Name: Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 12 pieces Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped); 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature); ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (Skippy brand); 1½ cups powdered sugar (sifted); 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅓ cup heavy cream (cold); 12 pieces mini Reese’s cups (unwrapped); to taste Chocolate syrup (garnish)

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There’s something truly special about the Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes that makes them a favorite in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made them; it was a spontaneous decision during a Sunday afternoon when I was craving something sweet yet easy to make. The aroma of creamy peanut butter blending with the rich cheese floated through the air, teasing my senses. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, I was able to create these delightful little treats that quickly became a hit among family and friends. Each bite is like a little piece of heaven, combining the flavors of my favorite candy with the smoothness of cheesecake. It’s a dessert that brings smiles and happy memories!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
15 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
230 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan

The Appeal of This Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Indulgent Flavor

What sets the Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes apart is their luscious flavor. The creaminess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the nutty richness of the peanut butter. Each cheesecake packs a punch of flavor that dances on your palate, leaving you wanting more.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cheesecakes are incredibly versatile. Whether it’s a birthday party, family gathering, or just a casual weeknight treat, they fit right in. Their individual size makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, and they’re always a crowd favorite.

No-Bake Convenience

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s no-bake. You simply mix, pipe, and chill. This convenience allows you to prepare them ahead of time, freeing up your day for other activities while ensuring a delicious dessert is ready when you are.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Making these mini cheesecakes can be a fun activity to do with kids. They can help with mixing the ingredients and even piping the filling into the cups. It’s a great way to spend time together while creating a delicious treat that everyone will love.

Beautiful Presentation

These cheesecakes not only taste amazing, but they also look stunning. The mini Reese’s cups on top add a touch of elegance, making them perfect for any celebration. Drizzling chocolate syrup over them elevates their appearance even further, making them truly irresistible.

Easy Ingredient Access

The ingredients for Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are simple and easy to find. You likely already have many of them in your pantry. This means you can whip them up anytime the craving strikes!

Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes Shopping List

Creating the perfect Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes starts with high-quality ingredients. Each component serves its purpose, contributing to the rich, creamy texture and extraordinary flavor. The combination of cream cheese and peanut butter creates a mouthwatering filling, while the Reese’s cups bring a delightful surprise within each bite.

12 standard-sized Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped) – These serve as the delicious base for each cheesecake, adding a layer of rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor.
16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature) – This is the foundation of our cheesecake, providing a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.

¾ cup creamy peanut butter (Skippy brand) – Use your favorite brand for the best flavor; it adds that signature peanut butter taste that makes these cheesecakes irresistible.
1½ cups sifted powdered sugar – This sweetens the filling, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and peanut butter.
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Though we must avoid artificial vanilla, a good quality vanilla extract enriches the flavor profile.

⅓ cup cold heavy cream – Whipped into the mixture, it helps achieve that light and fluffy texture that we adore in cheesecakes.
12 mini Reese’s cups (unwrapped) – These are the perfect finishing touch, placed on top of each cheesecake for added flavor and a fun presentation.
Chocolate syrup (garnish) – Drizzle this over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.

How to Make Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Making Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delightful treats in no time!

Line a standard muffin pan with 12 paper liners. This will make it easy to remove the cheesecakes once they’re set. I recommend using parchment paper liners for the best results.
Place one standard-sized Reese’s cup into the bottom of each muffin cup. This creates a flavorful surprise and adds an extra layer to the cheesecake.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together, with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy. You should notice the mixture becoming smooth and homogenous, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat again until smooth and creamy. This will take another 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps to ensure a silky texture.
Add the vanilla extract and cold heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy. You’ll want to see it increase in volume and become airy.

Transfer the peanut butter cheesecake filling to a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe the cheesecake filling into each of the 12 muffin cups. Be sure to fill the cups all the way to the top, creating a generous helping of cheesecake.
Place a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each mini peanut butter cheesecake and gently press it into the filling, leaving the top exposed. This way, each bite has that lovely burst of chocolate.
Refrigerate the mini peanut butter cup cheesecakes for a minimum of 8 hours or up to overnight. The cheesecake needs to chill and firm completely, so be patient; it will be worth it!

Before serving, drizzle each of the mini peanut butter cheesecakes with a garnish of chocolate sauce over the top of each cheesecake. This adds a beautiful touch and extra sweetness.

Things Worth Knowing

Choosing the Right Cream Cheese: Make sure to use full-fat cream cheese as it provides the best flavor and texture.
Mixing Technique: Beat the mixture until light and fluffy; this incorporates air, giving the cheesecake a lovely texture.

Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer they chill, the firmer they become.
Using Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality peanut butter and real vanilla can significantly impact the flavor.

Expert Tips about Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Perfecting your Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some expert tips to help you get the best results!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will keep them tasting fresh and delicious.
Freezing: You can freeze these cheesecakes for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Pairing: Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. They also pair well with coffee or tea.

Presentation: For a more festive appearance, add colorful sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the chocolate drizzle.
Serving Temperature: Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste and texture.

Great Combinations for Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Fruit Sauces: Serve with raspberry or strawberry sauce for a vibrant contrast to the rich cheesecake.

Coffee Pairing: A strong cup of coffee enhances the flavor of the cheesecakes beautifully, making them a perfect dessert for brunch.
Special Occasions: These cheesecakes are ideal for birthday parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Snack Time: Enjoy them as a sweet snack or dessert after a light lunch for a satisfying treat.

Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Pair with chocolate-covered strawberries for an indulgent dessert platter.

FAQ

While this recipe specifically calls for peanut butter, you can certainly experiment with other nut butters like almond or cashew. Just keep in mind that they will alter the flavor profile. Make sure the nut butter you choose has a similar creamy consistency to peanut butter to achieve the best results.

For the best results, refrigerate the Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the filling to firm up properly, ensuring a delightful texture when you serve them. If you’re in a hurry, you can freeze them for about 2 to 3 hours, but the longer you let them sit in the fridge, the better they taste!

Store any leftover Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!

Absolutely! In fact, these cheesecakes are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them a day or two in advance and let them chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes them a convenient option for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

The Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are a delightful treat that combines ease of preparation with incredible flavor. They make for a perfect dessert to impress your friends and family. So, if you’re looking for something sweet to satisfy your cravings, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

The ultimate indulgence for peanut butter lovers! These Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes are creamy, rich, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for parties or a sweet treat at home. With an easy no-bake method, you'll want to whip these up tonight!

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Frying Pan

Ingredients

12 pieces Reese’s peanut butter cups unwrapped
16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
¾ cup creamy peanut butter Skippy brand
1½ cups powdered sugar sifted
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup heavy cream cold
12 pieces mini Reese’s cups unwrapped
to taste Chocolate syrup garnish

Instructions

Line a standard muffin pan with 12 paper liners.
Place one standard-sized Reese’s cup into the bottom of each muffin cup.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together, with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter until light and fluffy.
Add the sifted powdered sugar and beat again until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and cold heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on high speed for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Transfer the peanut butter cheesecake filling to a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, and pipe the cheesecake filling into each of the 12 muffin cups.
Place a mini Reese’s cup into the center of each mini peanut butter cheesecake and gently press it into the filling, leaving the top exposed.
Refrigerate the mini peanut butter cup cheesecakes for a minimum of 8 hours or up to overnight.

Before serving, drizzle each of the mini peanut butter cheesecakes with a garnish of chocolate sauce over the top of each cheesecake.

Notes

Parchment paper liners: These make peeling from the cheesecake filling easy.
Speed up setting: Freeze for 2 to 3 hours instead of refrigerating.