Introduction

These No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly combination of creamy peanut butter, smooth cream cheese, and rich chocolate. Perfectly sweet and delightfully easy to make, they’re an irresistible treat that requires no baking. Get ready to impress with this simple yet decadent dessert.

Four square dessert bars sit neatly in a dark pan on a white marbled surface, each with three visible layers: a crumbly light brown bottom crust, a thick creamy beige middle layer with a smooth texture, and a glossy dark chocolate top with thin wavy lines drizzled across. The edges of the chocolate layer are slightly uneven, showing a bit of the beige layer underneath. The lighting highlights the shiny surface of the chocolate and the soft texture of the middle layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated, then press evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set the crust.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, taking care to keep the mixture light and airy.
Step 4: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and return to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2–3 hours to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up.
Step 5: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the set peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Let it set at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
Step 7: Once fully set, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Start with softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free peanut butter layer.
Use a gentle folding motion when combining whipped cream to maintain lightness and fluffiness.
Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top or drizzle extra melted chocolate for added texture and decoration.
For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
To make it vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream instead of dairy products.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep them chilled until ready to serve. You can also freeze them for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. No reheating is necessary—these bars are delicious served cold.

How to Serve

The image shows four square dessert bars neatly placed on a dark tray. Each bar has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, the middle layer is a thick, creamy beige filling, and the top layer is a glossy dark chocolate with smooth, wavy lines drawn across it. The texture of the creamy layer looks soft and rich, while the chocolate layer has a shiny and smooth finish. The bars are closely arranged in two rows of two, with a white marbled surface barely visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but natural peanut butter is thinner and less sweet, which may affect the texture and flavor. You might want to add a touch more powdered sugar to balance the taste.

Is it necessary to chill the bars for several hours?

Absolutely. Chilling the bars allows the layers to firm up properly, making them easier to cut and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.