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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 6 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus 3 hours chilling)
  • Yield: 9 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, rich dessert combining creamy peanut butter cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust and a luscious chocolate swirl on top. Perfect for peanut butter and chocolate lovers, they offer a smooth, creamy texture with a delightful marbled finish.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream

Chocolate Swirl and Topping

  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips for topping (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted unsalted butter until the mixture appears like wet sand. Press this firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Mix the cheesecake base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated and brown sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
  4. Add flavors: Blend in the creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Layer the batter: Pour half of the peanut butter cheesecake batter over the crust, spreading evenly. Stir the melted, slightly cooled semisweet chocolate chips into the remaining batter, then pour this chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Use a knife to swirl for a marbled effect.
  6. Bake the bars: Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges turn lightly golden.
  7. Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully chilled and set.
  8. Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. If desired, sprinkle the top with additional chocolate chips before slicing into 9 bars and serving.

Notes

  • For added crunch, fold chopped peanuts into the crust or sprinkle on top before chilling.
  • These bars freeze well for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Ensure the melted chocolate used for swirling is cooled slightly to avoid affecting the texture of the batter.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother batter.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg