Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

If you've ever dreamed of combining the iconic flavors of peanut butter cups with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake, these Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety layer of cream cheese and peanut butter swirled together, all nestled on a rich chocolate cookie crust and studded with chunks of mini peanut butter cups. These bars are the perfect marriage of textures and tastes—crunchy, creamy, chocolatey, and utterly indulgent. Whether you're planning a celebration, hosting a party, or simply craving a show-stopping dessert, these bars deliver every time.

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What makes these cheesecake bars truly special is their versatility and ease. Unlike traditional round cheesecakes that require water baths and precise baking techniques, these bars are baked in a simple square pan and deliver consistent results every time. The chocolate cookie crust provides a sturdy, flavorful base that complements the creamy peanut butter filling beautifully. The addition of mini peanut butter cups folded into the batter and sprinkled on top ensures that every square is packed with chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness. After a few hours of chilling, these bars set perfectly, making them easy to slice and serve.

Ingredients

• Crust: 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, crushed, cream removed), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
• Cheesecake Filling: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened, 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 1/2 cup (130 g) creamy peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Mix-Ins & Topping: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) mini peanut butter cups, roughly chopped, 1/2 cup (90 g) semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for garnish), 2 tbsp (30 g) creamy peanut butter, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pan and preheat

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the crust

In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides.

Step 4: Add eggs and flavoring

Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined. Mix in sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Fold in peanut butter cups

Fold in 1 cup of the chopped mini peanut butter cups.

Step 6: Assemble the bars

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 7: Add topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups over the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.

Step 9: Cool and chill

Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Step 10: Garnish and serve

Before serving, drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Slice into bars and serve chilled.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your cheesecake bars turn out perfectly every time, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and creates a silky smooth filling. When pressing the crust into the pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to achieve an even, compact layer. Don't overbake the bars—the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove them from the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool. For clean slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and freshness for up to 5 days.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cheesecake bars are incredibly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. For a crunchier base, add 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted peanuts to the crust mixture. If you have nut allergies in your household, substitute almond butter for the peanut butter, or use sunflower seed butter for a completely nut-free version. You can also swap the chocolate cookie crust for graham crackers or Nilla wafers for a different flavor profile. For an extra decadent touch, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the finished bars along with the peanut butter. If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.

Serviervorschläge

These Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled, making them a refreshing dessert option for warm weather gatherings or after a heavy meal. Pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination, or serve alongside a light-bodied coffee to balance the richness. For an elegant presentation at parties, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries. They also make wonderful gifts—simply package them in decorative boxes or tins. These bars are perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a truly memorable dessert.

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These Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars are proof that some of the best desserts come from combining beloved flavors in new and exciting ways. With their rich chocolate crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and generous chunks of peanut butter cups throughout, they deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, reliable, and guaranteed to impress. Make a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear—you might want to double the recipe, because once people taste these bars, they'll be coming back for seconds and thirds!

Recipe FAQ

→ What kind of base is used for these bars?

A chocolate cookie crumb crust, made from crushed cookies mixed with melted butter and sugar, forms a firm, flavorful base.

→ Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute, considering any allergies or flavor preferences.

→ How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Bake until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly, then allow to cool and chill fully to firm up.

→ Are the peanut butter cups baked inside the bars?

Chopped peanut butter cups are folded into the filling and sprinkled on top before baking, adding rich texture and taste.

→ What is the best way to store these bars?

Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.