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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars combine a fudgy chocolate cookie crust with a smooth peanut butter cheesecake filling. These bars are perfect for dessert lovers craving the classic flavor duo of chocolate and peanut butter in a convenient bar form. With a no-fuss baking process and optional chocolate chip topping, they are ideal for parties, potlucks, or just an indulgent treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cookie Base

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Optional Topping

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy bar removal later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Base: In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  3. Add Butter and Form Crust: Pour melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake Crust: Bake the chocolate cookie crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let it cool while preparing the filling.
  5. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  6. Add Peanut Butter and Sugar: Add the creamy peanut butter and remaining granulated sugar to the cream cheese, beating until fully combined and smooth.
  7. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth.
  8. Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the filling has a creamy, uniform consistency.
  9. Assemble Bars: Pour the peanut butter cheesecake filling over the pre-baked chocolate crust and spread evenly.
  10. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Sprinkle chocolate chips on top or melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the filling for decorative swirls.
  11. Bake Cheesecake Bars: Bake the assembled bars for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  12. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  13. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the chilled bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the cheesecake filling; the center should remain slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture.
  • Using softened cream cheese is key to a smooth filling without lumps.
  • If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the pan well to prevent sticking.
  • The chocolate chips on top are optional but add a lovely chocolate touch and texture contrast.
  • Bars can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.

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Find it online: https://flavorfulkitchentable.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-cheesecake-bars-recipe/