Description
Delicious and creamy Peanut-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars featuring a chocolate cookie crust, smooth peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a decadent chocolate swirl topping. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a rich and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Topping
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter until fully combined and homogeneous.
- Assemble and add chocolate swirl: Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips over the filling. Using a knife, gently swirl the chocolate into the batter to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top if using, for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake and chill: Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly when shaken gently. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set.
- Slice and serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. For neat and clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between each cut. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between cuts.
- You can substitute almond butter or cookie butter for the peanut butter for a different flavor twist.
- These bars can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
