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chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars

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!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
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 9x13 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