Description
Chocolate and peanut butter unite in these no-bake buckeye cheesecake bars, offering a rich, creamy dessert inspired by Ohio’s beloved candy. Sweet layers blend perfectly, promising a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize chocolate graham crackers into fine crumbs, thoroughly mixing with melted butter to create a cohesive, compact base. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, pressing the crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom.
- Refrigerate Crust: Chill the prepared crust while assembling the filling to ensure a stable foundation.
- Cheesecake Mixture: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually blending in powdered sugar and peanut butter to achieve a creamy, lump-free consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract and gently fold in whipped cream to maintain a light, airy texture.
- Layering: Spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust, creating a smooth surface.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and artfully swirl across the cheesecake layer, adding visual appeal and rich flavor.
- Setting: Refrigerate the assembled bars for 4-6 hours or overnight until completely set and firm.
- Serving: Remove from the refrigerator, lift out using parchment paper edges, and slice into precise, uniform squares for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly when sliced.
- Temperature Control for Creamy Texture: Keep cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth blending without lumps and achieve a silky cheesecake consistency.
- Chocolate Drizzle Technique: Melt chocolate chips gently using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning and create smooth, glossy swirls.
- Storage and Serving Tip: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become more pronounced with chilling time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg