hours.
Heat the whipping cream in the microwave, then pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a minute. Stir until melted and creamy. Pour on top of the chilled cheesecake and spread it out evenly with an angled spatula.
Use a piping bag and icing tip 1M to swirl Cool Whip around the edges. Top each swirl with a peanut butter cup candy.
More peanut butter cup recipes you may enjoy:
Swirls of chocolate and peanut butter make these Ultimate Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies absolutely irresistible.
The candy center in these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies makes these a family favorite treat. Change out the sprinkles and they are perfect for every holiday.
This Peanut Butter Cup Blondie has a nutty twist on the typical blondies.
You are only 5 ingredients away from this creamy Reese's Fluffernutter Ice Cream. No ice cream maker needed!
Three kinds of peanut butter goodness makes this Reese’s Popcorn an unforgettable snack mix.
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Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
This Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake is amazing and will disappear right before your very eyes. Chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake layers with a chocolate topping needs to happen right away.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 20 Oreo cookies
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese. softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- 8 miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place a large cookie sheet on the bottom rack and fill it halfway with water.
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Place the cookies, cream included, in a food processor. Pulse until everything becomes crumbs.
- Combine the cookie crumbs and butter and mix until moistened. Press evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar. Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla and beat again. Set aside.
- In a small sauce pan melt the chocolate chips over medium heat, stirring continually until they are melted. Add the cream cheese and stir until creamy again.
- Whisk in the milk and vanilla.
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl. Add a large spoonful of the melted chocolate mixture to the egg and whisk immediately.
- Pour the rest of the melted chocolate mixture in the bowl and whisk again.
- Pour half of the chocolate cheesecake batter onto the cookie crust.
- Gently spoon the peanut butter mixture on top. Start placing spoonfuls on the outside edges first, then drop spoonfuls in the center. Carefully smooth out the peanut butter layer with an offset spatula.
- Pour the remaining chocolate cheesecake batter on top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is set. Remove right away and place on a wire rack to cool.
- After 5 minutes, run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake to loosen it from the pan. Let cool for an hour. Place in the refrigerator to chill completely.
- Heat the heavy whipping cream in the microwave for 30 seconds. Pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until melted and creamy.
- Remove the springform pan collar. Pour the chocolate on the top of the chilled cheesecake and smooth over the top. Let set.
- Use a piping bag and icing tip 1M to swirl Cool Whip around the edges. Place a peanut butter cup on each swirl right before serving. Cut into 14 wedges.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 608Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 389mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 3gSugar: 37gProtein: 13g
*The post for Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake was first published on August 29, 2013. The photos have been updated, and it was republished on April 29, 2019.
Change
There was not enough peanut butter mixture to make a layer I had to leave the middle out, but thankfully had extra pnut butter cups for the top and filled the middle with those.
Jocelyn
I'm not sure what you mean about there not being enough peanut butter mixture for the middle. Did you watch the video that was in the post with the recipe? I show how to make each layer and how to spread it out as well. I'm glad you were able to add the peanut butter cups and make it work.
Steph
If this isn't a little slice of heaven, then I don't know what is. The best candy + the best dessert = perfection!
Jen
This is like two of my favorite desserts all rolled into one. The trick would be making this before all the peanut butter cups disappeared, haha! Can't wait for my first bite.
Erin
I am all over this, a must make all summer long!
Sara Welch
You are speaking my kind of language! Peanut Butter Cups are my absolute favorite candy; I bet this tastes magical!
Kim
For those who don't like cool whip (I'm not a cool whip fan myself), Here's an alternative that I do when I make this deliciousness.... After I pour the ganache on top, I take quite a few peanut butter cups and roughly chop them and sprinkle them on top.... This recipe is always a hit and gets rave reviews.... It's my son's favorite and he only has like 4 food groups (pasta, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and cookies)....
Killian
The recipe looks amazing, but I cannot fathom why you'd ruin a gorgeous, scratch made concoction such as this with Cool Whip. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Jocelyn
LOL! I happen to like Cool Whip, but you can totally top it with a homemade whipped cream if that's what you prefer. Either way, sugar is sugar. 🙂
Mary
For the peanut butter cup cheesecake, I only have SALTED butter...argh, and I'm starting to make it now. Does anyone know if this will effect the taste of the crust at all?
Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Mary. I actually use salted butter quite often. It will be just fine for the crust. I hope you enjoy the cheesecake.
Mary
Can you freeze a cake like this?
