This no-bake peanut butter cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for Reese’s lovers! It’s an ultra-rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake recipe loaded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups in a crunchy Oreo crust.
If you love decadent desserts like this peanut butter cup cheesecake, check out this no-bake peanut butter marshmallow pie and my baked Turtle cheesecake!
Easy Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake (No Bake Recipe!)
This peanut butter cup cheesecake is one of my favorite variations on my classic no-bake cheesecake recipe. It starts with a chocolatey Oreo crust filled with fluffy no-bake peanut butter cheesecake that’s loaded with chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. The whole thing gets topped off with homemade whipped cream, drizzled with melted peanut butter and fudge, and piled with more Reese’s. I can’t get enough! I originally made this peanut butter cheesecake in 2014, and I’ve tweaked the recipe over time so that it’s better than ever.
Why I Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Extra tangy. I’ve upped the amount of cream cheese and peanut butter in the filling and added a little sugar for a delicious sweet-tangy contrast.
- 100% homemade. I use homemade whipped cream in the no-bake cheesecake filling, for a rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake that’s made completely from scratch. I originally made the filling with Cool Whip, however, and it still works great in a pinch!
- Loaded with toppings. I top this peanut butter cup cheesecake with more whipped cream, fudge sauce, and melted peanut butter. Plus more peanut butter cups, because, why not? There are so many ways to make this recipe your own, though. So feel free to get creative.
- Versatile. Peanut butter cup cheesecake is great for birthdays (especially for the peanut butter-obsessed!) and holidays. I love making it for our Thanksgiving dessert table or as a Christmas dessert. This no-bake cheesecake also freezes well, so it’s a perfect easy dessert to make ahead of time.
Ingredient Notes
There are a handful of key ingredients in a no-bake cheesecake that stays firm and creamy once set. Below are some notes on the important ingredients in this recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card below the post for a complete list along with recipe details.
- Crust – I use my easy Oreo cookie crust made from melted butter and regular Oreos (not Double Stuf, as there’s too much filling). You could substitute the Oreos with another chocolate cookie, or make this peanut butter cheesecake with a graham cracker crust instead.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Make sure to use full-fat whipping cream for a thick and silky cheesecake filling.
- Powdered Sugar – Also called confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar.
- Cream Cheese – You’ll want to use the kind that comes in bricks. Like the whipped cream, the cream cheese should be full-fat. Take the cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time so that it softens to room temperature.
- Peanut Butter – Make sure to use shelf-stable creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy, and not natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter is too oily and can cause the filling to split.
- Peanut Butter Cups – I use Reese’s peanut butter cups, but you can use your favorite store brand, too. Chop the peanut butter cups into small, dime-sized pieces.
How to Make a No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
With your ingredients prepped and ready, follow the steps below to make this easy peanut butter cup cheesecake from scratch. You’ll find the printable instructions in the recipe card.
First, Grease and Line the Pan
Before getting started on the peanut butter cheesecake filling, I like to prepare the pan. I recommend lining the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the cheesecake from the pan. Afterward, grease the edges with cooking spray. Another option is to use cake collars to get those perfect, smooth sides.
- Make the crust. First, use a food processor to grind the Oreo cookies into a fine crumb, creme filling and all. Combine the crumbs with melted butter. Then, press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a greased and lined 9″ springform pan. Use a measuring cup to help pack the crust in tightly. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the whipped cream. Meanwhile, chill your stand mixer’s mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Afterward, make a batch of homemade whipped cream for the filling. If you’re short on time, you can use a tub of Cool Whip instead.
- Make the no-bake filling. In a new bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s free of lumps. Next, beat in the peanut butter, followed by sugar and a dash of vanilla. Fold the prepared whipped cream and chopped peanut butter cups into the peanut butter mixture by hand.
- Assemble and chill. Lastly, spread the cheesecake filling into the prepared Oreo crust. Cover the cheesecake and pop it into the fridge to chill for 4 hours.
- Add toppings and serve! When you’re ready to serve, make a fresh batch of whipped cream and melt peanut butter and hot fudge in the microwave for the garnish. Pipe swirls of whipped cream around the borders of the cheesecake, garnish with peanut butter cups, and then drizzle the peanut butter and fudge over top.
