Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

I've been making Snickers Cheesecake for years, but last year I decided to use another of my hubby's favorite candies for his birthday cheesecake.   It was a smash!

I pulled from several recipes, simplified some directions, and  came up with a beautiful balance of peanut butter and chocolate.

1 c. crushed Oreos
4 (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
4 eggs
1 c. peanut butter (creamy)
1/2 c. whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla
15-20 miniature Reese cups, halved

1. Spread crushed Oreos into the bottom of a springform pan.
2. Blend cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Blend in eggs one at a time.
4. Blend in peanut butter, whipping cream and vanilla.
5. Pour 2/3 of batter over crushed Oreos.
6. Sprinkle halved miniature Reeses over cheesecake mixture.
7. Top with remaining cheesecake mixture.
8. Bake in oven preheated to 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
9. When center begins to look set turn off oven and allow to continue cooking for 10-20 minutes. Cool completely.
10. Top with chocolate sauce and chopped Reese cups.

This is another once-a-year-only recipe.  I haven't received the birthday boy's menu request for this year yet, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake on it.

Linked to: Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
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