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No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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