Introduction
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts with a playful crunch, Reese’s Pieces Cheesecake Cones are about to become your new favorite treat. This recipe beautifully combines the smooth, velvety texture of no-bake cheesecake with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter and the fun crunch of waffle cones. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of tangy cream cheese, luscious peanut butter, and the iconic sweet burst of Reese’s Pieces candies. The aroma is invitingly nutty and sweet, promising a dessert that will satisfy both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re planning a party or craving an indulgent snack, these cheesecake cones are easy to make and sure to impress.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
This recipe is wonderfully quick and simple to bring together. The prep time is just 15 minutes, with no actual cooking needed. After assembling, you’ll need to chill the cones for 30 minutes to set the cheesecake filling to perfection. So, the total time is approximately 45 minutes. This recipe makes about 8 to 10 cones depending on how generously you fill them, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 box waffle cones (8-10 cones)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (16 oz) creamy peanut butter
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes completely smooth and creamy.
- Add peanut butter and dry ingredients: To the cream cheese, add the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip into the peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula to carefully blend it in until the filling is light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Mix in Reese’s Pieces: Stir in most of the Reese’s Pieces candies, saving some for topping. This will add bursts of sweet, peanutty texture within the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare for piping: Transfer the cheesecake filling into a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with one corner cut off. This will make it easy to fill the waffle cones neatly.
- Fill the cones: Pipe the cheesecake mixture evenly into each waffle cone until almost full.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle crushed pretzels and the reserved Reese’s Pieces candies on top of each cone to add a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- Chill and serve: Place the filled cones upright in a stand or container and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the cheesecake filling set to the perfect texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Softening cream cheese: Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Chilling is key: Don’t skip the chilling step. It allows the cheesecake filling to firm up and improves the overall texture.
- Use fresh Cool Whip: Make sure the Cool Whip is fully thawed and chilled for the best folding results and fluffiness.
- Handle cones gently: When filling, support the bottom of each waffle cone to prevent cracking or breakage.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment by adding mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary preferences or different flavor profiles:
- Peanut butter alternative: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option while keeping a rich, nutty flavor.
- Healthier swaps: Replace Cool Whip with Greek yogurt whipped with a little honey for a lighter or protein-boosted version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute waffle cones with gluten-free cones or serve the filling in small glass cups or edible bowls.
- Extra crunch: Swap pretzels for finely chopped roasted peanuts or crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
- Vegan modification: Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and a peanut butter alternative to make a vegan-friendly treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These cheesecake cones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored properly for later:
- Storage: Place the cheesecake cones upright in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cones on a baking tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Consume within 2 weeks. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: This no-bake dessert is best served chilled and should not be reheated.
- Keep cones crisp: To prevent the waffle cones from getting soggy, fill and chill just before serving whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare these cheesecake cones ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and fill the cones a few hours or even a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in the refrigerator and keep them upright to avoid spills.
- What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag?
- A zip-top plastic bag with a small corner cut off works perfectly for this recipe and is a quick alternative.
- Are these cones suitable for children?
- Absolutely! These cones are a fun, kid-friendly dessert with no alcohol and familiar flavors kids love.
- Can I make this recipe nut-free?
- To make it nut-free, replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use nut-free candy alternatives instead of Reese’s Pieces.
- How do I keep the waffle cones from getting soggy?
- Fill the cones just before serving and keep them chilled to maintain crunch. You can also lightly toast the cones in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes before filling to add extra crispness.
- What is the texture of the cheesecake filling?
- The filling is creamy and fluffy, thanks to the folded Cool Whip, with bursts of candy crunch and a subtle saltiness from the pretzels on top.
Nutrition Estimate Per Serving
Each Reese’s Pieces Cheesecake Cone contains approximately 320 calories, providing about 7 grams of protein, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. This treat is moderately high in fat and carbs due to the peanut butter, cream cheese, and candy, making it a satisfying dessert to enjoy in moderation.
Reese's Pieces Cheesecake Cones
Ingredients
- 1 box waffle cones (8-10 cones)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Reese's Pieces candies
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth in a large bowl
- Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix thoroughly
- Fold in the thawed Cool Whip until light and fluffy
- Stir in 3/4 cup of Reese's Pieces, reserving the remaining for toppings
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a cut corner
- Pipe the filling into each waffle cone until almost full
- Sprinkle crushed pretzels and reserved Reese's Pieces on top of each cone
- Chill the cones upright for 30 minutes to set before serving
Notes
Use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version
Reserve extra Reese's for creative variations like swirled toppings

