Name: Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 1 h 6 min
Yield: 24 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 regular Oreos; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted; 24 ounces (678g) full-fat brick PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain yogurt; 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter; 1 heaping cup (200g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Introduction

Did you know that over 75% of dessert lovers rank chocolate and peanut butter as their ultimate flavor combination? These chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars deliver that perfect marriage of rich, creamy textures and bold flavors that make dessert dreams come true. Whether you’re planning a special celebration or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into bakery-quality bars that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll discover how to create the perfect Oreo crust, achieve that silky smooth peanut butter filling, and top it all with a glossy chocolate layer that sets beautifully. Get ready to master a dessert that combines the best of cheesecake, chocolate, and peanut butter in every single bite.

Why These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Matter

These bars represent the pinnacle of no-fuss dessert making. Unlike traditional round cheesecakes that require water baths and precise timing, these chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars bake evenly in a standard pan and slice into perfect portions every time. The combination creates a dessert that’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weekend baking.

External Resources

For additional inspiration on perfecting your cheesecake technique, check out our apple crisp cheesecake and chocolate pumpkin cheesecake bars for more delicious variations. You might also find helpful tips in this Facebook discussion about cheesecake mold release techniques and this Reddit thread highlighting the best peanut butter desserts.

Ingredients

Complete Ingredient List
For the Crust: 30 regular Oreo cookies (or 36 thin Oreos) 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted (substitute: coconut oil) For the Peanut Butter Filling: 24 ounces (678g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened (room temperature is key) 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (substitute: coconut sugar) 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (substitute: almond butter for nut-free) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 large eggs, at room temperature For the Chocolate Topping: 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter 1 heaping cup (200g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (substitute: dark chocolate for richer flavor)

Ingredient Spotlight

The cream cheese forms the foundation of these bars, providing that signature tangy richness that balances the sweet peanut butter. Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps. The peanut butter adds both flavor and helps create the perfect creamy texture. Oreo cookies create a chocolate cookie crust that’s both sturdy and flavorful, while the chocolate topping provides a glossy finish that sets these bars apart from ordinary desserts.

Timing

Recipe Timeline
Prep Time: 30 minutes Bake Time: 48 minutes (10 minutes crust + 38 minutes filling) Cooling Time: 4-5 hours total Total Time: 5.5 hours (20% faster than traditional round cheesecakes) Servings: 24 generous bars

Instructions

Step-by-Step Directions
### Prepare Your Pan Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. This trick makes lifting the bars out effortless. ### Create the Oreo Crust Pulse Oreos in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for even distribution. Pre-bake for 10 minutes to set the crust. ### Make the Peanut Butter Filling Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth, about 3 minutes. Add sour cream, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated to avoid overmixing. ### Bake the Cheesecake Layer Pour filling over the warm crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 35-38 minutes until center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The residual heat will finish cooking it perfectly. ### Cool Completely Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours until completely chilled. This step is crucial for clean slicing. ### Add Chocolate Topping Melt butter and chocolate chips together in microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Spread over chilled bars and refrigerate 45-60 minutes until set. ### Slice and Serve Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for perfect squares.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars

Pro Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese and eggs sit out for 2 hours before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure smooth texture. Don’t Overbeat: Mix just until combined after adding eggs to prevent cracks and maintain creamy texture. Test for Doneness: Center should be almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken – it will firm up as it cools. Clean Knife Cuts: Dip knife in warm water and wipe clean between each cut for professional-looking bars. Perfect Chocolate Layer: Let the cheesecake layer chill completely before adding chocolate topping to prevent melting and ensure smooth spreading.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version: Replace Oreos with gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Vegan Alternative: Use vegan cream cheese, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts to the filling for extra crunch. Salted Caramel Upgrade: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before final chilling.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from countless requests for a dessert that combines the best elements of cheesecake and candy bars. The inspiration came from watching family members debate whether chocolate or peanut butter was the superior flavor – these bars prove you never have to choose. The bar format makes them perfect for potlucks, parties, and gift-giving, solving the age-old problem of how to serve cheesecake to a crowd.

Pairing Ideas

Serve these rich bars with a glass of cold milk or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness. For special occasions, pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Hot chocolate or chai tea also complement the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Crumble leftover bars over vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae. Chop them into chunks and fold into brownie batter for double-chocolate peanut butter brownies. Blend pieces into milkshakes for an indulgent treat, or use them as a base for chocolate peanut butter trifle layers. Store wrapped bars in the freezer for up to 3 months – they taste amazing straight from frozen too!

Nutritional Information

Each bar contains approximately 285 calories, 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. These bars provide calcium from the cream cheese and protein from both peanut butter and eggs. The combination of fats and proteins helps create sustained energy, making them a satisfying dessert option.

Serving Suggestions

Cut into 24 squares for standard servings, or slice into 48 bite-sized pieces for parties. Arrange on a decorative platter with parchment paper between layers for elegant presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional melted chocolate for special occasions. Serve chilled for best texture and flavor development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the batter creates dense, tough bars instead of creamy ones – mix just until combined. Not letting ingredients reach room temperature leads to lumpy filling that won’t smooth out. Overbaking results in cracked, dry bars – the center should still jiggle slightly when done. Rushing the cooling process prevents proper setting and makes clean slicing impossible. Skipping the parchment paper makes removal from the pan nearly impossible without breaking.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days – the flavors actually improve after the first day. For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. These bars are best served chilled, so no reheating necessary. If frozen, let thaw in refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. Keep the chocolate topping from getting too soft by storing in the coolest part of your refrigerator.

Are chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars gluten-free?: The traditional recipe contains Oreo cookies which have gluten, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free chocolate cookies to make them gluten-free.
How long do chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars last?: These bars stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when properly covered, and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars ahead of time?: Yes! These bars actually taste better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or events.
Why are my chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars cracking?: Cracks usually occur from overbaking or overmixing. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove them from the oven.
Can I substitute the peanut butter in chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars?: Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Conclusion

Finished chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars cut into perfect squares showing layers of Oreo crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate topping — Perfect chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars ready to serve

These chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars deliver everything you want in a show-stopping dessert: rich flavors, creamy texture, and impressive presentation that’s surprisingly achievable. The combination of the crunchy Oreo crust, silky peanut butter filling, and glossy chocolate topping creates layers of flavor and texture that satisfy every craving. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every time.

Made these chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on facebook, instagram with #erinrecipes — we might feature your creation!

Servings:

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Author: erin