Description
Deliciously rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars featuring a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer, topped with a luscious peanut caramel and chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties or indulgent snacks, these bars combine the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a smooth cheesecake dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Peanut Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs with melted butter until thoroughly mixed.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the Oreo mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Flavor Cheesecake: Stir in vanilla extract and peanut butter until the mixture is well combined and silky.
- Pour Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled Oreo crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Allow to cool completely before adding toppings.
- Add Peanut Caramel Layer: Evenly sprinkle chopped peanuts over the cooled cheesecake layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce on top.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
- Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Spread Chocolate Mixture: Evenly spread the melted chocolate ganache over the peanut caramel layer.
- Add Final Chips: Sprinkle peanut butter chips and additional chocolate chips on top of the chocolate layer for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill Bars: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 3 hours to let the bars set firmly.
- Serve: Once set, cut into 24 bars and serve chilled for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake layer to avoid cracks; slight jiggle in the center is ideal.
- Use good quality peanut butter for rich flavor.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the bars.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