Recipe Tips
- Use the right cream cheese. The best cream cheese for cheesecakes is full-fat, good-quality bricks of cream cheese. Do not use the spreadable cream cheese that comes in tubs (like you’d use for bagels). Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so that it mixes smoothly with the other filling ingredients.
- Use creamy peanut butter. As mentioned in the Ingredient Notes, the best peanut butter choice for this no-bake cheesecake is creamy, commercial peanut butter where the oils are fully incorporated. Natural peanut butter won’t work here.
- Keep the crust intact. Since we aren’t baking the Oreo crust, make sure to get all the crumbs well coated with butter, and press the crust firmly into the springform pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to really compact the crust so it holds its shape. Remember to grease and line the pan first so that the crust doesn’t crumble when you go to remove the cheesecake.
- If the no-bake cheesecake filling seems a bit loose, even after hours in the fridge, try placing the cheesecake into the freezer for 30 minutes before you serve it.
- Add the toppings right before serving. I recommend leaving off any whipped cream or garnishes until you’re ready to serve your no-bake cheesecake. For the best results, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan before decorating.
- More toppings. Drizzle this no-bake peanut butter cheesecake with pourable chocolate ganache or salted caramel sauce. You can also add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips.
How to Store
- Refrigerate. I recommend storing this no-bake peanut butter cheesecake without toppings whenever possible. Keep it covered and airtight in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze. Allow the cheesecake to set completely in the refrigerator, then freeze it in the springform pan for a couple of hours. Once frozen, remove the pan, double-wrap the cheesecake in plastic wrap, and then wrap the cheesecake in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, unwrap the cheesecake and transfer it to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add any toppings before serving.
More No Bake Cheesecake Recipes
No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Cheesecake
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no bake peanut butter cheesecake is loaded with Reese’s peanut butter cups in an ultra-rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling. It’s the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 package (14.3oz) Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 1/4 cups (295ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (65g) powdered sugar
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (180g) creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (48g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 package (10oz) snack size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
For the Toppings (Optional)
- 3/4 cup (177ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2–3 (16-24g) tablespoons powdered sugar
- 8 snack size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (22g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons (43g) hot fudge sauce
Instructions
For the Crust
- For the crust: Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lightly greasing the edges of the pan with cooking spray, and then wiping gently with a paper towel. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
- Grind the cookies into a fine crumb using a food processor or blender.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Pour the melted butter over the cookie crumbs and stir until the crumbs are well coated.
- Pour the crumbs into your springform pan and press firmly into the bottom and up on the sides to create a thick crust. Refrigerate the crust while you are preparing the filling.
For the Filling
- Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill.
- Prepare the whipped cream. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream at medium-high speed until the cream starts to thicken. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Then add the peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Next, add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until smooth.
- Finally, slowly fold in the whipped cream until it’s incorporated, then add the chopped peanut butter cups and continue mixing until well combined. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours minimum.
For the Garnish
- Prepare another batch of whipped cream by placing your bowl in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating at high speed until stiff peaks form. Pipe the borders of the cheesecake with whipped cream using a large open-star piping tip. Finish decorating with chopped peanut butter cups as desired.
- Melt peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over top of the cheesecake with a spoon.
- Heat hot fudge in the microwave in 30-second increments until melted. Stir until smooth and drizzle over cheesecake.
Notes
- Cool Whip substitution: For the filling, you can swap out the homemade whipped cream for one 8-ounce container of Cool Whip
- You’ll need two 10oz bags of snack-size Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. One full bag for the filling and the other bag to decorate with if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 841
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 421g
- Fat: 67.4g
- Carbohydrates: 50.9g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 125.9g
Just made this for Father’s day as my Dad’s a huge fan of peanut butter and cheesecake, was huge success! Apparently I have to make it again for a party in July haha. Thanks for the great recipe!
This sounds amazing! I love no bake things. How simple and tasty. I often crave cheesecake but don’t have time to look for it or track it down or make it either. This one will work for me I think.
Great Paula!
Hi, what is cool whip for those of us in the UK and do you know of an equivalent. Thanks.
Hi Sophie, you can substitute with heavy cream to make you own homemade whipped cream.
