Cheesecake Peanut Butter Bars
The ultimate comfort food, Cheesecake Peanut Butter Bars combine creamy cheesecake and rich peanut butter on a crunchy Oreo crust. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for any occasion, satisfying your sweet tooth like nothing else. Try making them tonight for a delicious dessert!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Food Processor
- Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 36 Oreos processed to crumbs in food processor
- ½ cup salted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°. This initial step is crucial for ensuring your bars bake evenly. A well-preheated oven helps achieve the perfect crust texture.
- Line a 9x13 pan with nonstick foil. This makes it easy to remove the bars once they’re set. Ensure the foil hangs over the edges of the pan for easy lifting.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cookie crumbs from the Oreos with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down tightly. This forms a solid crust that holds up well after baking.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes. This step helps set the crust and gives it a slight crunch. Keep an eye on it; it should be firm but not too dark.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious filling.
- Add in sour cream, followed by peanut butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until everything is well blended. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy.
- Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
- Pour the creamy filling over the crust, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. This step ensures an even layer of cheesecake on top of the crust.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheesecake looks mostly set. The center may still have a slight jiggle, which is perfectly fine. This indicates it will firm up as it cools.
- Once done, cool the bars to room temperature on a wire rack. This cooling step is essential for them to set properly.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator until cold. This helps the flavors meld together and makes cutting the bars easier.
- For the chocolate topping, melt butter and chocolate together in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then pour over the cold cheesecake. The melted chocolate adds a delicious finish!
- Chill again for at least an hour before cutting into squares. This final step ensures every piece is clean and beautifully presented.
Notes
These tips will help you get the best results with your Cheesecake Peanut Butter Bars. With just a few careful practices, you can ensure your dessert turns out perfect every time.