If you have a sweet tooth that craves the perfect duo of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe is going to become your absolute favorite go-to dessert. Imagine a luscious, smooth peanut butter cheesecake nestled on a crunchy chocolate cookie crumb crust, all topped with a decadent chocolate ganache that delights every bite. It’s a luscious, no-fuss treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring just for yourself. Once you try these bars, you’ll understand why they are a total crowd-pleaser and a classic combination that never gets old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward, which means anyone can whip up this delicious dessert with ease. Each component plays its part in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture, from the crumbly chocolate base to the creamy peanut butter filling and silky chocolate topping.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: Using finely crushed cookies like Oreos creates the perfect buttery, chocolatey crust that holds everything together.
- Unsalted butter (melted): This binds the cookie crumbs while adding richness to the crust.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake filling, providing that smooth and velvety texture you adore.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to highlight the peanut butter without overpowering it.
- Creamy peanut butter: Elevates the cheesecake with its signature nutty flavor and creamy consistency.
- Large eggs: They add structure and richness, helping the filling set to perfection.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash to enhance all the flavors and bring warmth to the filling.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For a smooth, luscious chocolate topping that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Heavy cream: Helps melt the chocolate chips into a silky ganache topping.
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds a delightful crunch or extra chocolaty touch for garnish.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by heating your oven to 325°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for easy lifting later. Combine your finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan, creating an even layer. Bake the crust for about 8 minutes until it is set but not browned, then let it cool slightly as you move on to the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and smooth with no lumps. Add the granulated sugar and creamy peanut butter, mixing until fully incorporated into a luscious filling. Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even blending, then stir in vanilla extract. The filling should be perfectly smooth, with a beautiful peanut butter tone ready to sit atop the chocolate crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling evenly over your baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set and the center is just slightly jiggly—a sign that it will firm up beautifully once chilled. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before the next step.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
While the bars chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream together slowly over low heat (or in short bursts in the microwave), stirring until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Spread this warm chocolate topping over the chilled cheesecake layer. If you want, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top for a little extra texture and flair. Chill once more until the ganache is firm.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
One of the best things about these bars is how easy it is to dress them up. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top adds a wonderful nuttiness and crunch that complements the creamy filling. If you’re more of a chocolate lover, mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of white chocolate can add a pretty, tasty touch that elevates each bar to dessert-table royalty.
Side Dishes
Although these bars are quite rich on their own, they pair wonderfully with a side of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, which add a pop of freshness and a little tang to balance the sweetness. You might also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this dessert into an unforgettable indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving the bars on a slate board or a pretty wooden platter with parchment paper. Layer them with some edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation. You could even cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on toothpicks for a fun finger food dessert option that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cheesecake bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, so making them a day ahead is a great way to have a stress-free dessert ready to go. Just be sure to keep them chilled to maintain that perfect creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge to preserve their creamy, rich consistency.
Reheating
Because these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer a softer texture, you can let the bars sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the cheesecake and cause the chocolate topping to melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using natural peanut butter will give the bars a less sweet, more authentic peanut flavor. Just make sure to stir the natural peanut butter well before measuring, as it can separate.
Can I substitute the chocolate cookie crumbs with graham crackers?
Yes, graham cracker crumbs work well if you want a lighter flavor, but keep in mind it will change the overall taste and texture because the chocolate cookie crumbs contribute a deep chocolatey base essential to the classic flavor profile of this recipe.
Is it necessary to chill the bars before adding the chocolate topping?
Chilling ensures the cheesecake filling is firm enough to hold the chocolate ganache without it sinking in or mixing, giving you that smooth, glossy finish. Skipping this step might make the topping uneven.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese, butter, and heavy cream, which makes it tricky to swap out for vegan or dairy-free alternatives without changing the texture. However, using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter and cream substitutes might work with some testing.
How can I get cleaner slices for serving?
For neat, pretty bars, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts. This simple trick helps you avoid crumbly edges and keeps each slice perfect for serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about the blend of chocolate and peanut butter in a creamy cheesecake form, and this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe captures that beautifully. Whether you’re baking for a casual family treat or a special celebration dessert, these bars are sure to impress and delight. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, smooth peanut butter-infused cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers looking for an easy no-fuss dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and crumbly but sticks together when pressed.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to set the crust. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the granulated sugar and creamy peanut butter and continue mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
- Prepare Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Add Topping and Garnish: Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top, if desired.
- Final Chill and Serve: Chill again until the topping is firm, about 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the set cheesecake out of the pan. Slice into 16 bars and serve, wiping knife between cuts for clean slices.
Notes
- For cleaner, neater slices, wipe your knife with a warm damp cloth between each cut.
- These cheesecake bars can be prepared a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use natural peanut butter if you prefer a less sweet, more natural peanut flavor.
