Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– **1 1/2 cups** (150 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers)
– **1/4 cup** (50 g) granulated sugar
– **1/2 cup** (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
##### For the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
– **16 oz** (450 g) cream cheese, softened
– **1/2 cup** (100 g) granulated sugar
– **1/2 cup** (125 g) creamy peanut butter
– **1 teaspoon** vanilla extract
– **2 large** eggs
– **1/2 cup** (120 ml) sour cream
##### For the Chocolate Ganache:
– **1 cup** (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– **1/2 cup** (120 ml) heavy cream
##### For Garnish (Optional):
– **Chopped peanuts**
– **Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups** or **mini peanut butter cups**, chopped
### Instructions
#### 1. Prepare the Crust:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Mix Crust Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
3. **Press Crust**: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to pack it down firmly.
4. **Bake**: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. Allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
#### 2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Layer:
1. **Beat Cream Cheese**: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add Sugar and Peanut Butter**: Add the granulated sugar and creamy peanut butter, and mix until well combined.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
4. **Add Sour Cream**: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
5. **Pour Over Crust**: Pour the peanut butter cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
#### 3. Bake the Cheesecake:
1. **Bake**: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
2. **Chill**: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully.
#### 4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
1. **Heat Cream**: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. **Add Chocolate**: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. **Cool Ganache**: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before spreading over the cheesecake.
#### 5. Assemble and Garnish:
1. **Spread Ganache**: Once the cheesecake has chilled and set, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. **Add Garnish**: If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts and/or chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the ganache while it is still soft.
3. **Chill Again**: Return the bars to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the ganache is set.
#### 6. Serve:
1. **Slice**: Use the parchment paper to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars.
2. **Enjoy**: Serve chilled and enjoy these rich, indulgent treats!
### Tips:
– **Cream Cheese**: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth texture.
– **Ganache Consistency**: If the ganache is too thick to spread easily, warm it slightly in the microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches the desired consistency.
– **Make Ahead**: These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars offer a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and nutty peanut butter, making them a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy
Here you will find best recipes ever 👇🏻👇🏻
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/3uP86jbMkQ9qDgqo/?mibextid=K35XfP
