Description
A creamy, no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich peanut butter cheesecake filling, and a smooth chocolate topping. Ready in just 15 minutes of active time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 16 oz Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup. Chill in the fridge.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
- In a separate cold bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Pour the filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Tap the pan to remove air bubbles.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until the filling is firm.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 more hour to set the chocolate layer completely.
- Lift bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Whip heavy cream in a cold bowl for best results. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices or dipped in hot water. The bars taste better after sitting overnight as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, cheesecake, bars, dessert, graham cracker, chocolate, easy, quick, crowd-pleaser