Dreamy No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers stumble upon a dreamy no-bake buckeye cheesecake bars paradise that promises pure indulgence.

Creamy layers melt together in a delightful dance of sweet and rich flavors.

Every bite feels like a luxurious escape from ordinary desserts.

Rich peanut butter swirls intermingle with smooth chocolate in these decadent bars.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet impressive treat.

Chilled and silky, these bars will become your go-to dessert for any celebration.

You’ll want to savor each incredible morsel of this irresistible confection.

Grab a slice and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey.

Reasons to Love No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Instantly

• Combining the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, these no-bake bars are guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual parties.
• Simple ingredients and no complicated baking steps mean children can help assemble this treat, turning dessert-making into a fun family activity that everyone can enjoy.
• Easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, these cheesecake bars are ideal for stress-free entertaining and can be made a day or two before serving.

Inside the Ingredients of No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Chocolate Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a rich, chocolatey base for the cheesecake bars. Look for high-quality crackers with deep chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds richness. Melted butter ensures a compact and stable crust.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that creates the creamy cheesecake texture. Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling. Sifted sugar prevents lumps in the mixture.
• Peanut Butter: Gives the classic buckeye flavor and creamy texture. Choose smooth, creamy peanut butter for best results.
• Heavy Cream: Provides additional richness and helps create a light, fluffy filling. Ensure it's cold for optimal whipping.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates the signature chocolate coating. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works well for a balanced sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate topping. Neutral-flavored oil prevents chocolate from becoming too thick.

How to Layer and Chill No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Chocolate Graham Cracker Base

• Chocolate graham crackers
• Unsalted butter

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. The texture should hold together when gently pressed.

Step 2: Create Sturdy Crust Foundation

Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom, creating a compact base. Slide the pan into the refrigerator to set while preparing the next components.

Step 3: Whip Silky Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until completely integrated. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy texture.

Step 4: Swirl Peanut Butter Magic

• Creamy peanut butter
• Powdered sugar
• Melted chocolate

Combine peanut butter with powdered sugar, creating a rich, spreadable mixture. Pour cheesecake filling into the chilled crust. Drizzle peanut butter mixture across the surface, using a knife to create elegant swirls.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours or overnight. The cheesecake will firm up and develop deeper flavors during chilling.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove bars from refrigerator. Lift parchment paper to extract from pan. Slice into neat squares. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Expert Tips for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Perfection

• Seal the Crust Tight: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling when cutting the bars.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt peanut butter chips and chocolate slowly using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring constantly.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely, making slicing neat and precise.
• Customize Crust Options: Swap chocolate graham crackers with regular graham crackers or gluten-free alternatives for dietary preferences.

Keeping No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Fresh and Firm

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the cheesecake bars flat to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to slowly defrost and preserve their creamy texture.
• Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavor, ensuring a smooth and delightful dessert experience.

Tasty Pairings for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars

• Rich dark port wine dramatically enhances the decadent chocolate and peanut butter flavors of these buckeye cheesecake bars.
• Strong espresso cuts through the creamy sweetness, creating a balanced and sophisticated tasting experience that highlights the dessert's deep chocolate notes.
• Cold milk or vanilla almond milk provides a smooth, cool counterpoint to the rich, dense cheesecake bars, cleansing the palate between each delightful bite.
• Smooth bourbon with caramel undertones complements the peanut butter and chocolate layers, adding warmth and depth to the dessert's complex flavor profile.

Sweet Swaps for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Fans

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace chocolate graham crackers with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or almond flour mixed with cocoa powder for a celiac-friendly crust.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cream cheese, and substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Variation: Create a crust using ground almonds or pecans mixed with melted butter, and replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or stevia in the cheesecake filling.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Use seed-based butter like sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter, and replace nut-based crusts with oat or coconut cookie crumbs for those with nut allergies.

Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Questions, Solved

• What are the main flavor components of this dessert?

Buckeye Bars combine the classic chocolate and peanut butter taste, featuring a chocolate graham cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling with rich peanut butter swirls.

• Can I make this recipe without graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed Oreo cookies to create a similar chocolate base for the crust.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

You’ll need a 9×9-inch square baking pan, parchment paper, and a mixer or hand whisk to blend the cheesecake filling smoothly.

• Is this dessert suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, the recipe contains peanut butter, which makes it unsafe for those with nut allergies. Consider alternative fillings or recipes if nut allergies are a concern.

No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent no-bake buckeye cheesecake bars combine creamy peanut butter and chocolate in a dreamy dessert that melts hearts. Chocolate lovers will crave these rich, silky bars that promise pure bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Crush chocolate graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs, then blend thoroughly with melted butter until the mixture achieves a compact, sandy texture.
2. Prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring slight overhang for easy removal later.
3. Distribute the crumb mixture evenly across the pan’s base, using firm, consistent pressure to create a compact, smooth foundation.
4. Transfer the crust to the refrigerator to set and chill while assembling the subsequent layers.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a velvety consistency.
6. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and peanut butter, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
7. Fold in vanilla extract, creating a harmonious flavor profile throughout the filling.
8. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy texture.
9. Carefully spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the chilled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
10. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle in elegant swirls across the cheesecake surface, creating a decorative pattern.
11. Return the pan to the refrigerator and allow the bars to set completely, approximately 4-6 hours or overnight.
12. Once fully chilled, lift the bars from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into neat, uniform squares.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
• Crush graham crackers in a food processor for more uniform crumbs, creating a more stable and compact crust.
• Freeze the bars for 15-20 minutes before cutting to achieve clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg