Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate indulgence: the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter beautifully balanced in a luscious cheesecake form. These bars boast a fudgy chocolate cookie crust topped with a smooth, peanut butter-infused cheesecake layer that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or a cozy treat at home, they are guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to have a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients sets the stage for a dessert that’s impressively decadent yet straightforward to create. Each component plays a vital role—from the chocolate cookie crust providing structure and depth, to the creamy peanut butter filling offering that signature richness and velvety texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our chocolate crust, giving it structure and a satisfying crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the chocolate cookie layer, balancing the cocoa’s bitterness.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor into the crust for that perfect rich backdrop.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness and chocolate notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together and ensures a tender yet firm base.
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened): The creamy core of the cheesecake, creating that silky mouthfeel.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient in the filling, bringing smooth, nutty richness throughout.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly, cutting through the peanut butter’s intensity.
- 3 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake as it bakes, providing stability and richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Ensures a creamy, luscious texture in the filling that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional): For an extra burst of chocolate love, to sprinkle on top or swirl through the filling.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Making the Chocolate Cookie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the bars out easily later. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture becomes like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Bake it for 10 minutes to create that firm foundation that will support the creamy cheesecake topping.
Step 2: Whipping Up the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until fluffy and smooth—it’s crucial for that silky cheesecake texture. Add the creamy peanut butter and sugar, blending until the mixture is perfectly combined and luscious. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream for added richness and to achieve a perfectly smooth consistency that will set into the most dreamy peanut butter cheesecake.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking Your Cheesecake Bars
Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled chocolate crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you love chocolate as much as I do, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top or melt some chips and drizzle swirls for an elegant touch. Bake the whole pan for 35 to 40 minutes—you want the edges set firmly while the center stays a little jiggly for ultimate creaminess after chilling. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least four hours or, better yet, overnight to fully develop their flavor and texture.
Step 4: Serving Your Bars
Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the whole cheesecake slab from the pan. Cut into 16 generous squares to share this scrumptious dessert with friends and family.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Take your bars to the next level with a variety of garnishes. A light dusting of cocoa powder or chopped roasted peanuts adds a touch of elegance and texture contrast. You could also drizzle some warm caramel or extra melted chocolate on top for that wow-factor presentation that makes guests’ eyes light up immediately.
Side Dishes
Serve these rich bars with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add cool creaminess alongside the dense cheesecake. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a bright, tart counterpoint that balances the sweet richness superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of cutting traditional squares, try using cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or layer these bars in a dessert trifle alternating with whipped cream and crushed peanuts. They also make a perfect bite-size treat when cut into small squares and served on skewers with fruit and marshmallows for a playful party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, maintaining their luscious creamy texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars last well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to retain that perfect cheesecake consistency.
Reheating
Because these are best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before indulging.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
While natural peanut butter can be used, creamy peanut butter is ideal for this recipe as it blends more smoothly into the cheesecake filling, helping achieve that perfect silky texture.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste or texture.
Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional and adding them is just a way to amp up the chocolate flavor and visual appeal, but the bars are delicious even without them.
How long should I chill the cheesecake bars for the best texture?
It is best to chill the bars for at least 4 hours, but overnight refrigeration allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cheesecake layer to set perfectly.
Can I prepare these bars a day ahead for a party?
Definitely! These bars actually benefit from a day in the fridge as the flavors deepen and the texture firms up, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for any gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that hits all the right notes of chocolate and peanut butter with a creamy cheesecake twist, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough to make anytime you crave something extraordinary yet simple. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire, guaranteed to wow your family and friends every time!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars featuring a fudgy chocolate cookie crust topped with a luscious peanut butter cheesecake layer. Perfectly baked to have a slightly jiggly center and firm edges, these bars combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. An optional sprinkle or swirl of chocolate chips adds extra indulgence to this easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Making the Chocolate Cookie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Once done, set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Whipping Up the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and sugar, beating until well combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assembling and Baking Your Cheesecake Bars: Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the pre-baked chocolate crust, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top or melt some chips and drizzle them to create swirls on the surface. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serving: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut into 16 squares, and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For easier slicing, chill the bars overnight to allow the cheesecake to set fully.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the filling.
- If you want a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, sprinkle a pinch of espresso powder into the crust mixture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
