Bite-sized Pieces of Heaven: Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
Let’s be honest: there are few desserts that feel like as much as a reward as a piece of creamy, delicious cheesecake, which makes it that much more disappointing when you’re too stuffed to finish a slice, or when it leaves you with that too-full feeling. What’s a sweet tooth to do? Make these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars from Hugs & Cookies xoxo! The layers of graham cracker crust, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, peanut butter cheesecake and peanut butter ganache add up to perfectly indulgent bites of heaven.
You’ll Need
Crust
– Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Hugs & Cookies calls for the snack size here)
– 1 stick of butter
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
– 8 ounces of cream cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of peanut butter
Peanut Butter Ganache
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 8 tablespoons butter
– 6 ounces of peanut butter cups
– 2 tablespoons sifted powdered sugar
To Make
Crust
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 inch pan with nonstick foil.
- Melt the butter in a bowl in the microwave.
- Stir in the sugar and the graham cracker crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the pan.
- Bake the crust for about 9 minutes.
- Let cool. Once the crust is cool, line the crust with the snack size peanut butter cups so that the bottom is covered.
Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Keep the oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg and the peanut butter. Mix well.
- Pour the cheesecake mix over the peanut butter cups in the crust, and continue to spread over the crust for an even layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then let cool completely.
Peanut Butter Ganache
- In the microwave, combine the heavy cream and butter and heat until hot.
- Stir in the 6 ounces of peanut butter cups until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the powdered sugar.
- Pour the ganache over the bars, making an even layer.
Final Touches
- Chill the bars until firm.
- Cut the bars into 9 squares.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate chips on top of each bar.
- Keep the bars chilled.
Just one of these little squares would keep my sweet tooth happy for at least a week. Don’t you think these would be perfect for a party? What other bite-sized desserts do you like to make?