Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Who can resist the mouthwatering combination of chocolate and peanut butter?

Now, imagine that irresistible duo paired with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake! Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are the stuff of dessert dreams.

Did you know that according to a recent survey, 90% of Americans say they enjoy the flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter?

Well, get ready to join that majority with this show-stopping recipe that’s sure to become your new go-to dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create these heavenly bars:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Kitchen Tools Required

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Making the Chocolate Cookie Base

Let’s start with the foundation of our delicious bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Whipping Up the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

Now for the star of the show – the creamy, peanut buttery filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the peanut butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar, beating until well combined.
3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesecake Bars

It’s time to bring it all together:

1. Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the pre-baked chocolate crust, spreading it evenly.
2. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top or create chocolate swirls by melting some chips and drizzling them over the filling.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Want to ensure your bars turn out absolutely divine? Follow these pro tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese, for a smoother filling.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the eggs, as this can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
• Avoid overbaking – the center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
• Allow proper cooling time for the best texture and flavor development.

Variations and Add-ins

Feel free to get creative with your bars! Here are some tasty ideas:

• Swap the chocolate cookie base for an Oreo crust by crushing 24 Oreos and mixing with 1/4 cup melted butter.
• Create a Nutella swirl by dolloping spoonfuls of Nutella over the filling and swirling with a knife.
• Top with crushed peanuts for added crunch.
• Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

To serve and store your cheesecake bars like a pro:

• For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
• These bars are best served slightly chilled but not ice cold.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months – just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.

There you have it, folks! Our irresistible chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars are the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and indulgent flavors that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy baking!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert. They feature a chocolate cookie base topped with a rich peanut butter cheesecake filling.

Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a special treat. With easy-to-follow instructions and tips for variations, these cheesecake bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Chilling Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16 Bars

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cookie Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted

For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips optional

Instructions

 

Making the Chocolate Cookie Base

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
• In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Whipping Up the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
• Add the peanut butter and remaining 1/2 cup sugar, beating until well combined.
• Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesecake Bars

• Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the pre-baked chocolate crust, spreading it evenly.
• If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top or create chocolate swirls by melting some chips and drizzling them over the filling.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
• Cut into 16 squares and serve.

Keyword Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars