Description
Delightful Peanut Chocolate Cheesecake Bars featuring a rich chocolate cookie crust, creamy peanut butter-infused cheesecake layer, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping sprinkled with crunchy roasted peanuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed with filling)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Optional: drizzle of melted peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly to set.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter, mixing until the filling is smooth and fully combined.
- Bake the cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to fully chill and set.
- Prepare chocolate topping: Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s just steaming. Pour over the semisweet chocolate chips and let stand for one minute. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth to form a ganache.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the chocolate ganache topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Spread it smoothly and sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top. Optionally, drizzle with melted peanut butter for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Final chilling and serving: Chill the assembled bars in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set the topping. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between slices to cut into 16 bars. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For clean slice lines, dip a sharp knife in warm water between cuts and wipe it dry before slicing again.
- These bars can be prepared 1 to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
