I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute favorite dessert recipes with you today: No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars! I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe a few years back during a summer barbecue, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit! The rich, creamy peanut butter filling paired with the smooth chocolate glaze reminds me of those delicious buckeye candies I used to enjoy as a kid. Seriously, is there anything better than the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter? I think not!
The best part? You don’t even need to turn on the oven! This recipe is perfect for hot days when the last thing you want is to crank up the heat in your kitchen. Plus, they’re pretty straightforward to make—perfect for a beginner or for anyone who just wants a quick and scrumptious treat. Every bite is a little taste of nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings with desserts that bring everyone together.
What’s in No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars?
Chocolate Cookies: I love using chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust; it packs in that rich chocolate flavor and provides a perfectly crunchy base. My go-to brand is Oreos, but hey, use whatever you like!
Butter: A little melted butter binds the crushed cookies together, adding a delightful richness to the crust. I generally stick with unsalted butter for baking—just a personal preference!
Cream Cheese: This creamy base is the star of the filling, giving it that luscious texture. Make sure to use softened cream cheese for easier blending. I prefer Philadelphia cream cheese for a creamy and smooth finish.
Peanut Butter: Naturally, peanut butter is where the flavor explosion happens! I recommend using creamy peanut butter for the filling—it’s just easier to mix. Not picky about brands, but I often reach for Jif or Skippy.
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar sweetens the deal! It balances perfectly with the peanut butter and cream cheese, giving us that heavenly cheesecake flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For the topping, semi-sweet chocolate chips are the way to go. You can’t go wrong with a generous melt of chocolate over that creamy filling!
Is No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
These bars are definitely a treat, so moderation is key! But let’s take a look at some of the ingredients:
Cream Cheese: It’s a source of calcium but keep in mind that it’s also relatively high in calories. Opting for light cream cheese can cut down on fat.
Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats, peanut butter can be a great addition to your diet. Just keep an eye on portion sizes since it’s calorie-dense.
Chocolate Chips: They’re rich in antioxidants, especially dark chocolate varieties. However, like with the other ingredients, they should be enjoyed in moderation.
As delicious as these bars are, they’re certainly not everyday food. But hey, we all need a little indulgence every now and then, right?
Ingredients List
– 2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on how generous you are when cutting!
How to Make No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to form the crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the chocolate crust using a spatula for an even layer.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
6. Pour the melted chocolate over the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently to cover completely.
7. Chill the bars in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set.
8. Once chilled, remove from the pan and cut into bars. Enjoy the amazing layers of flavor!
Sweet Tips and Variations for No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars
– For an extra crunch, feel free to stir in some chopped peanuts into the filling!
– Want to make it a bit healthier? You could opt for a sugar substitute in the filling.
– Consider drizzling some caramel sauce on top for a decadent twist!
– These bars are great for potlucks or family gatherings. Just make sure to keep them chilled until serving.
I can’t wait for you to try these No-Bake Buckeye Cheesecake Bars! Each bite is a creamy explosion of flavors that’ll make you smile. So, grab your apron (or just your spoon!) and enjoy this mouthwatering dessert. When you make them, be sure to let me know how they turned out, or any fun twists you added. Happy baking!