Hi there,
If I am making this recipe in advance, am I okay to freeze it (before decorating) for a few days?
Hi Lisa, absolutely! And garnish before serving. Enjoy!
My family is going to love me even more when I make this! We’re all obsessed with peanut butter cups, and this looks so yummy.
Awesome Becky!
This turned out just perfect. Thanks for putting this recipe up. Our fav.
Simon
This sounds really nice. gonna make this for tea tonight. Thanks. Simon
Looks Great!!! What size pan do I use for this recipe?
Hi Marie! I used a 9″ springform pan.
Can I use a different pan? Not a spring form
Hi Erica, yes you can use a 9-inch pan that is at least 3-inches tall. The springform pan is just nice to remove the edges and it’s a bit taller as well.
I have a 10inch spring form pan, what adjustments would you make to the recipe if any?
Hi Karen, you shouldn’t need to make any adjustments, but your cheesecake won’t be as tall. Enjoy! Please let me know how it turns out.
I personally use the inside of the oreos to melt and put on-top of the cake also.
This was horrible. Looks great taste to salty. Very bland. ????
I’m sorry this wasn’t for you. I have had plenty of people who have enjoyed it. I hope you’ll try something different.
Looking forward to making this dessert. I am also going to add chopped pretzels for the sweet salty crunch as part of the topping.
The chopped pretzels sound so awesome!!
Really, really terrific looking and tasting dessert! Thank you for posting it. The cheesecake part of the cake was somewhat bland when I taste-tested, so I added about 1/4 c of confectioner’s sugar -‘that made it perfect for my tastebuds! My Easter guests were thrilled as well, and I did not remember to tell them how easy it was to make. 🙂
Hi Eryn! I am so glad you liked it!
Agreed! Wish I had read your comment before putting it on my pie crust. It was barely sweet. I’m hoping the hot fudge drizzle adds some sugar flavor. In the future I will add some confectioners sugar.
Also, I used a pre-made Oreo crust instead of making my own. Made the whole process faster. 😉
Hi Elle, I am curious why it’s barely sweet, because this is quite rich and decadent. I do hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for the reply. There’s no sugar in the pie base other than chopped up Reese’s peanut butter cups. It’s all dairy or peanut butter.
Unfortunately the fudge didn’t add much sweetness (and since I chose the bottle instead of the jar, much harder to get out).
Since it was so easy to throw together, I’d add some confectioners sugar (saw other recipes the same as this plus sugar), and choose the chocolate hard shell – that just requires a shake and pour or make homemade hot fudge. 😉
Loved the PB drizzle tip though!
I made this recipe for Easter lunch tomorrow. Should I store in freezer or fridge overnight?
Hi Courtney- in the fridge is fine! I hope you like it!
Hi! I’m going to try this recipe out on this Thursday for a food tech lesson, I just wanted to clarify: does the capital “C” stand for cups?? I know it’s probably obvious but just in case hahah…
please reply soon xx
Hi Faddy, yes the “C” stands for cups! I hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think!
Is the cream cheese room temp or straight from the fridge??
Hi Lacey! It is straight from the refrigerator. Enjoy!
I’m making this ahead for my husband’s birthday. Can I make the drizzle and put it on top before hand or would you recommend waiting until just before you serve it?
Hi Paige- Once refrigerated, the drizzle will harden. I always like a fresh drizzle but there is nothing stopping you from adding it ahead of time!
Great! Thank you! Will do:) I have four boys and they and my husband all love peanut butter so I’m excited to see how it turns out:)
Question: With the Reese cups , do you use the regular size or the mini?
Looks so delicious. This will be the next birthday pie for my husband who loves peanut butter!!
Thank you!!
Hi Kerry, you could use either for this recipe. I used Reese’s regular sized cups and cut them into pieces. I hope you try it!
Thanks for this post…used this for my Christmas dessert and it was yum!!
Hi – is there much of a difference (taste, texture, etc) between baked cheesecake and this no-bake? I love how convenient this one looks to be, but am also worried that it won’t be the same.
Thanks!
I made this cheesecake and had a piece – yum! I can now die.
HAHA! Thanks Lori! I am glad you liked it!