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