If you’re craving an unforgettable peanut butter treat, these sensational Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are exactly what you need! Prepare to delight your taste buds with every glorious bite.
For any true peanut butter aficionado, these incredibly rich and creamy Reese’s Cheesecake Bars are an absolute dream come true. There’s an undeniable magic that happens when the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate comes together, especially when studded with delightful mini Reese’s candies for that extra touch of perfection. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a journey into decadent flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Indulge in the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
My culinary adventures often lead me down sweet paths, and when it comes to peanut butter desserts, my friend Danielle is an absolute maestro. Her blog is a treasure trove of incredible recipes, and I confess, while I don’t typically enjoy plain peanut butter, I fall head over heels for it when it’s transformed into a delightful confection. In fact, my usually unwavering willpower crumbles completely when peanut butter treats are within reach, especially these luscious Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars.
It all began when I planned to bake her renowned Peanut Butter Bars. My intention was to “test” them for quality control (a crucial step, of course!) before passing them on to our oldest son, who was kind enough to dog-sit Miss Izzy for the weekend. A fortunate mishap occurred during my grocery run: I mistakenly grabbed mini Reese’s instead of the snack-sized cups. Little did I know, this accidental substitution would elevate an already exceptional recipe to extraordinary heights. These peanut butter bars truly embody decadence with a capital “D,” offering a sublime combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible.
Why These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Stand Out
What makes these Reese’s Cheesecake Bars truly special? It’s the harmonious blend of a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a velvety peanut butter ganache, all brought together with the iconic chocolate and peanut butter candy. Each layer contributes to a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalize the palate. The slight saltiness of the peanut butter perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate, creating a dessert that is both comforting and exhilarating.
They’re perfect for any occasion – a casual family gathering, a festive party, or simply as a treat for yourself after a long week. Their rich flavor profile makes them feel incredibly gourmet, yet the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. This is a dessert that looks impressive but is actually quite simple to execute, yielding professional-quality results every time.
Essential Tips for Crafting Perfect Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Achieving the best results with this peanut butter bars recipe involves a few key steps and helpful tricks. Paying attention to these details will ensure your bars are as incredibly rich and satisfying as intended:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For a flawlessly smooth and lump-free cheesecake filling, it’s crucial to have your cream cheese and egg at room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator an hour or two before you plan to start mixing. If you’re short on time, a quick trick is to place the sealed cream cheese (out of its box) and the egg in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water for 5-10 minutes. This helps them incorporate beautifully, preventing a lumpy texture.
- Cool the Crust Completely: Patience is a virtue in baking! Allow your graham cracker crust to cool completely before adding the peanut butter cups and cheesecake topping. A warm crust can melt the Reese’s and cause the cheesecake layer to become runny, impacting the final structure and texture of your bars.
- Chill for Pristine Slices: While it might be tempting to dig in immediately, chilling the baked and ganache-topped bars thoroughly before slicing is non-negotiable for neat, clean-cut pieces. This allows all the layers to firm up, making for an elegant presentation. Aim for at least 3-4 hours of chilling, or even overnight if possible.
- Elevate with a Chocolate Drizzle: To truly jazz up your peanut butter cheesecake bars, a simple drizzle of melted chocolate adds both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate to complement the existing flavors. A quick melt in the microwave and a steady hand (or a piping bag for precision) is all it takes to transform these into an even more sophisticated dessert.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While the recipe is forgiving, using good quality cream cheese and peanut butter will significantly enhance the flavor. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and your favorite brand of peanut butter for the best taste.
I distinctly recall taking junior-sized samples of these bars to my knitting group, and they were an overwhelming success! Everyone raved about them, especially the unique peanut butter ganache. I had never worked with peanut butter chips before, but the resulting ganache had the most incredible, melt-in-your-mouth fudge-like consistency. The foundation of these bars is a classic, buttery graham cracker crust, which is then generously layered with yummy peanut butter cups, providing delightful pockets of chocolate and peanut butter goodness. This is followed by a rich and creamy peanut butter cream cheese mixture, baked to perfection. Once cooled, that divine ganache is poured over the top, creating a smooth, enticing finish.
While elegant drizzling isn’t always my strongest suit—especially when I’m rushing against the clock—I did manage to bedazzle one batch with a bit of melted chocolate. I can confidently say, for special company or a celebration, that extra touch is absolutely worth it. These bars were an absolutely fabulous indulgence from start to finish! If you share my profound love for peanut butter desserts, you owe it to yourself to find a reason, any reason, to bake these. You absolutely will not be disappointed. And if you’re exploring other peanut butter delights, I bet you’d also adore these Better Than Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars. For cheesecake enthusiasts looking beyond peanut butter, don’t miss these equally delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
The Power of Shared Recipes: A Sweet Collaboration
My heartfelt thanks once again go out to my wonderful friend, Danielle, for sharing yet another magnificent recipe with the world! She remains my absolute go-to blogger for truly decadent and inspiring treats. I can promise you, with unwavering confidence, that you will fall in love with whatever delicious creation you choose to try from her fantastic blog. It’s a tradition we cherish: every second Monday of the month, we swap and feature a recipe from each other’s sites, bringing new flavors and ideas to our communities. These Reese’s Cheesecake Bars were an indisputable hit not only with my friends but also with the two other fervent peanut butter lovers in my household! I have no doubt that you, too, will absolutely adore them.
Make sure to explore Danielle’s perspective on this very recipe on her blog, as well as checking out her vibrant social media channels! It’s always fascinating to see how different bakers approach the same dish. While you’re there, don’t forget to discover which of my recipes she decided to feature this month, completing our sweet exchange.
Hugs & Cookies XOXO – Facebook – Pinterest – Twitter – Instagram
And as a delightful bonus, if you happen to have a furry companion at home, don’t let any leftover peanut butter go to waste! You can easily transform it into these wholesome and adored Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats, ensuring every member of your family gets to enjoy a little peanut butter happiness.
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
30 minutes
39 minutes
1 hour 9 minutes
16 bars
Outrageously delicious peanut butter bars.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick), butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Filling
- Snack sized Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (I accidentally used 8 ounces of Reese’s Minis)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup peanut butter
Peanut Butter Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 8 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup (6 ounces) peanut butter chips
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonstick foil. Preheat oven to 350º.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 9 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool. Leave oven on.
- When the crust is cool, cover bottom with peanut butter cups.
- To make the cheesecake layer, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and peanut butter with an electric mixer. Carefully spread over peanut butter cups. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
- To make the ganache, microwave the cream and butter till butter is melted. Whisk in peanut butter chips till smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and pour over bars.
- Chill firm before cutting. Cut into 16 squares. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips if desired.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes
Chilling the bars will make it easier to cut neat slices and enhance their firm texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16
Serving Size:
1 bar
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 319Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 222mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g
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