There’s something undeniably magical about Christmas, especially when it comes to dessert. Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety slice of Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake, where every bite is a delightful dance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate flavors. The luscious texture and aroma wafting through the air will have you reminiscing about cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations.
As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but recall my first attempt at making this show-stopping cheesecake. Picture me, a slightly frazzled home cook with flour on my nose and an overzealous spirit, trying to impress my family. Spoiler alert: it was a hit! Now, this Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake has become our go-to treat during the holidays, promising cheers instead of “whoops” from the crowd.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake
- This incredible Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake:
- Graham Cracker Crust: A buttery crust made from crushed graham crackers adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for that dreamy mouthfeel. It brings the signature Reese’s flavor to life!
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese and peanut butter.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of natural vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in this decadent dessert.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure and creaminess; be sure to use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
For Topping:
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Chopped up as a topping, these candies add a fun and festive touch while amplifying the peanut butter flavor.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra layer of indulgence—because why not go all out?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time to your cream cheese mixture, mixing gently after each addition just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want that cheesecake silky but not rubbery!
Step 4: Bake
Pour your filling into the prepared crust in the springform pan. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center—this will firm up as it cools!
Step 5: Cool Down
Once baked, turn off your oven and crack open its door slightly. Let your cheesecake cool inside for one hour before transferring it to room temperature.
Step 6: Chill Out
Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight—patience is key! This allows those flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, serve slices topped with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and drizzled chocolate sauce for that final touch of holiday cheer! Enjoy every scrumptious bite of this Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake as you create new memories around the table with those you love most!
You Must Know About Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake
- This showstopping Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
First, prepare your crust by crushing the graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter. Once the crust is ready, whip up the cheesecake filling while it chills. Bake the cheesecake until set, then cool it down before adding the toppings.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out graham crackers for Oreos for a chocolatey spin on your crust. You can also add extra peanut butter to the filling or top it off with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For reheating, simply slice and enjoy cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake
- This professional-quality Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
There’s nothing quite like seeing my family’s faces light up when I serve this Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake during our holiday gatherings. Their delighted reactions make every bit of effort worthwhile!
FAQs
What is Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake?
Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the beloved taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This festive treat features a creamy cheesecake filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter, all topped with chunks of Reese’s cups. The cheesecake rests on a chocolate cookie crust, adding an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this dessert will surely impress your family and friends.
How do I make Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake?
To make Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake, start by preparing the crust using crushed chocolate cookies mixed with melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a springform pan. For the filling, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Fold in chopped Reese’s cups and pour over the crust. Bake until set, then chill in the fridge for at least four hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and additional Reese’s cups for a festive touch.
Can I freeze Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake! To do this, allow the cheesecake to cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it in an airtight container if possible. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Freezing may slightly change the texture but will still keep its delicious flavor intact.
What toppings work best for Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake?
For Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake, consider toppings that complement its rich flavors. Whipped cream is always a favorite choice; it adds lightness to each bite. Crushed or whole Reese’s cups create an appealing visual and taste contrast. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for added sweetness and decoration. Sprinkles or edible glitter can add a festive touch during the holiday season.
Conclusion
In summary, Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake is a scrumptious dessert that combines cheesecake and everyone’s favorite peanut butter cups into one festive treat. This easy-to-make recipe will delight your guests and add joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you serve it at family gatherings or as a sweet surprise for friends, this cheesecake is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to try various toppings to make each slice even more special!
Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Christmas Reese’s Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly blends creamy cheesecake with the heavenly flavors of Reese’s peanut butter cups. This festive treat features a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth peanut butter filling, and is topped with chopped Reese’s candies and drizzled chocolate sauce. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this indulgent cheesecake will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 6 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chopped (for topping)
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar; press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
- Pour filling into the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let cheesecake cool inside for one hour. Transfer to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight before serving.
- Top with chopped Reese's cups and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 120g)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
