Description

Deliciously rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars combine a chocolate cookie crust, a smooth peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate-peanut butter topping. Perfect for dessert lovers, these bars are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and offer a delightful balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the filling:

16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a well-combined filling. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust and spread it into a smooth layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to chill and firm up.
Prepare the topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, peanut butter, and heavy cream. Melt the mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the topping is smooth and glossy. Pour the melted topping over the chilled cheesecake and spread it evenly across the surface. Garnish with chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips if desired. Return the pan to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the topping to set before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy if you prefer added texture in the filling.
These cheesecake bars can be made a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
For easy removal from the pan, use parchment paper with an overhang on the sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American