🍏🥜 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Apple Donuts
Crisp Granny Smith apple rings are topped with a creamy Jif peanut butter cheesecake spread, covered with chopped Reese’s Miniatures, and finished with rich Hershey’s chocolate syrup and a peanut butter drizzle. These no-bake apple donuts are sweet, tangy, crunchy, and perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or an easy dessert tray.
📝 Ingredients:
* 4 large Granny Smith apples
* 8 ounces Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, softened
* ½ cup Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
* ¼ cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
* ⅛ teaspoon salt
* 1½ cups Reese’s Miniatures, unwrapped and finely chopped
* ½ cup Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
* ¼ cup Jif Creamy Peanut Butter, for drizzling
* 1–2 teaspoons coconut oil or vegetable oil, optional
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 2 cups cold water
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Small round cookie cutter or apple corer
* Mixing bowl
* Hand mixer or spatula
* Microwave-safe bowl
* Piping bag or zip-top bag
* Serving platter
🍽️ How to Make It:
1️⃣ Prepare the lemon water
Combine the cold water and lemon juice in a medium bowl to help prevent the apple slices from browning.
2️⃣ Slice the apples
Wash and dry the Granny Smith apples, then cut them crosswise into slices approximately ½ inch thick.
3️⃣ Create the donut centers
Use a small round cookie cutter or apple corer to remove the center and seeds from each apple slice.
4️⃣ Soak and dry
Place the apple rings in the lemon water for 2–3 minutes. Remove them and pat completely dry with paper towels.
5️⃣ Make the peanut butter filling
Beat the Philadelphia cream cheese, ½ cup Jif peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
6️⃣ Chop the candy
Unwrap the Reese’s Miniatures and chop them into small, crunchy pieces. Set aside a small amount for garnish.
7️⃣ Frost the apple rings
Spread an even layer of the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the top of each apple ring.
8️⃣ Add the Reese’s topping
Press the frosted side of each apple ring into the chopped Reese’s pieces until generously covered.
9️⃣ Add the drizzles
Drizzle Hershey’s chocolate syrup over the apple donuts. Warm the remaining peanut butter with a little oil, then drizzle it over the top.
🔟 Chill and serve
Arrange the apple donuts on a platter and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved Reese’s pieces before serving.
⏱️ Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: about 45 minutes
Servings: 12–16 apple donuts
📝 Notes:
Dry the apple rings very thoroughly so the peanut butter cheesecake mixture stays in place.
Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples can be used for a sweeter version.
Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the peanut butter and prevents lumps.
Warm the peanut butter drizzle for only a few seconds so it becomes pourable without separating.
Add the Reese’s pieces shortly before serving to preserve their texture.
Mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, chopped peanuts, or toffee bits can be added for extra crunch.
For a lighter version, use whipped cream cheese and reduce the amount of candy topping.
Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
These apple donuts are best served the same day because the apples release moisture and the toppings gradually soften.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique dessert that’s both visually appealing and incredibly tasty, these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake Apple Donuts are a fantastic choice. One of the great things about this recipe is that it combines fresh Granny Smith apples with rich and creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, giving each bite a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness. Using Granny Smith apples is key since their crisp texture and tart flavor complement the decadent toppings perfectly. If you prefer a sweeter option, you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead. From my experience making these treats, soaking the apple slices in lemon water for a couple of minutes is a simple but essential step. It keeps the apples from browning too quickly, which maintains their fresh, bright appearance for serving. Also, drying the apple rings completely after soaking is critical to ensure the cheesecake spread sticks well and doesn’t slide off. The creamy filling made with Philadelphia cream cheese, Jif peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt creates a luscious texture that pairs beautifully with the crunchy Reese’s Miniatures topping. I love that the recipe calls for unwrapping and finely chopping the Reese’s candies — this not only adds texture but also delivers that signature peanut butter and chocolate flavor throughout each bite. For added indulgence, drizzling warm peanut butter and Hershey’s chocolate syrup on top really amplifies the richness. I recommend warming the peanut butter drizzle just enough to make it pourable without separating, which can be done with a few seconds in the microwave with a bit of coconut or vegetable oil. These apple donuts are great for entertaining or simple family treats. They look festive on a serving platter and offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures without any baking needed, which makes them very convenient. Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours for best flavor and texture since the apples naturally release moisture over time. Extra tips: Adding mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or chopped peanuts can elevate the crunch factor. For a lighter dessert, swap regular cream cheese for whipped cream cheese and reduce the candy toppings slightly. Overall, this recipe is a fun way to satisfy a sweet tooth while incorporating fresh fruit, making it a popular choice for both kids and adults alike.