Creamy bars featuring peanut butter, cream cheese, and chocolate, ideal for festive occasions.
# Components:
→ Crust
01 - 1.5 cups chocolate cookie crumbs, crushed with cream removed
02 - 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
→ Cheesecake Filling
04 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 0.67 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 0.5 cup sour cream
08 - 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Mix-Ins & Topping
10 - 1.5 cups mini peanut butter cups, roughly chopped
11 - 0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips, optional
12 - 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, melted
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly moistened. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake crust for 8 minutes until lightly set. Remove from oven and cool slightly.
04 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Scrape down bowl sides.
05 - Add eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Mix in sour cream, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth and uniform.
06 - Gently fold 1 cup of chopped mini peanut butter cups into the cheesecake filling.
07 - Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
08 - Sprinkle remaining 0.5 cup chopped peanut butter cups over the top of the filling.
09 - Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until center is just set with slight jiggle.
10 - Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
11 - Before serving, drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