Jocelyn Brubaker
I have never frozen this particular cheesecake, but I don't know why you couldn't. Just leave off the topping and peanut butter cups and wrap it tightly. Then let it thaw in the refrigerator before doing the topping. Let me know how it works for you!
Cindy
Making this for my daughter's birthday, upon her request for a chocolate peanut butter cheesecake: yours looks like it will fit the bill!
Question: I see in the instructions for the peanut butter layer (step 2.)
to add cream but I don't see cream listed in the ingredients for that layer and so I don't know how much to add.
I'm assuming it will make the consistency spreadable.
Thanks. Looking forward to instruction.
Jocelyn Brubaker
She is going to love it! That is actually not cream as an ingredient...it is cream as in beat it all together. Sorry that it was confusing...I went in and changed the wording!
Vera Sue KOMAR
I think she meant to include the cream in the Oreos to the mixture...
Linda Butterfield
The cream is the filling in the Oreo cookie.
Jocelyn
No, she is talking about a different layer where you actually beat or cream all the ingredients together.
Auntiepatch
Only mean-spirited people leave comments like that and who needs them?! You do a great job and don't let anyone tell you any different!
Greetings from sunny San Diego! LOL!
Tonia@thegunnysack
A-Mazing!! That is so dangerous!
Whitney
I just found you through Pinterest, and I am pretty sure you are my soul mate. Someone else is out there who could eat dessert for every meal! I am just finally getting my husband on board the chocolate/peanut butter train- it only took almost 9 years! Can't wait to read more 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Dessert for every meal is my life long dream 🙂 I am so glad you found me and my sugar laden blog...we are going to be fast friends for sure!!!
sally @ sallys baking addiction
I just lost my breath. This cheesecake is everything I love about dessert packed into one. 🙂 Looks amazing Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much Sally! This was one dessert I was so excited to make and share 🙂
Kristen Duke
Seriously?!?! Peanut butter cups + cheesecake + Oreos + chocolate ganache?! Any one of those sound tasty but all together sounds AMAZING! I'm sorry you had a rough day but glad you had this type of treat to cheer you up!
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Mind. Blown. Love this Jocelyn!
Heather Mills
First, I can't believe that people really feel the need to comment as if you aren't a real person with real feelings. I guess they are stupid enough to believe that just because you post yummy treats, it's the only thing you feed your children. thanks for the fabulous recipes (I'm pinning this one now) and thanks for being so open about your life and your life as a pastor's wife. Keeping on going and ignore the haters.
Jamielyn@iheartnaptime
Mmm this looks SO good!! Just pinned it! 😀 xo -jamielyn @iheartnaptime
Jocelyn Brubaker
I am glad you liked it Jamielyn! Thank you so much for the pin love 🙂
Tanya
Oh this looks sooooo yummy! Thank you for sharing at Inspiration Monday, Pinning your recipe 🙂
xo
Kayla @ Home Coming blog
Looks delish!! I'm hosting a candle giveaway that you should enter! http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/09/fremont-candles-givewaway-20-for.html
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Kayla!! 😉
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
Mmmmmm cheesecake....excuse me while I drool all over my keyboard. 😉 Love the layers on this, Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Jess!! Cheesecake always makes me drool 😉
Shannon {Cozy Country Living}
Wow! This looks delicious! Who can resist peanut butter and chocolate? I think I will have to make this for next weekend's stay in date night! Yum:)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Shannon!! I sure cant resist it, that's for sure! 😉 Let me know how it turns out for you!!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Oooh, I would love a slice of this candy cheesecake! Love the PB and chocolate layers!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Anna!! 😉
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
OMG Jocelyn --> "Just think of things like ”jerk”, “why don’t you set a better example for your kids”, “junk food”, and being “shot and left for the buzzards to peck out”. People are freaking cray-cray! You've got the right attitude - ignore 'em, laugh it off and make a stunning, droolworthy cheesecake. I can't tell you how amazing this looks - like a glorious, giant peanut butter cup on an oreo cookie crust. And seriously, nothing is more annoying when our partners are right. I hate admitting it when it happens, lol.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I know!! Some people have lost their marbles for sure!! 😉 Thank you so much Nancy!!
