Description
No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are a decadent and creamy peanut butter and chocolate dessert featuring a crunchy cookie crust, a smooth peanut butter cheesecake layer, and a luscious chocolate topping. These bars are easy to prepare without any baking, making them perfect for quick and impressive dessert occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by sealing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin. In a bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In another bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping or whipped cream until fully incorporated to maintain a light texture.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the peanut butter cheesecake layer evenly over the prepared cookie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Prepare the chocolate topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Finish and chill: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cheesecake layer and spread it evenly. Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice into 16 bars and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a crunchier crust, briefly bake the cookie base for 8 minutes at 350°F and cool completely before adding the filling.
- You can use homemade whipped cream in place of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher flavor.
