No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
These no-bake American cheesecake bars pair a buttery graham cracker base with a smooth peanut butter and cream cheese filling. They are easy to assemble ahead of time and need only a rest in the fridge to set.
Ingredients
- 150 g (1½ cups)graham cracker crumbs
- 113 g (½ cup)unsalted butter, melted
- to tastegranulated sugar
- 227 g (8 oz)cream cheese, softened
- 250 g (1 cup)creamy peanut butter
- 60 g (½ cup)icing sugar
- to tastevanilla extract
- 240 g (1 cup)whipped topping
- to tastechocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Make the crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and granulated sugar. Press the mixture into a greased 23 × 23 cm (9 × 9 inch) baking dish to form an even crust.
- 2
Mix the filling
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract gradually, mixing as you go.
- 3
Fold and layer
Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined, then spread the filling over the crust.
- 4
Chill and serve
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until set. Cut into squares and serve, drizzling with chocolate syrup if you like.
What are no-bake peanut butter cheesecake bars?
These American-style bars bring together the creaminess of cheesecake and the rich, nutty flavour of peanut butter, all on a crumb crust. No-bake cheesecake desserts are convenient to prepare ahead because chilling, rather than oven baking, sets the filling.
Crumb crust: melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs into a base that firms up in the fridge. The whipped topping lightens the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, giving the bars a soft, creamy centre.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 210 calories, 4g protein, 18g carbs, 15g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Smaller square, fruit alongside | 147 kcal | 3g | 13g | 11g |
| This serving | As written | 210 kcal | 4g | 18g | 15g |
| Hungry | Serve a larger square | 315 kcal | 6g | 27g | 23g |
The graham cracker crumbs and sugars provide most of the carbohydrates, while butter, peanut butter and cream cheese contribute much of the fat. Peanut butter and cream cheese also supply some protein. Serve a square with fresh fruit to add freshness and balance the richness.
Building a firm crust
Even crumbs: use finely crushed graham crackers so the base holds together without large loose pieces. Stir them thoroughly with the melted butter and sugar before pressing them into the greased dish.
Firm pressure: compact the mixture across the base, paying attention to the corners. An even crust is easier to cut once chilled.
Getting a smooth filling
Softened cream cheese: let it soften before mixing so it blends more easily with the peanut butter. Beat the two together until smooth before adding the icing sugar and vanilla.
Gentle folding: add the whipped topping last and fold it in rather than beating vigorously. This helps keep the filling light and avoids leaving streaks.
Allow enough chilling time
Set time: the bars need at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, even though the hands-on preparation is short. If the centre still feels soft, give it more time before cutting.
Clean portions: use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts for neater squares. Keep the dish chilled until you are ready to serve.
Choosing the peanut butter
Creamy style: smooth peanut butter blends readily into the cream cheese and gives the filling an even texture. Stir natural peanut butter well before measuring if the oil has separated.
Balanced sweetness: the recipe combines icing sugar in the filling with granulated sugar in the crust. Since the crust sugar amount is not specified, add it to taste rather than assuming a quantity.
Serving the bars
Chocolate finish: a light drizzle of chocolate syrup adds a contrasting flavour without changing the no-bake method. Add it just before serving for a tidier finish.
On the plate: serve a square with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a bright contrast to the rich filling. These bars also work well as part of a dessert spread.
Recipe notes & tips
- Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Press the crust firmly into an even layer before adding the filling.
- Fold the whipped topping in gently to keep the filling light.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before cutting so the bars can set.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner edges.
- Add the optional chocolate syrup just before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate base: replace some of the graham cracker crumbs with chocolate biscuit crumbs.
- Crunchy peanut butter: use crunchy peanut butter for small nutty pieces in the filling.
- Chocolate topping: drizzle melted chocolate over the chilled bars instead of chocolate syrup.
- Berry pairing: serve each square with fresh berries for a tart contrast.
- Cocoa finish: dust the top lightly with cocoa powder just before serving.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lumpy filling: soften the cream cheese before blending it with the peanut butter.
- Loose crust: mix the crumbs thoroughly with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the dish.
- Overmixing the topping: fold in the whipped topping gently rather than beating it hard.
- Cutting too soon: chill for at least 4 hours, and allow more time if the centre has not set.
- Uneven bars: spread the filling in an even layer and mark out the squares before cutting.
How to store
Cover and refrigerate the bars, where they keep for up to 4 days. Serve chilled; reheating is not needed, as warming will soften the filling.
Frequently asked questions
How long do the bars need to chill?
Chill them for at least 4 hours, as stated in the method. If they are still soft in the middle, leave them in the fridge longer before slicing.
Can I make these bars ahead?
Yes. They are suited to making ahead because they need several hours to set in the refrigerator. Keep them covered and chilled until serving.
Why is my filling lumpy?
The cream cheese may have been too cold to blend evenly. Soften it before mixing it with the peanut butter.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. It will add small pieces of peanut to the otherwise smooth filling.
Is the chocolate syrup required?
No. It is an optional drizzle, so the bars can be served plain or with another topping.
How should I cut neat squares?
Make sure the bars are fully chilled, then use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from bazarecipe.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on bazarecipe.com