Description
These decadent cheesecake bars feature a rich, creamy cream cheese filling with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with melted chocolate and a crunchy peanut finish. A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy, these bars will be a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1/2 cup peanuts, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cheesecake bars: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when shaken. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the topping: While the bars are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. Once the bars have chilled, spread the melted chocolate over the top of the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Chill and serve: Return the bars to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can use salted peanuts for an added contrast to the sweetness, or opt for unsalted peanuts if you prefer more control over the flavor balance.
- To make the bars even richer, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- If you don’t have a baking dish, a 9×9-inch pan will work as well, though the bars will be slightly thinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American