If you’ve ever dreamed of combining gooey cheesecake, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter into pure dessert harmony, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new obsession. This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, balancing decadent flavors with a super creamy texture, all perched atop a cookie crumb crust that’s irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a potluck or just indulging your own sweet tooth, these bars promise to win hearts (and taste buds) every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about these bars is how simple, yet carefully chosen, the ingredient list is. Every item plays an essential role in delivering the unforgettable taste and luscious texture of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars. Let’s appreciate what each brings to the table:
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These become the signature base, providing that deep cocoa flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Melted butter: Binds the crust together and gives it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, lending creaminess and just the right amount of tang.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling to balance the saltiness of peanut butter and richness of chocolate.
- Large eggs: Help set the cheesecake so each bar holds its shape but stays smooth.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings nutty flavor and creamy texture—choose your favorite, but the classic smooth kind works best for swirling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm note.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): For an extra layer of lusciousness and that beautiful marbled look.
- Additional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (optional): Makes the finished bars even more tempting and adds a playful crunch on top.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your 8×8-inch baking pan ready. Line it with parchment paper, leaving the edges hanging over for easy removal later on. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it’s ready and waiting once your batter is mixed. This little step makes baking (and cleanup!) a total breeze.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust
In a small bowl, mix together your chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until every crumb is glossy and the mixture holds together when pinched. Pour it into your prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer—use the bottom of a measuring cup for smoothness. If you prefer a firmer crust, pop it into the oven solo for about 8 minutes before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese and sugar until velvety smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition (this helps with that ultra-creamy result). Next, blend in the peanut butter and vanilla until the batter is completely uniform and dreamy—don’t rush this part, smooth batter equals flawless bars.
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake filling gently over your crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle your melted chocolate over the surface, then let your creativity run wild—use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the chocolate through the batter, creating a marbled masterpiece. This is the moment Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars really start to look exciting.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a gentle jiggle. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better). This ensures they cut into clean, creamy bars the next day.
Step 6: Slice and Top
Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift your bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares, then top with extra chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if you’re feeling fancy. Time for that first bite of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars magic.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
To make these bars look bakery-worthy, scatter a handful of mini chocolate chips, a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts, or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top. You can also drizzle a bit of extra melted chocolate for added drama and shine—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who can’t get enough chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars.
Side Dishes
While these bars easily steal the spotlight, serve them alongside a scoop of coffee or vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert pairing. Or, if you’re hosting a party, try a platter with fresh strawberries or a bowl of lightly whipped cream. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars play well with all sorts of creamy and fruity friends!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra creative, cut the bars into smaller squares and stack them on a cake stand, or pop them into cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at a picnic or potluck. For special occasions, arrange the bars with caramel and chocolate syrups drizzled in an artistic pattern on the plate—Instagram-worthy and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days—if you can resist eating them all sooner! The creamy texture only gets better after a night in the fridge, making them a phenomenal make-ahead treat.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These bars freeze beautifully. Arrange the sliced bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, with parchment paper between each row to prevent sticking. They’ll hold well for up to 2 months. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer chilled, or let them soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars as they are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, just let them thaw gently in the refrigerator or on the counter. You’ll find the flavors and texture are just as satisfying as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! If you like extra texture and a bit of crunch in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, feel free to swap in crunchy peanut butter. Just keep in mind your bars will have little peanut pieces throughout, which can be a delicious twist.
What if I don’t have chocolate cookie crumbs?
No problem at all. You can pulse any chocolate wafer cookies or even plain graham crackers with a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder in a food processor. The crucial part is making sure they’re finely crushed for the crust to hold together perfectly.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?
The tell-tale sign is when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Don’t overbake—otherwise, the bars can become dry. They’ll continue to set as they cool and chill in the refrigerator.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes, so keep an eye on them and use the visual cues (set edges, slightly jiggly center) to guide you.
Are these bars gluten free?
As written, this recipe contains gluten in the chocolate cookies. To make gluten-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, substitute with certified gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Otherwise, the filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t already added these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars to your must-bake list, take this as your sign! They’re simple to make, unbelievably delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself is totally up to you—I just hope you give them a try and savor every bite.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and luscious cheesecake with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a delightful treat for all dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, finely crushed)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- Optional: additional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Mix chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Add topping and bake: Drizzle melted chocolate over the batter, swirl gently with a knife, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool and refrigerate: Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.
- Optional topping: Top with additional chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, bake the crust alone for 8 minutes before adding the filling.
- Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet version, but make sure it’s well stirred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