Renee @ Awesome on $20
I will never understand why people spend their time leaving mean comments on someone's blog. If there's something you don't like just click away. Personally, I love your blog, and I'm so excited to be in the same room with you in a few weeks for the Duncan Hines trip. I'm going to try not to be too fan girl crazy. This cheesecake is brilliant! I love the double layers of chocolate. It's basically a peanut butter cup on a crust. You're a genius, and don't let anybody ever try to convince you otherwise!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha!! I'm so excited to meet you too!! I love meeting my blog friends! I don't understand those people either. Pure craziness!! Thank you so very much Renee!! You're the best girl!
shamene@sayitwithcake
wow that looks amazing!!!! I love it and pinned it!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so very much!! 😉
Julie
You are invited to share this amazing recipe with Show Your Stuff:
http://juliejewels1.blogspot.com/2013/08/show-your-stuff-91.html
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Julie!!
Heather @ French Press
you need to get on the Reeses's payroll - this is amazing
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, I really should!! 😉 Thank youHeather!! 😉
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner
Oh yes, we've all had one of those days. In fact, I've had one of those weeks so I'm so glad it's a long weekend.
Um, you seriously got those comments?! I'm so shocked because I could not say enough wonderful things about you and your blog. You have awesome recipes, beautiful pictures, and I enjoy what you write. I love that you respond to my comments and you even take the time to visit my blog and leave comments for me (which means the world to me). Unfortunately in this world, the moment we put ourselves out there, we are vulnerable to criticism from irrational and grouchy people who have nothing better to do with their time but to judge others. I'm sorry you've been a victim.
"Junk food"? Call it what they want, but yes, please and there is nothing wrong with that!
Here's to hiding for only a moment (because after all we are human) but then getting back out there and making more fabulous food like this cheesecake...pinning to make! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Awww, thank you so very much!! I was very thankful for the long weekend with my family too!! Yes, the comments were real and definitely crazy town! Sweet comments like this from you and my other great bloggy friends help me to push past the negative ones, so thank you so much girl!
Chels R.
Jocelyn, I am so so sorry, about the rude comments you were getting. I think this week has been like that for a lot of people. Jennifer from Mother Thyme was dealing with similar issues with her pictures and blog this week too and this morning, my mom kept me on the phone for over an hour (seriously, I had just laid Christian down for a nap and was about to make a pie) over my brother who screamed and yelled at her this morning. Yesterday I stuffed my face with one twix ice cream bar and one snickers ice cream bar, snuck several bites of frosting that I have in the fridge and a pumpkin latte that wasn't skinny-we're talking full on calories, yesterday, I ate a whole bowl of popcorn and like 7 cookies. I'm out of control! I say, let's hide from the world together and eat this cheesecake, because I'm like 2 secs away from hopping on a plane and stalking you, lol! Just kidding...well, kind of, 😉 I sincerely hope, that by the end of today, your day is a whole lot better and that you have a fabulous weekend with your family. (Don't ya just hate it when husbands are right? I know I do) 😉
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Chels!! Good grief, what's up with crazy people?! You don't have t stalk me girl, you can just come on over and we'll devour one of these together! 😉 My day did get a lot better, thank you!!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
This looks soooo so good! I just shared it on FB saying that I need to healthify it. I think some of my readers would revolt if I posted something like this without even trying. 😉
But for a party or something? Totally making this as is!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Erin!! 😉 Please let me know what you end up doing to healthify it!!
Liz Fourez
Bahaha how dare you steal your own photo!! And those really are some cray cray comments. So glad you can laugh about it and take it all in stride... That's really all you can do! P.S. this dessert looks amazing!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, yeah really!! I'm terrible, don't ya know 😉 Thanks Liz!!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
This cheesecake makes me want to cry a little bit. We can't have PB in this house because of my lil man. I bet it tastes amazing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Oh no!! I think I'd die without my peanut butter! Lol 😉
Liz
LOVE this cheesecake Jocelyn! I think I might be needing a slice pretty ASAP! Hope you're having a better day! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Liz!! My day did get much better! 😉
marcie@flavorthemoments
Admitting that the husband is right (especially before coffee) and putting up with those comments is definitely tough. Luckily, the day gets better (especially after coffee), and a great big slice of this cheesecake. This creamy chocolate peanut butter cheesecake would definitely make me have a better day! Holy toledo this looks good.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Marcie!! 😉 Yes it started out rough, but you're so right-coffe and cheesecake made it all better!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
You have had a rough day!!! I can't believe someone accused you have stealing your own pictures, that is unbelievable! I would be in the corner with a bag of pb cups too.
You do make the BEST cheesecakes though - so that is something to be proud of 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Erin!! Yeah it was a doozy of a day! Thank goodness most days aren't like that 😉
Tieghan
Oh wow! This is so amazing and I do not even like cheesecake!! But this? This I can love. AMAZED!!
