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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus 3 hours chilling
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delicious and indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars featuring a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer, a rich peanut caramel topping, and a smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.


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

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Oreo Crust: In a bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
  3. Press Crust: Firmly press the Oreo and butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and allow it to cool completely to ensure a firm base for the cheesecake layer.
  5. Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture.
  7. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  8. Pour Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
  9. Bake Cheesecake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove and cool completely to room temperature.
  10. Add Peanut Caramel Layer: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the cooled cheesecake layer.
  11. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce gently over the peanuts, distributing it evenly.
  12. Heat Heavy Cream: In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
  13. Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir consistently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  14. Spread Chocolate Topping: Spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the peanut caramel layer.
  15. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the peanut butter chips and additional chocolate chips evenly on top for extra flavor and texture.
  16. Chill Bars: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 3 hours until set and firm enough to cut.
  17. Serve: Cut into 24 bars and enjoy these decadent chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars.

Notes

  • Allowing the crust and cheesecake layers to cool completely before adding subsequent layers helps maintain clean layers and prevents mixing.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer taste.
  • Store the bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • For extra crunch, toast the chopped peanuts before sprinkling.