Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars are not just a recipe—they're a decadent experience that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Imagine sinking your teeth into a velvety smooth cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, studded with chunks of your favorite chocolate-peanut butter candy. This show-stopping dessert is guaranteed to become the star of any gathering, leaving your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Add peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture, beating until completely smooth and well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and mix until the batter is silky and uniform.
- Roughly chop Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into bite-sized pieces. Reserve some pieces for topping.
- Fold most of the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups into the cheesecake batter, reserving a few pieces for garnish.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the reserved Reese's Peanut Butter Cup pieces on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow them to set completely.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the cheesecake out of the pan and cut into 12 equal bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars!
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to guarantee a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
- When pressing the graham cracker crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to create an even, compact layer.
- Don't overmix the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to prevent incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
- For clean, precise cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each slice.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect texture and make cutting easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the bars before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 95mg
