Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Are you ready for a dessert that will blow your taste buds away? These Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are everything you could want in a treat: rich, creamy cheesecake, crunchy peanuts, and a decadent chocolate swirl that ties it all together. They’re the kind of dessert that you can’t stop thinking about once you’ve had a bite—perfect for sharing at a party or indulging in when you need a sweet escape. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

These bars are the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and here’s why they’re a total game-changer:

Decadent & Indulgent

From the creamy cheesecake layer to the smooth chocolate and crunchy peanuts, every bite is an experience. You get that classic cheesecake tang paired with a rich chocolate taste and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. It’s the best of both worlds.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip these up! These bars are simple to assemble and bake, with no complicated steps. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, which makes them a great dessert for busy days.

Crowd-Pleasing

These bars are so delicious, they’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. They’re perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a special treat for yourself. You won’t have any leftovers, that’s for sure!

Beautifully Layered

The layers of cheesecake, chocolate, and peanuts create a beautiful presentation. With each cut, you’ll be serving up a slice of perfection, and your guests will be in awe.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to dessert bliss.

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The perfect base for a cheesecake, adding a nice crunch.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust together and gives it that rich flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the other flavors.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake filling. Be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and make the cheesecake filling firm and creamy.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the filling, balancing out the sweetness.

For the Chocolate Swirl:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For that rich, chocolatey swirl throughout the cheesecake.
• Peanuts: A crunchy, salty addition that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cheesecake and chocolate.

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making these delicious bars! Don’t worry, they’re easy to follow and will come together in no time.

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After baking, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

4. Mix the Cream Cheese: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla: Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
6. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream, ensuring everything is smooth and creamy.
7. Pour the Filling Over the Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth it into an even layer.

Add the Chocolate Swirl:

8. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until fully melted and smooth.
9. Swirl the Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the chocolate into the filling for that marbled effect.
10. Add the Peanuts: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top of the cheesecake mixture for a delightful crunch.

Bake the Cheesecake Bars:

11. Bake: Bake the cheesecake in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden.
12. Cool: Let the cheesecake bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Serve and Enjoy:

13. Cut and Serve: Once the bars have fully chilled, cut them into squares and serve! Enjoy the rich, creamy texture with the crunchy peanuts and swirl of chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 bars
Calories per bar: 305
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 19g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes

How to Serve Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

These bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream will add a light, creamy contrast to the richness of the cheesecake.
• Pair with a Coffee or Dessert Wine: Serve these bars with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, like port or a sweet red wine, for a sophisticated touch.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for that extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake filling, as it can result in cracks while baking. Mix until everything is just combined.
• Chill Completely: The cheesecake bars need time to set, so don’t skip the chilling step. They taste best after being refrigerated for several hours.
• Make Ahead: These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to go whenever you need them.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap peanuts for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just chop them up and sprinkle them on top as you would the peanuts.

Q2: Can I make these without a crust?
A2: While the crust adds a nice crunch and flavor, you can make a crustless version if you prefer. Just skip the graham cracker crust and bake the cheesecake mixture in a greased pan.

Q3: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A3: Yes! These bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q4: How can I make these bars less sweet?
A4: You can reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling or use a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut back on sweetness. Keep in mind that this will affect the overall flavor, but it can still be delicious.

Q5: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
A5: Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just melt it the same way you would with semi-sweet chocolate.

Q6: Can I add a layer of peanut butter?
A6: Yes! You can swirl some peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for an extra peanut flavor. Just melt it slightly before drizzling.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep them chilled so they stay creamy.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheesecake filling?
A8: If you prefer a different flavor of cheesecake, you can experiment by adding things like melted white chocolate, caramel, or fruit purées to the filling.

Q9: Can I skip the chocolate swirl?
A9: You can absolutely skip the chocolate swirl if you want a simpler cheesecake. Just make the peanut crust and cheesecake filling, and enjoy!

Q10: What’s the best way to cut these bars?
A10: Use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water between cuts for clean, neat slices. This will help prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the knife.

Conclusion

These Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are an indulgent, flavorful treat that brings together the best of cheesecake, chocolate, and peanuts. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a quiet afternoon, these bars are guaranteed to make any moment sweeter. Try them out and get ready for the rave reviews!

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