Now, those comments!! People can be so mean. Trust me, I know and have so been there! I have not been blogging nearly as long as you, but I have already had my fair share. SO not fun! Although, I have not yet been accused of stealing my own photos or being shot. That is terrible!! Wow, hang in there!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Tieghan!! 😉 I need to convert you to a cheesecake lover! Yes, people are straight up crazy sometimes!! We have to keep our heads up though for sure!!
Regan
What is wrong with people.....and why are they so mean!?! Especially when you're giving us so much yumminess! Sheesh! Ignore them, and keep baking......you're doing everything right! :o)
And can I just say, that I love the size of the slice on this cheesecake.......cuz it would be totally wrong to give someone a slice with just the swirl of Cool Whip, and then someone gets a swirl topped with a pb cup! I'm just saying.....that would be wrong!! Everyone should get a big-ass double slice!!!! LOL
Jocelyn Brubaker
I'm really not sure! I would never leave comments like that to anyone, even if I disagreed with what I was reading. Thanks so much Regan!! Haha, I totally agree about the slice size!!
Erin
Wow, that looks amazing! I don't think I can ever have enough chocolate and peanut butter recipes! Those are my comfort foods, too. 🙂 So thanks for taking the time to add the " More recipes with Reese’s" section!
And I'm sorry people were rude to you... it's easy to say "well, they're obviously idiots," but it's hard to feel that way when such bile is directed at you.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much!! You are totally welcome! 😉 I couldn't have said it better!
Dianne
Jocelyn, I am proud of you for ignoring people's ignorant remarks. You are an inspiration to me! I absolutely love your blog and your delicious recipes. Another blog I followed went vegetarian, and needless to say, I don't follow that blog any longer. You are also an inspiration to me in your faith. Keep the blogs coming! They make my day!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks so much Dianne!! This comment is so incredibly sweet!! Great people like you have helped me to continue on despite the craziness! 😉
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
Jocelyn this is the most fantastic cheesecake EVERRRRRRRRRRR.
And those comments. OMG. I cannot believe it. (Psssst, never let your husband know he was right. Tell him "duh, I told you that last week and you weren't listening because the game was on." 😉 )
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Dorothy!! 🙂 You are too funny!
Anita Kehn
Well, I LOVE your blog even tho I rarely comment. Disregard those bad comments ~ only insecure people leave bad ones. My motto is to always look for the good in people. That makes me happy and everyone around me too. By the way, I'm making your Pizza Pasta Salad for a picnic Saturday evening.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Awww thank you so much Anita!! I appreciate this comment so much!! 😉 I hope you loved the Pizza Pasta Salad as much as we did!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
Yes I have days, days where it irritates me when my hubby is right, days where the kids are driving me mad and I need chocolate! This looks like a good fix! Sorry about rude people, it amazes me to think people are really like that!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Nancy!! 😉 It amazes me that people can be so crazy rude too! But desserts like this and kind people like you help to balance things!!
Angelica
My son would totally love this. He loves Reese's candy.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Angelica!! 😉
Nat :)
Seriously, some jaw-dropping comments! Who has time to leave comments like that? Meh! This cheesecake looks killer! I think you are an absolute doll and your recipes are amazing! 🙂 keep up the great work!
Jocelyn Brubaker
I know, right?! Some people must just not have anything better to do than try to bully people. Thanks so much!!! 😉
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life
I'll come hide with you - a closet with this cheesecake sounds much better than the "real world." 🙂 Thank goodness for laughter! It truly is good medicine. Though this cheesecake ranks up there as "good medicine" as well:)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Mary!! You're so right!! And this cheesecake is absolutely good medicine, at least according to me! 😉
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
This looks awesome girl. I've had a great day, can I still get a slice???
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Aimee!! Of course you can!! 😉
Averie @ Averie Cooks
This reminds me of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars. And it's so beautiful. And I bet just a little bit rich 🙂 Wow, I'd love a slice!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Averie!! 😉 It was wonderfully rich, a cup a cold milk was needed with this deliciousness!
Lori
I just don't get some people and their ability to be mean when they sit at their keyboard. I've never written a comment on your site, but I get your emails and love scrolling through all your delicious looking recipes - until today. What is it about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter? They are such comforting flavors together. I never tire of it! I've printed the recipe and will be making for Sunday family dinner! Thanks for all the hard work you do!