Ingredients
To make these No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
And for the Topping:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Optional Additions:
- Chopped peanuts for extra crunch
- A sprinkle of sea salt for a salted peanut butter chocolate twist
Necessary Tools of Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Having the right tools on hand makes preparation even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – At least two, one for the crust and another for the filling.
- Electric Mixer – A hand or stand mixer will help achieve a smooth and creamy filling.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish – The ideal size for making perfectly portioned bars.
- Spatula – For spreading the filling evenly over the crust.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – To melt the chocolate chips.
- Plastic Wrap or Foil – To cover the dish while chilling.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Want to customize this dessert? Here are some variations to try:
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almond flour cookies for the crust.
- Dairy-Free Version – Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, and coconut whipped topping.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – If you prefer a bit of texture in your filling, swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy.
- Different Chocolate Toppings – Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a unique twist.
- Nut-Free Alternative – Swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cookie butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to create an even layer.
- Place the dish in the fridge while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the crust.
3. Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling using a spoon or piping bag.
4. Chill and Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Once set, cut into 12 bars and serve!
