Description
No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars combine a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy peanut butter cheesecake layer, topped with a rich semi-sweet chocolate ganache. This easy, no-bake dessert is light, fluffy, and perfect for peanut butter lovers looking for a quick yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter 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: In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, using a gentle folding motion to maintain airiness.
- Assemble Cheesecake: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow it to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Final Assembly: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the set peanut butter layer. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, then refrigerate for another 30 minutes to fully set.
- Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey treat!
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Fold whipped cream gently into the peanut butter mixture to keep the cheesecake light and airy.
- For added texture and presentation, sprinkle crushed peanuts or drizzle extra melted chocolate on top before chilling.
- Do not overmix the peanut butter layer to prevent it from becoming dense.
- Chill the bars thoroughly (2-3 hours) to ensure proper setting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat briefly in the microwave in 10-second increments if a slightly warm bar is desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake, Buckeye, Cheesecake Bars, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Topping, Easy Dessert, No Bake Cheesecake
