Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy! These Peanut Butter Cookie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate guilty pleasure that combines the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the irresistible comfort of classic peanut butter cookies. Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent treat that's both crispy and smooth, with a layer of tangy cream cheese and a sprinkle of optional chocolate chips that will send your dessert cravings into overdrive. Whether you're a peanut butter fanatic or a cheesecake lover, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a smooth cookie dough consistency is formed.
- Press approximately 2/3 of the peanut butter cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining egg, and powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the peanut butter cookie base, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Crumble the remaining peanut butter cookie dough over the cream cheese layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the bars for additional flavor and texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars from the pan and cut into 16 equal squares.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up completely.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When preparing the peanut butter cookie base and cream cheese layer, mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Parchment Paper Trick: The overhanging parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze, ensuring clean, professional-looking squares.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect cheesecake consistency.
- Chocolate Chip Option: If you're adding chocolate chips, use mini chips for more even distribution or choose dark chocolate for a more intense flavor contrast.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
