Description
No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are a luscious, creamy dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, rich peanut butter cheesecake layer, and a decadent semi-sweet chocolate topping. These bars require no baking and set in the refrigerator, making them an effortless yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl and mix until crumbs are fully coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to help the crust set.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend together until creamy and well combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, using a light folding motion to keep the mixture airy.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Spread the peanut butter and cream mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust with a spatula. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours to allow the cheesecake to firm up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Final Assembly and Serve: 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 again in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Once set, remove from pan, cut into squares, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps and achieve a creamy texture.
- Fold whipped cream gently to maintain lightness and airiness.
- Chill the bars for at least 2-3 hours to ensure proper setting.
- Optional: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for added texture and decoration.
- Serve with cold milk, coffee, or vanilla ice cream for complementary flavors.
- To make gluten-free, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
- For a vegan alternative, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake buckeye cheesecake bars, peanut butter cheesecake bars, no-bake dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, buckeye dessert
