easy to make. With a crunchy chocolate graham cracker crust, a luscious peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a silky chocolate topping, these bars are pure indulgence. The best part? No baking is required, making them perfect for any occasion!
Introduction
The inspiration for these No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars comes from the classic Buckeye candy, a peanut butter ball partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of a Buckeye tree. This recipe takes that iconic flavor combination and transforms it into a no-bake dessert that’s creamy, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert, or just want to treat yourself, these cheesecake bars are a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
The crust:
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
The filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping, plus more for garnish
The topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- Whole peanuts for garnish
These simple ingredients come together to create a layered dessert with the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
How to Make No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars
Follow these easy steps to create your own No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars:
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal later.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid crust.
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until fully incorporated and the filling is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the peanut butter cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill while you make the topping.
- Make the Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly to cover the filling.
- Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or until the layers are firm and set.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the cheesecake bars out of the baking dish.
- Garnish with additional whipped topping and whole peanuts for a decorative touch.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy every decadent bite!
Helpful Tips
- Crust Tips:
- To ensure the crust holds together, press it firmly with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Chilling the crust before adding the filling helps it set properly.
- Cream Cheese Tips:
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy before adding other ingredients.
- Chocolate Topping Tips:
- Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in short intervals in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Let the chocolate topping cool slightly before spreading it over the filling to avoid melting the layers.
Serving Suggestions
These No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are perfect as a party dessert, a sweet ending to a family dinner, or even as a midday treat. Serve them chilled for the best texture and flavor. For an extra special touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee, a tall glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of these No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars:
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Vitamin A: 8%
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 10%
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the filling, but ensure it’s well-mixed before incorporating.
What if I don’t have chocolate graham crackers?
You can use regular graham crackers or even crushed Oreo cookies as a substitute for the crust.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. These bars can be prepared a day ahead, making them perfect for parties or busy schedules.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate will work wonderfully and add a slightly more intense chocolate flavor.
Related Recipes
If you love this dessert, you’ll enjoy these other no-bake treats:
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Easy No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
- No-Bake S’mores Cheesecake
Conclusion
These No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the timeless pairing of chocolate and peanut butter. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this no-bake recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Give it a try, and let us know how it turned out!