Making this Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake masterpiece was no small feat. It involved numerous trials and a passionate dedication to achieving that perfect balance between the rich, peanut buttery goodness of Reese’s and the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. The result? A cheesecake that not only looks like a work of art but also tastes like a slice of heaven.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker, a Reese’s fan, or simply searching for that perfect dessert that screams celebration, I invite you to join me.
Table of Contents
How to make Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake
Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake is a dessert that combines elements of Reese’s famous peanut butter cups with flavors reminiscent of strawberry cheesecake. It typically features a blend of Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter with added strawberry flavoring and perhaps cheesecake-like elements such as creamy texture or graham cracker pieces.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 12 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp of granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp of water
- 1 tsp of cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Additional Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and chopped Reese’s cups. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a uniform base layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- Make the strawberry swirl: In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh to remove seeds and set the puree aside to cool.
- Create the filling: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure not to overmix. Fold in the chopped Reese’s cups.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour half of the cream cheese filling over the crust. Drizzle with half of the strawberry puree and swirl it into the filling with a toothpick or knife. Add the remaining filling and repeat with the remaining puree.
- Bake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for around 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middle still jiggles slightly.
- Cool: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the topping: Warm the strawberry jam in a small pot or in the microwave until it’s smooth and easy to spread. Gently spread over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish your cheesecake: Arrange the fresh strawberries and additional Reese’s cup pieces on top of the cheesecake. Add dollops of whipped cream if desired.
- Serve: Once garnished, your Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake is ready to slice and serve. Enjoy the harmony of flavors!
Tips
- Ensure all your cheesecake ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth and lump-free filling.
- Don’t overmix the batter, especially after the eggs have been added, as this can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually to prevent sudden temperature changes, which can also cause cracks.
- Dip your knife in hot water for clean slices and dry it between cuts.
- Consider drizzling some melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top for an extra chocolate touch before serving.
What to serve with
Serving the perfect accompaniments with Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake can elevate this delicious dessert into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party or simply indulging in a treat at home, here are some exquisite options to complement your cheesecake and make the occasion even more special.
Beverages
- Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee is a classic accompaniment to Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness and richness of the cheesecake, making for a perfect pairing.
- Tea: For a lighter option, serve your cheesecake with tea. With their robust flavors, black teas contrast nicely with the dessert’s sweetness, while herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile provide a refreshing finish.
- Dessert Wines: A sweet dessert wine, such as a Riesling, Moscato, or even a Port, can beautifully complement the flavors in the Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake. The wine’s sweetness and body can stand up to the richness of the dessert, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
Dairy and Nondairy Alternatives
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side can enhance the creaminess of the cheesecake.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a fantastic accompaniment, especially for those who love a mix of textures. The cold, smooth ice cream and dense cheesecake create an irresistible combination.
- Coconut Yogurt: For a dairy-free option, a scoop of chilled coconut yoghurt can provide a refreshing, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake.
Fresh Fruits and Nuts
- Berry Medley: A side of fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or additional strawberries, can add a refreshing, slightly tart contrast to the dessert and enhance its visual appeal.
- Sliced Bananas: A side of freshly sliced bananas can complement the peanut butter flavor in the cheesecake, adding a different texture and a natural sweetness.
- Toasted Nuts: A small bowl of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts provides a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheesecake’s creaminess. The nuts’ toasted flavor also pairs nicely with the dessert’s richness.
Sauces and Syrups
- Chocolate Syrup: For chocolate lovers, offering a chocolate syrup to drizzle over the cheesecake can intensify the chocolate experience.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce can add a warm, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and strawberry flavors.
- Fruit Coulis: A raspberry or blueberry coulis can offer a vibrant, tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cheesecake, adding a layer of sophistication.
Digestifs
- Brandy or Cognac: Serve a small glass of brandy or cognac as a digestif to enjoy after the cheesecake. The warmth and depth of these spirits can complement the dessert’s richness, providing a satisfying end to the meal.
- Liqueurs: Liqueurs such as Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico (hazelnut), or Chambord (raspberry) can also be delightful accompaniments, either served on their own or used to spike the coffee or whipped cream.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake can be a delightful experience, but sometimes you might not have all the specific ingredients on hand, or you may need to adjust the recipe for dietary preferences or restrictions. Here’s a detailed look at substitute ingredients you can use to ensure your cheesecake turns out delicious, regardless of the adjustments.
Crust Substitutes
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use crushed Oreo cookies (with the filling removed), vanilla wafers, or digestive biscuits as alternatives. For a gluten-free option, almond flour mixed with a bit of melted butter and sugar can mimic the texture and taste of a traditional crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil (solid) can be an excellent vegan substitute for unsalted butter in the crust. Use unrefined coconut oil if you want to avoid a coconut flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: In the crust, you can use coconut sugar or a simple syrup as an alternative to granulated sugar if desired.
Cheesecake Filling Substitutes
- Cream Cheese: For those looking for a lower-fat option, Neufchatel cheese, which has a flavor and texture similar to cream cheese but with less fat, can be used. For a dairy-free version, several plant-based cream cheeses can work well in cheesecake recipes.
- Sour Cream: Greek yoghurt or a plant-based sour cream can be used instead of traditional sour cream to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
- Eggs: To make the cheesecake without eggs, you could try using a commercial egg replacer available at most health food stores. Another option is silken tofu; blend about 1/4 cup per egg required until smooth and mix it into your batter as you would the eggs.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: If you’re looking to substitute these, consider using chopped chocolate and a spoonful of peanut butter mixed in with it for a similar taste profile. For a nut-free version, use a seed butter like sunflower seed butter with chocolate, or simply increase the amount of chocolate and exclude the peanut butter element.
Strawberry Swirl and Topping Substitutes
- Fresh Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen strawberries can work just as well for the swirl. Just ensure they are thawed and drained to remove excess water before use. Alternatively, raspberry or blueberry can offer a delightful twist.
- Granulated Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar to create a more natural sweetener in the strawberry swirl. Adjust to taste since these can be sweeter.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca flour are excellent substitutes to thicken the strawberry swirl without cornstarch. They work well for people with corn allergies or cooking for someone with one.
- Strawberry Jam: If you don’t have strawberry jam for the topping, you can boil down some of the reserved strawberry puree with extra sugar until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Final Thoughts
By following these instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable Reese’s Strawberry Cheesecake that merges the love of chocolate and peanut butter with the classic, fruity elegance of strawberry cheesecake.
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Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 12 Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped into small pieces
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tbsp of granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp of water
- 1 tsp of cornstarch
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Additional Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped for garnish
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and chopped Reese's cups. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a uniform base layer. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
- Make the strawberry swirl: In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh to remove seeds and set the puree aside to cool.
- Create the filling: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure not to overmix. Fold in the chopped Reese's cups.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Pour half of the cream cheese filling over the crust. Drizzle with half of the strawberry puree and swirl it into the filling with a toothpick or knife. Add the remaining filling and repeat with the remaining puree.
- Bake: Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for around 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middle still jiggles slightly.
- Cool: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prepare the topping: Warm the strawberry jam in a small pot or in the microwave until it's smooth and easy to spread. Gently spread over the top of the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish your cheesecake: Arrange the fresh strawberries and additional Reese's cup pieces on top of the cheesecake. Add dollops of whipped cream if desired.
- Serve: Once garnished, your Reese's Strawberry Cheesecake is ready to slice and serve. Enjoy the harmony of flavors!