Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

You know sometimes I just crave something sweet and rich and I remember the first time I made my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars I was a little nervous because I wasn’t sure if the peanut butter and chocolate would work together but oh my, they did and it was magical because the crust was crunchy while the filling was super creamy and the chocolate topping made it feel fancy even though I just baked it in my regular pan.

One morning I tried to make my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars really early because the kids were awake already and wanted a treat and I accidentally spilled a little peanut butter while mixing the cream cheese but instead of stressing I just laughed and kept going because honestly the bars still turned out perfect and it reminded me that baking doesn’t have to be perfect to taste amazing.

Last week I made my Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars again because my neighbor was coming over and I was excited to share them and I noticed that sometimes the chocolate topping gets a little streaky but I didn’t care because when she took a bite her eyes lit up and it made me so happy because that little imperfection didn’t change the fact that the bars were rich creamy and nutty just like I remembered.

And you know what goes so well with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars I tried them with a warm cup of coffee or some vanilla ice cream and also with my pumpkin cream cheese brownies from the blog and my salted caramel cookies and even a fresh fruit salad or a drizzle of caramel sauce and sometimes I just slice one bar and enjoy it with some whipped cream and Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake while watching a movie and honestly every combination tastes so delicious because the cheesecake is soft and chocolatey and peanut buttery which makes it perfect with almost anything sweet or simple.

ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

ingredients notes

• Chocolate cookie crumbs: You can use Oreos or any chocolate cookies you like. Just crush them finely so the crust is smooth.
• Unsalted butter: Makes the crust rich but not too salty. Melt it slowly so it mixes easily with the cookie crumbs.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it is soft so the cheesecake filling is creamy and smooth. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before using.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake nicely without making it too sugary.
• Eggs: Help the cheesecake hold together and make it fluffy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that makes the cheesecake taste even better.
• Peanut butter: Gives a rich, nutty taste. You can use creamy or chunky depending on your preference.
• Chocolate chips: For extra chocolate flavor. You can melt them for a topping or mix into the filling.
• Heavy cream: Helps make the chocolate topping smooth and silky.

How to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars ?

step 1: prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until all crumbs are wet. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan to make an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool.

step 2: make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.

step 3: add the peanut butter

Spoon the peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture. Beat it gently until everything is combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.

step 4: assemble the cheesecake bars

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula so it is even.

step 5: bake the cheesecake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly but mostly set. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.

step 6: make the chocolate topping

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Pour over the chilled cheesecake bars and spread evenly.

step 7: cut into bars

Once the chocolate topping is set, use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into 12 bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

step 8: serve and enjoy

Place the bars on a plate or tray. They are ready to enjoy! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is creamy, rich, and slightly sweet.

kitchen equipment needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan for chocolate topping
• Sharp knife

storage options

Chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them in an airtight container so they stay fresh and creamy. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.

variations

• White chocolate peanut butter: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips in the topping for a sweeter taste.
• Nutty crust: Add chopped peanuts to the cookie crust for extra crunch.
• Swirled cheesecake: Swirl peanut butter and chocolate together in the filling before baking for a marbled look.
• Mini cheesecake cups: Make the same recipe in muffin tins for single-serving treats.
• Salted caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate topping and sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt for a sweet-salty flavor.

faq

what is this recipe made of?

It is made of a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, peanut butter, and a chocolate topping.

what does it taste like?

The bars taste rich, creamy, and sweet with a nutty peanut butter flavor and chocolatey goodness.

can i use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, it will add a little texture to the smooth cheesecake.

can i make this without chocolate?

You can skip the chocolate topping or replace it with caramel sauce.

how long does it take to chill?

At least 2 hours in the fridge, but overnight is best for firm bars.

can i freeze these bars?

Yes, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

can i make mini versions?

Yes, use muffin tins for smaller, single-serving cheesecake bars.

is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is sweet, creamy, and easy to eat.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Recipe by LaylaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

50

minutes

The bars taste rich, creamy, and sweet with a nutty peanut butter flavor and a chocolatey flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ¼ cup heavy cream

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until all crumbs are wet. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan to make an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
• Spoon the peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture. Beat it gently until everything is combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula so it is even.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly but mostly set. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
• Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Pour over the chilled cheesecake bars and spread evenly.
• Once the chocolate topping is set, use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into 12 bars. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
• Place the bars on a plate or tray. They are ready to enjoy! The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is creamy, rich, and slightly sweet.