Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that makes it a perennial favorite in our household. Recently, I decided to try my hand at making Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. These bars are the perfect balance of rich cheesecake, crunchy peanuts, and decadent chocolate, all wrapped up in a delightful Oreo crust. When I served them to my family, the reaction was immediate—everyone went back for seconds! It’s safe to say that this recipe has become a new go-to for gatherings and special occasions. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, these bars will definitely make your taste buds dance with joy.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Peanut Caramel Layer:

• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix the Crust: In a bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the Mixture: Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.

Cheesecake Layer:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Incorporate Flavors: Mix in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the Mixture: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled Oreo crust and smooth it out.
5. Bake Again: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the cheesecake layer cool completely.

Peanut Caramel Layer:

1. Sprinkle Peanuts: Once the cheesecake layer has cooled, sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the top.
2. Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the peanuts.

Chocolate Topping:

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it is just simmering.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from heat and pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until melted and smooth.
3. Spread the Chocolate: Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut caramel layer.
4. Add Peanut Butter Chips: Sprinkle the peanut butter chips and any additional chocolate chips on top.

Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until set.
2. Cut and Serve: Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 16
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: About 4 hours (includes chilling time)
• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
• Garnish with whipped cream or extra drizzles of caramel sauce for added flair.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Offer alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Store in a decorative box or container for gifting or potluck sharing.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
2. Substitute Cookies: If you don’t have Oreos, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies can also work for the crust.
3. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add mini marshmallows or other nuts for extra texture.
4. Peanut Butter Variations: For a stronger peanut flavor, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
5. Chill Longer for Better Texture: Letting the bars chill overnight can improve the flavor and texture.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanuts and caramel layer for a nut-free dessert. You can also substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
• Swirl in Jam: Add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry jam on top of the cheesecake layer before baking for a fruity twist.
• Dark Chocolate Topping: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• Add a Layer of Fruit: Consider adding sliced bananas or strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer for added freshness.
• Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use flax eggs or a suitable egg replacer.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Celebration: These bars make a great addition to dessert tables at parties or celebrations.
• Picnic Perfect: Slice them into smaller squares for easy transport to picnics or potlucks.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve with coffee for a perfect end to a dinner party.
• Children’s Parties: Kids love these bars; they’re perfect for birthday parties or school events.
• Gift Idea: Package them nicely for a homemade gift for friends or family.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen bars, simply transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies can work well as substitutes for Oreos.

2. How can I tell when the cheesecake layer is set?

The cheesecake should be firm around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will set more as it cools.

3. What can I substitute for the caramel sauce?

You can use homemade caramel or even chocolate sauce if you prefer.

4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free Oreo cookies or a gluten-free cookie option for the crust.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

6. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead, as they need time to chill and set.

7. Is there a way to make them lower in sugar?

You can reduce the sugar in the cheesecake layer or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking.

8. Can I add more chocolate to the topping?

Definitely! Feel free to add more chocolate chips or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

9. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the topping may not be as rich and creamy.

10. Can I serve these bars warm?

While they are best served chilled, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer a gooey texture.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are an irresistible treat that combines all the beloved flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into one delightful dessert. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they are sure to impress. With their creamy texture and crunchy topping, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Try making a batch today, and watch as your family and friends fall in love with each rich, decadent bite!

Print